We live in a
fallen world, a world with mistakes, slips in judgment, and unwanted
pregnancies. The young girls who walk into our doors share their stories of
regret and shame. They choose for themselves to walk the slippery road of premarital
sex, and they need hope. That is the primary account we typically hear. Some
days, however, we hear the stories of the victims. We hear the exceptions. We
rediscover the utter depth of this fallen world. Yesterday morning, we wrapped
our arms around a 24 year old date rape victim. Expecting a typical appointment,
our client advocate took her for counseling. The dark story began to unfold.
Weeks prior,
she attended a party at a close friend’s home. The actual of events and
decisions at the party are irrelevant at this point, because it was the choice
of another that sealed the night. Unnoticed by her, a man slipped a drug into
her drink. Faces blurred. Voices quieted. Her mind seemed to close its eyes,
remembering nothing from that drink forward. Hours later, she awoke to an empty
house, entirely naked and alone.
"What was the
drug?"
"Who was the man?"
"Why did this happen?"
These questions, among countless others, are justifiably
asked, but the answers are nonexistent. The days passed, and the fear becomes
reality. Yesterday morning, the diagnosis read clear: Positive. She’s carrying
a baby conceived by rape.
Two drugs
are primarily known as the “date rape” drug: Rohypnol (AKA “roofies”) and GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyerate) (AKA Liquid X).
They both produce a sedative
effect, amnesia, muscle relaxation, and a slowing of psychomotor responses. The effects can last up to 8 hours, depending on
the dose. The typical use of these resembles the following: The attacker will
slip the drug into a drink. Upon consumption, the victim will appear drunk and
helpless. The attacker will then offer the victim a ride home. When the victim
regains consciousness, he or she has no memory of the events.
Two-thirds of rape victims between the ages of 18 and 29 know their
attacker and over 60 percent of rapes occur in residences. This devastatingly
proves true in our client’s case. She questions if it was her friend of 7
years, the host of the party, who attacked her. A DNA test will be administered
soon to identify the father of this baby.
In the meantime, our client moves forward.
To
the glory of God, she has chosen LIFE for her baby!
She is researching
adoption options! The Community Pregnancy Center is also giving her an
ultrasound appointment to reaffirm her decision for life! She’s confused. She’s
hurt. She has so many unknowns, but she is trusting God with this new life
growing inside of her. She’s attending church, and she’s praying for hope and praying
for guidance.
We serve a God with love greater than this world’s hate, grace deeper
than this world’s evil, and hope brighter then this world’s devastation. No matter
man’s free choice, God offers a rescue. No matter man’s betrayal, God offers a
salvation. Yes, we live in such a fallen world, but we stand in the presence of
the God who wins! He has conquered this world, and the devil’s days are
numbered.
Praise our Gracious King for bringing this young woman into our doors.
Thank Him for His intervention, leading this woman to LIFE for this baby! What
a reigning, loving God! Cover this woman in unrelenting prayer as she walks
forward!
