Last Thursday night I had the privilege of attending the Care Net banquet. Care Net is a Christ centered pregnancy crisis center. Our small town is very blessed to have such a wonderful ministry like Care Net. I honestly just learned about Care Net about a year ago. A few weeks ago I stopped by to talk with them about volunteering my (very amateur) photography skills. I was thinking baby pictures, but they called and asked me to take pictures at the banquet. The pictures turned out okay. Fluorescent lights in large rooms are difficult...for me anyway. I also broke a cardinal rule when taking a picture of the Care Net board members. I allowed a man to stand in front of a microphone and it kind of looks like he has a mic coming out of his head....oops! It actually crossed my mind to move it, but I was a little insecure in this photographer role. I was afraid that I would somehow cause a problem with the mic or that it would take too much time to move it. Next time (if there is one) I will definitely follow my instincts!
All of the Care Net workers/volunteers were so kind. It is obvious that they truly care about all of the women they meet. The entire banquet was wonderful, but one part really stood out to me. The director spoke of a woman that came to their office several times trying to decide whether or not to have an abortion. Sadly, she did end up having the abortion. The counselor that had been meeting with her called her after the abortion to check on her and tell her that she still cared about her and would be there for her if she needed to talk. That's grace. The Care Net ladies are loving these women and showing them God's grace by being there for them regardless of the decision they make. Don't get me wrong, they don't want any of the women to have abortions and they do everything they can encourage them to keep their baby or pursue adoption, but the fact is that some of the women choose abortion. I wonder how many Christians would extend the same amount of grace? I'll be honest and say that a few years ago, I would have judged that lady and grace would have been the last thing on my mind. Praise God, for His grace in my life...for changing my judgemental, legalistic heart. Even though I've never been in the position of this woman, without Christ, I am a sinner in DESPERATE need of a saviour. My flesh is prideful, selfish, impatient, quick to anger, and the list could go on and on. Praise God for a changed heart! This doesn't mean that I have it all together. That's the beauty grace, it's not about me, it's not about having it all together. It's all about Christ. If you have not experienced this grace, I would love to talk to you more about it. You can email me at
darrenandjulie@centurytel.net.
Care Net is a great ministry and I hope you will join me and pray for everyone involved. Let's pray for the people working/volunteering there as well as the women they meet. Right now Care Net is only open two days a week. Let's also pray that they receive the funding they need to become a full time ministry.
