called to serve

The first time I walked into a pregnancy clinic, I was a newly minted RN in my early twenties. I had known since before graduation that I wanted to use my nursing degree in some form of service to my community. 

When I walked through the doors of the pregnancy clinic, I instantly felt the warmth and love from those who served there. 

I am not a mother, and my specialty is not in obstetrics, but I knew this is where the Lord had called me to serve. 

Over the course of the next few months, I learned how to conduct the options consultations and provide needed education and resources to young women facing an unexpected pregnancy. 

In the beginning, I had many doubts about my effectiveness as a volunteer. Although my background in nursing provided me with some ultrasound experience, and I had gone through training in limited obstetrical ultrasound, I still worried about my ability to capture clear images. I would often worry that my lack of personal experience with motherhood would render me poorly equipped to provide meaningful advice or encouragement to the young women or couples who walked into the clinic. 

One day at the clinic, I met a lovely young woman who had survived a crushing end to her romantic relationship, feeling utterly lost and alone when the home test showed a stark second line. 

The young lady shared that she had almost completely decided on an abortion as her support circle was small and limited in resources. As I prepared the ultrasound machine for her scan, I prayed that I would say the right words, capture the right images and, most of all, that the Lord would show her undeniable proof of the precious life she was carrying. 

The room was silent as the sound of a third heartbeat filled the room. 

I looked over at the young woman as tears filled her eyes and she whispered, “I didn’t realize he was already alive”. The Lord had answered my prayer. In that moment I realized the importance of obeying His call to serve and trusting Him, even with my fears of inadequacy. 

As the years have gone on, I have seen the Lord open countless people’s eyes to the sanctity of human life despite imperfect circumstances. I now encourage others who feel led to serve in this capacity to trust that God will be able to use whatever skills they have to minister to others. Not only will others be blessed by your service, but you will be blessed to witness the Lord’s life changing power through this ministry.