Heaven Bound

 “Bless the beasts and the children …. for in this world, they have no voice ….. they have no choice …”

How many of you remember these hauntingly beautiful lyrics from the 1971 pop song by the Carpenters “Bless the Beasts and the Children”? At a time when music was changing from soft pop to heavy metal it was amazing how popular this song became – largely in part, no doubt, to the incomparable  and rich voice of Karen Carpenter. And, maybe just maybe …. it’s message.

Looking back now, it seems ironic that such a beautiful song with such simple yet profound lyrics would enjoy such immense popularity and just two years before the land mark decision Roe V Wade legalizing abortion in 1973 …. making America no longer a safe place for children – children with no choice …. no voice.

“….  keep them safe … keep them warm  ….”

As I think about my mom this mothers day and my own children, I grieve for those who were lost in the ensuing years …. the babies …. and, the mothers …… who never were.

It can’t be easy to make that decision. To terminate a pregnancy. From our core, we are created to nurture and protect our offspring. It would be easier to make a river flow upstream or turn the waves from the shore than it would be for a mother to do anything but nurture and protect her child … born or unborn. Yet, the statistics seem to say otherwise for in the time since Roe V Wade there have been over 57 million abortions in America alone. A number so staggering, it has become incomprehensible.

“….light their way when the darkness surrounds them  ….. and give them love, let it shine all around them …”

We can look here or there for the reasons behind these statistics, social trends, culture shifts. But, when it comes right down to it …. it is one woman and one baby at a time. And, I wonder if we had blessed, cherished, loved and valued more our own daughters, sisters, mothers, girlfriends and wives this number might have been different. A whole lot different. For abortion, I would guess is almost never a sole decision. A soul decision, but not a sole decision.

I can only guess at the gaping hole this would leave …… fabric torn so deep within the soul it can never be mended … or so it would seem. By God’s grace I have never found myself in the situation of an unwanted pregnancy although in all honesty, I could have. So, I can’t speak directly to that but, I have my own deep scars that I have had to deal with and I can tell you first hand that the love and forgiveness of Jesus is the only place where true and lasting healing begins. I say begins ….. because it is a journey …. walking with Jesus.

If you have never heard this beautiful song by the Carpenters take a minute to listen to it now. I know you will enjoy it.

And, to all of you who are mothers – whether to earthly or heavenly children – Happy Mother’s Day!

and, as always –

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem they shall prosper who love thee” Psalm 122:6

Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus!  Cindy