Monday, April 21, 2008

Just to Clarify...

I don't think I did a good job of expressing the intention of my previous post, "Choosing to Trust," and so I wanted to write a little bit more about it. What I was trying to do is share with my friends and family the way I feel like God is telling me I can best glorify Him at this stage in my pregnancy, and ask for their support and prayers. What I was NOT trying to do is express any kind of judgment on what anybody else should do in their own lives. I was in no way trying to say that anybody who chooses to induce, have a c-section, or use other interventions is in any way unspiritual, and I don't know if I made that clear before. I have neither the right nor the desire to judge anybody else for deciding to do what they feel is best for their child and family. We have some good friends who are godly and faithful people, and they recently chose a c-section for the birth of their baby. I support them 100% in their choice, and their child is now beautiful and healthy.

I think that there are very few, if any, absolutes in today's world of birthing and parenting. There is no one right way to do anything, but it is up to each believer to seek the Lord about how to best glorify Him with each decision. I have some pretty strong convictions about the way I want to birth and parent my own child, but God may change my circumstances and reveal other truth to me as time progresses. I need to be humble enough to confess that God knows everything, but I don't.

As Paul expressed in Romans 14, what may be right for me may be wrong for someone else and vice versa. He says clearly, though, that it would definitely be wrong for me to judge another believer for having different convictions than mine, as long as neither of ours goes expressly against Scripture.
"Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand." - verse 4
Instead, we are to love, support, and encourage one another in our pursuit of God.
"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." - verse 19
So I just wanted to make it clear that the opinions expressed on this blog are just my own personal convictions, and not meant as any kind of lecture or judgment on anybody else. As the Body of Christ in this unbelieving world, it is much more important to me that we pray for each other and encourage each other to seek to glorify God in all of our decisions, even when we don't necessarily agree about each particular decision.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Hey girl-
I'm praying for you and Eli. I feel the same way and want to applaud your trust and handing over control to God. I've been saying this whole time I want to be in control in the hospital, but really I want God's plan and trust in His hand over this process. It is absolutely amazing how our little boys are growing in utero and this whole pregnancy has been a blessing to me as I see my Creator in a unique new way. Blessings- and keep us updated!

Unknown said...

oh yeah- I forgot to add.... I was over 9lbs when I was born and my mom was able to deliver me just fine. I don't envy her, but it makes me feel better when I think about how big baby J could be....

Jessica said...

hey girls,

i haev been trying to get both of your e mail addresses so i would love you to e mail me at Jessica_Mitcham@hotmail.com. I would love to chat with you both since you are about to moms of boys since (SURPRISE) Asa James Mitcham was born December 2nd of last year. so e mail me!!

Charity said...

i think you're doing a fabulous job! =) lotsa luv!

Anonymous said...

Joni - long time no see. Been keeping up with you and am excited about your baby boy - not that I'm biased or anything. I don't think there is anything wrong with the birthplan you have and if that is what you want to do in your heart, go with it and don't "plan" for the c-section. Yes, God has put doctors in our lives for a reason, and if something does come up that may endanger Eli, then they can take interventions - it's done all the time with great outcomes - remember I worked in L&D at Presby Dallas for 4 years!!! But just remember that no matter what, when it is all said and done, it doesn't matter how he got here - just that he got here.