Hope Shows Its Power Over Fear The following story was written by a grandmother whose daughter found the hope she needed through The HOPE Center in 2007: He was 7 years old when he said to me, “Nanny, when I am having a hard time believing in God, I just look at the fact that I am alive…my parents are not together now, but He brought them together to make me. Then I know God is real.” She was 17 years old, just out of high school, and trying to figure out who she was and what to do next in her life. She became infatuated with a dynamic, gregarious young man who became the father of her unborn child. Both parents were under 19 years old, living with their respective families without a sustainable career path, and neither having prepared to even care for
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themselves, much less a child. I am the mother of that girl. She discovered that she was pregnant in mid-February 2007. She called me at work to share the news, and I felt both grateful for the life that was being formed inside of her and the fear of what would come next for my daughter and her unborn child. She expressed the same feelings to me. The sea of emotions swirling within her created a paralyzing effect in some instances, and an uncanny calm at other times. She fluctuated between hope and despair, fear and excitement. Days after receiving the news, our families came together to discuss the future. I am so thankful for the support she received during this critical time of her early pregnancy. The ministry of The HOPE Center had intersected the lives of the father’s family previously, and this
resource was passed along to my daughter. One winter day in 2007 my daughter walked into the re-sale store, which is now Seeds, and was greeted by a volunteer who shared with her the work of The HOPE Center and encouraged her about the resources available to her and her baby. She came home that day with a newfound faith, which, according to Hebrews 11:1, is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. She was assured that everything would be okay as she resolved to give her baby life. Hope permeated many arms of the same family, and lives were brought into being, mothers were encouraged and supported. My grandson just celebrated his 14th birthday, and his life has been marked with miracle upon miracle. Miracles began with HOPE and have continued through his life thus far. Matthew 10:31 says, “Fear not. You are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10 reminds us to not be afraid. As fear diminishes HOPE GROWS.
