Unexpected Places

Some of us came from unexpected places. When we trace back the thread of our life – we find a corner in time – a place where life began for us – and lives were changed.

I’m joining Janna at The Adventure’s of Motherhood in recording the story of my youth. We all have a story to tell. The Lord has redeemed my story, bought me with a great price and given me a reason to live.

You see, I’m the product of a teenage pregnancy. I was born into the family of newlywed parents. From a couple who eloped, against their parents wishes and against the law. Mom was barely 16 when Dad presented her forged birth-certificate to the Justice of the Peace. They ‘beat the system’. He was fresh out of the Navy and she was fresh out of 10th grade. An unexpected union.

You’ve heard it said, “marriage is potentially 9 months away from parenthood“.

In short order, she was expecting a child. This meant she would not be returning to high school. In those days, pregnant students were forbidden – she opted for the GED.

Their *home* was a bedroom in my Dad’s parent’s house where they lived, along with his brothers. Mom was raised in a family of girls. This was certainly an unexpected place for her. Life moved forward, as it does, in spite of circumstances.

In the midst of unplanned events, unexpected sickness and unspoken pain – God created life, my life. In this unexpected place, I was born – into a loving family with parents who met my every need and cared for me as any parent should. My birth was celebrated and my young mother grew up along side of me. My grandmother’s stepped in for guidance and Mom met the challenge of life’s calling with all she had … that’s how she did things.

My mother’s no longer with us, and we miss her greatly. I’m so glad I told her how I appreciated her sacrifice and steadfast love. I remember how she looked at me funny when I dumped these emotions into her lap. Her response to my sappy words were … ‘that’s what a mother does’.

I’m living proof that babies don’t need inordinate fanfare – only tender, loving care. My Mother had an appreciation for life, understanding the sovereign nature of such things. Dad had an appreciation for hard work and met the unspoken expectation that he would provide, because … that’s what a man does.

Today, when I see a young mother who looks scared and alone – I know the story’s not over – her life hasn’t ended and both babies {mom and child} will need love, acceptance and direction.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. John 15:16

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Tagged as: birth, dad, mom, pregnancy