05/28/2026
We never think it will happen to us.
We try to do all the right things, say all the right things, pray all the right things. And still, our children falter.
Of course, if we’re honest, we falter too.
Is there really a way to get everything right? Of course not. We simply do our best.
Grace.
We are all recipients of grace. And because of that, we are called to lavish grace on others. When people hurt us, disappoint us, or derail the plans we had for them — grace.
Especially when it is our children.
Grace upon grace upon grace.
Here at the pregnancy center, I have seen the power of lavish grace. And I have seen the destruction that comes from fierce condemnation.
I have seen a mother hold her frightened daughter and gently encourage her to choose life. Without that support, that daughter would have aborted her baby.
And I have seen a mother berate her daughter and insist abortion was the only option. Fearful of facing motherhood alone, the daughter reluctantly agreed.
Mothers. Grandmothers. Fathers. Boyfriends. Friends.
Our voices matter.
We do not get to “sit this one out” simply because we are not the ones who are pregnant. Leaving a woman alone to carry the weight of a life-or-death decision is not compassion.
Grace says:
“I’m here.”
“You can do this.”
“Your baby has a future.”
“Let me help you carry the weight.”
And then grace does exactly that.
So if you are a mother, father, grandparent, boyfriend, or friend reading this, my prayer for you is this:
If your world is ever shaken by an unexpected pregnancy, lavish grace.
The same grace that has been lavished on you.
Because sometimes, it truly is life or death.
Rachael Long
Executive Director
Newton Pregnancy Resource Center
