Two years ago, as part of a fund-raising event held for the Center for Pregnancy Choices of South Central Mississippi, Gianna Jessen, a 33-year-old abortion survivor, shared her touching story with a packed room of almost 400 people. With her words, she celebrated the center and its mission to demonstrate Christ’s love to women and their families who happen to be facing an unplanned or crises pregnancy.
During her address, she also discussed her Christian faith and pilgrimage after an unsuccessful abortion attempt left her alone, injured and seeking answers to perhaps life’s most difficult question.
She shared the tragic story of her biological mother, who was 17 when she had a saline abortion in her third trimester. Subsequent to being burned for approximately 18 hours in the womb by a caustic solution, Gianna was delivered barely alive – which is a rarity, indeed – in a Los Angeles County abortion clinic.
In the same room where hundreds – if not thousands – of other women had delivered lifeless children, she came into this fallen world as a resilient, strong-willed and independent child who battled seemingly impossible odds to repudiate the unwelcome approach of death.
It was a triumphant entry for a tiny life who would eventually grow to see the world, offering inspiration for thousands while traveling and speaking at pro-life gatherings.
She openly credits her heavenly savior as the reason for her miraculous birth and eventual recovery. The hand of God cradled her tiny body for a purpose; her tears have now turned to laughter because of Jesus.
Her story is an incredible testament regarding the power of faith to turn sadness and despair into a joyous conviction for life. The abortionist, despite his best efforts, could not alter that incontrovertible fact. In the twinkling of an eye, a place of unspeakable despair was filled with the beautiful sound of a baby girl’s very first buoyant cry. That morning, on her birthday, God’s hope was the bright light that kept the darkness at bay.
She still cries out today, sharing her uplifting message by reminding us of His love and loyalty, particularly to the imperfect, unwanted and inconvenient.
And thankfully, she is not alone in her fight for life.
In 1987, Pam Tebow was living in the Philippines with her family, serving as Christian missionaries. She contracted amoebic dysentery, fell into a coma and received drugs to fight the infection. At the time, however, she was pregnant. The medicine caused the placenta to detach from the uterine wall, depriving her unborn child of oxygen.
Doctors informed her that the baby’s health had been damaged, explaining that he would not survive, or if he did, would have significant long-term complications. She was likewise advised that an abortion was needed to guarantee her safety. Much to her credit, she refused, choosing instead to place her trust in God.
And remarkably, not only did she survive, so did her son.
Placed on bed rest for the final two months of her pregnancy, she gave birth to a wonderful little boy named Tim who later became a Heisman Trophy winner, two-time NCAA Football Champion, NFL quarterback and cultural icon.
Evidently, whether in a Los Angeles County abortion clinic or a hospital in the Philippines, God remains in the miracle business.
On October 4, Pam Tebow will be speaking as part of a fund-raising event held for the Center for Pregnancy Choices of South Central Mississippi. The event will be held at 6 p.m. in the Physical Education building of Jones County Junior College. If you are interested in miracles, please contact the center for additional information.
***** State Sen. Chris McDaniel
Magnolia Tribune
