Opinions

This struck me today like a bolt of lightning. I have not had arguments, per say, with anyone about these issues.... but I do come home to Kyle and say, "So-and-so thinks this about __________, isn't that ridiculous" or in my head think "these people are crazy" when they start in on something that I "totally" disagree with. But, like my feelings on birth control have changed (dramatically) this past month, so can any of my other many opinions at any moment and this blog just really reminded me that it is OK, but to not push them on anyone else, and to remember what it is we SHOULD be passionate about! Way to go Girl Talk!

"Epidural vs. Natural Child Birth. College vs. No College. Breast-feeding vs. Bottle Feeding. Courtship vs. Dating. Child Immunizations vs. Homeopathic Medicine. Home Schooling vs. Private or Public Schooling. Birth Control vs. No Birth Control. Organic Food vs. Processed Food.
Have an opinion, anyone?

If you’re a woman and you’re alive, at least one of these words probably triggered a visceral response. You instinctively reached into your mental files for the appropriate legal brief, fully prepared to argue for the prosecution or the defense.

Mention a topic such as this and—cue the super-hero music please—we morph into “Super-Lawyer-Woman,” ready to save the world from the risks of formula or the perils of public school or the dangers of processed food. All in a days work.

And we tend to travel in packs. Wherever we are or wherever we go in life, we find these kindred spirits—women who feel as strongly about our cause as we do—and we become fast friends. Pity the poor woman whose opinion differs from ours, or worse yet, hasn't formed an opinion. She doesn’t stand a chance against “Super-Lawyer-Women.”

But as comical as this image may be, it really isn’t funny.

Because it’s all too true. We as women are inclined to adopt a pet issue and express our opinion far too forcefully, sending other women running for cover. I’m sure I’m guilty, even more than I realize.

As D.A. Carson observes:

“So many Christians today identify themselves with some ‘single issue’ (a concept drawn from politics) other than the cross, other than the gospel. It is not that they deny the gospel. If pressed, they will emphatically endorse it. But their point of self-identification, the focus of their minds and hearts, what occupies their interest and energy is something else” (The Cross and Christian Ministry, p. 63).

The fact is that all of the aforementioned topics fall into a category Scripture labels “disputable matters” (Romans 14:1, NIV): an issue that is not central to our faith or a prerequisite for fellowship in the gospel. And this entire chapter of Romans insists that we are not to “pass judgment” on these kind of matters, or, as the ESV puts it, “quarrel over opinions.” Rather, we are to “welcome” or “accept” one another (v. 1), and pursue “what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding” (v. 19). Why? Because the person who disagrees with us is, “one for whom Christ died” (v. 15). "

Peace

OK, I know its been several days, but Kyle and I have been praying and really researching this whole BCP thing. After doing lots of research and getting my mom to research too (thanks mom!) I have come to the conclusion that they aren't exactly sure what the BCP does. They have theories and ways to know how it affects the woman's body, but to test the actual rate of abortions caused by the pill would be near to impossible. There are those who are highly convicted one way and those that stand for the other and here I am kind of in the middle.

I believe this is a personal choice. I think it is important for women to know what they are taking and the possible effects of that medicine, not just taking it because that is what they should do. I am guilty of that. I had no idea what the BCP pill was capable of, even after 6 years of taking it.

I also believe that God can stir things up in our hearts for a reason. He wants us to grow and change and become more like Him. He doesn't want us to be stagnant in any area of our lives. He wants us to be moldable. So, here I am one day reading a blog about something totally different then BCP and boom.... I'm hit with this convicting thought and deep desire to do what God wants me to do. I also believe that God is the God of peace. If we are searching, than He will give us peace about our search. He will let us know, in His way and by His timing, what it is that He wants us to do.

So, as of now, we have chosen to stop taking the BCP. We are convicted at the possibilities of what this pill could have done over the past 6 years and do not want to be held accountable for that in the end, especially after gaining knowledge about it. I am not saying this is something every woman should do, I am not saying that all birth control is wrong. I am just saying that this is the choice we feel God leading us to make and we are at peace with that decision.

Thank you for the emails and comments you have left. I have learned a lot over the past two weeks and I am encouraged to know that I am not the only one who has dealt with this issue or was prompted to research it for themselves.

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward." Psalms 127:3

Muddy Waters.... BEWARE!

OK, let me first start by saying the following blog is just thoughts that I need to get out! I have been introduced to some thought provoking information over the past few days and I am searching. I am searching for evidence, opinions, beliefs, and reasons.... so please share! Please prepare yourself, I know that what I am about to get into is muddy waters and I don't want anyone to be offended, again, these are just thoughts I am having and I am searching. Thanks!

Lets just jump right in... I have been using birth control pills (BCP) for the past 6 years. When Kyle and I knew we were getting married I got on them several months before our wedding to ensure that I would not have a honeymoon baby. The only thought I had before getting on BCP was that we were 19 and we did not want to have a baby yet. I did no research as to exactly how they work nor their possible implications, I just started taking them.

Before Ryland was conceived I was on the Nuva Ring, it works just like the birth control patch, in which your body absorbs the hormones from the ring or patch through your skin or vaginal wall. They are proven to be as effective as the BCP, maybe even more because there is less room for human error (forgetting to take the pill daily). So, I was on the Nuva Ring for about 2 years and then one month my normal menstrual cycle never came. I took a pregnancy test and sure enough, I was pregnant. OK, so I know this might have been way too much information to share, but I share it only to prove the point that God is in control of life. Since the beginning of time He has been opening and closing wombs and He chose to open mine for our sweet little Ryland.

Now, over the past few days I have been provoked into researching exactly what the BCP and any other non-barrier method of birth control actually does. I read a blog, Minnesota Mom , which her opinion is clearly stated as to her beliefs about birth control. And then started reading some of the articles she has linked to prove her opinion. One article, http://www.pregnantpause.org/abort/untold.htm, lays it out very clearly:

The Pill is taken orally, usually every day. There are two kinds of Pills. The "combined Pill" contains both estrogen and progestin. The second type is a progestin-only Pill sometimes called the "mini-pill". Both kinds have three ways of working:
1. They prevent ovulation by suppressing the part of the brain which signals for ovulation to begin,
2. They change the lining of the cervix to make it more difficult for sperm to pass through, or
3. They prevent implantation of a newly conceived human life on the lining of the womb.4

OK, so my belief is as with most pro-lifers, life begins at conception, when the egg is fertilized by the sperm. So, if I believe this, then what do I do with #3? If the first two preventative measures of the BCP do not work, then am I preventing a fertilized egg from implanting into my womb?

As a pro-lifer, what do I do with the fact that if I am taking the BCP, I am telling my body to abort a fertilized egg? Am I choosing to prevent a life from thriving when God has allowed it to begin?

Whew..... I know, I know.... really big thoughts here and highly controversial, but I am searching! I am striving to do the right thing and do not wish to be hypocritical in any way. I have never contemplated BCP in this way and I am not exactly sure where I stand, but one thing I know is that every night this week, I have had reservations every time I put that little pill in my mouth.

Help - I desperately want to surrender to God my life..... yes, even THAT part!