Displaying items by tag: devotional

by Kathy Jerman, Director of Affiliate Services Heartbat International

Every one of us who serves in the pregnancy help movement knows the reality of the battle we are engaged in. On the surface, our work can look like simply handing out baby supplies, providing ultrasounds, or offering encouragement to a mother in crisis. But beneath all of that is something deeper. We are standing in the midst of a spiritual struggle between life and death, light and darkness.

Earlier this year, when I was still working at a local pregnancy center, I was reminded of this in a vivid way. One day, word spread quickly that an ambulance was parked outside our local abortion clinic. My heart sank the moment I heard. An ambulance at an abortion clinic rarely signals anything good. Behind those walls, a tragedy was unfolding. A life had been lost, and perhaps even more - the hearts of those involved were shattered. The weight of that reality settled heavily on me, as it has on many of us when confronted with the harsh consequences of abortion.

It was a sobering reminder of the darkness that seeks to envelop us daily. That ambulance became, in my mind, a symbol of despair, of brokenness, of lives cut short and hearts shattered. It reminded me that the decisions made in those rooms ripple outward with devastating consequences—not only for the unborn but also for the mothers, fathers, and families who will carry the pain.

Yet, just two days later, I found myself staring at another ambulance. This time, it was parked outside our very own pregnancy center. But the story behind this ambulance was strikingly different. A young woman had come to us for a simple reason: to pick up supplies for her baby. In the midst of her appointment, she unexpectedly went into labor. Our nurses immediately jumped into action—not just with skill and training, but with compassion and calm assurance. They offered comfort, encouragement, and the steady presence that every mother longs for in such a moment.

As we waited for EMTs to arrive, the atmosphere in our center was completely different from the scene I had imagined at the abortion clinic just days earlier. Instead of despair, there was anticipation. Instead of loss, there was the promise of new life. Standing there, I could sense the presence of the Lord—His peace filling the room, His fingerprints all over this unexpected moment.

Those two ambulances have stayed with me. They represent the contrast we live with every day. On one side, the darkness of death and destruction. On the other side, the light of life and hope. John 1:5 says it so clearly: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

This is why we do what we do: every conversation with a client, every parenting class taught, every ultrasound offered, every prayer whispered, every act of compassion, no matter how small, is part of this great mission of pushing back the darkness. Sometimes it feels like we are just a flicker in a storm. However, the truth of God’s Word reminds us that even the smallest light has power in the darkest of darkness. And the darkness cannot win.

When I think back to those two scenes, I am reminded of the privilege we have to be bearers of light. We are ambassadors of hope. We are witnesses to God’s redemptive work in the lives of mothers and families. We are frontline workers in a battle where every smile, every prayer, every gentle word of truth makes a difference.

So, when the days feel heavy and the stories weigh on your heart, remember those two ambulances. Let them remind you of the incredible difference we are making—between despair and hope, between death and life. Take courage in knowing that the mission you serve in is one that will endure—it cannot be overcome.

I count it a true joy and privilege to serve in this calling alongside you. Together, we carry the light of Christ into the darkest places, and that light only grows stronger with every step of faith.

The darkness will never prevail—victory belongs to the Lord, and we get to share in it every single day.

by Brooke Myrick BSN, RN, LAS, Healthcare Team Manager

Year after year nursing is named one of our nation's most trusted professions. What qualifies a nurse as trustworthy? A nurse is committed to putting others before themselves to provide the best care for those under their supervision. While nursing is a career developed to provide care to the ill and injured, during pregnancy help, it is vastly more. It is a call to a mission.

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” Isaiah 61:1

As a nurse in pregnancy help, you have accepted the call to proclaim the good news to those in need, and to proclaim freedom to those who feel they are in dire situations pleading for a way out. Through the name of Jesus, many women and men are released from a darkness that has held them captive. Many will choose life for their baby after meeting with you, a pregnancy help nurse. Those who undergo the devastation and heartache of a pregnancy loss will return to you for healing resources, comfort and support. At times those who have made an abortion decision will also turn to you when they begin to grieve and start the journey of seeking forgiveness and recovery.

The pregnancy help nurse is trusted by those she cares for as she provides unwavering love, care and support.

This mission is not always easy. It requires daily commitment and renewal.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

This mission requires bravery and courage each and every day because it involves a battle for life today and for eternity. To continue in your role as a pregnancy help nurse, the mission must be fully understood and accepted. The mission is to remain faithful and obedient in sharing medical and spiritual truths in love while simultaneously, fully letting go and trusting God with the results and outcomes. A total dependence on the Author and Giver of life is required.

“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” I John 4:4

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, and participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:1-4

With each client encounter, nurses in pregnancy help make an active choice to—in humility—count those they are serving as more significant than themselves. You welcome her without judgment. You listen to her story. You give your time and energy. You earn her trust. You offer medical and spiritual truths in love. You seek to meet her needs through your organization and community resources. You offer prayer. You share the good news of Jesus.

As you accept the pregnancy help nurse mission every day, you make a difference today and for generations to come.

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer o' mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. Am I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:3-6