Update: Stacie is a third year PhD student who also has degrees in which she studied the developmental psychology of children. She has been very grateful to be expecting her first child with her husband of six years. Our family could not be more excited and grateful for this precious gift.
As an expectant mother in the late third trimester, I eagerly anticipate the birth of my husband's and my first child. We have deeply desired this precious baby. And the baby has already been bringing joy and blessings to others.
Yes, our unborn baby already has been loved, cherished, and used by God. This may sound like an overly emotional statement, yet it is fact. Further, every unborn baby has already been loved and cherished by God.
This may sound refreshingly positive in the midst of the headlines we have seen. Frequently, the anti-abortion debate focuses on the horrific, violent nature of abortion. This is important to share. However, we need to also share the importance and impact of every unborn baby's life.
Indeed, we need not only to abolish abortion, but also to reframe and refocus on the immense importance of every life and the blessings of every child. Every unborn child.
Fact: Every unborn baby is wanted by God and those who desperately desire to adopt. And every expectant mother is loved. From that foundation, let me share how babies (even before they are born) positively impact the world.
7 Ways Unborn Babies Positively Impact the World
Even Before Birth, Every Life Possesses Profound Worth. Yes, Every Life.
1. First, an unborn baby infuses greater purpose and passion in parents, families, and friends to accomplish what is most important in life. Goals suddenly take on greater meaning. Many people feel inspired to fulfill their God-given potential to model well to the coming child. New life catalyzes new growth.
If the news of an unborn baby is not received with joy by certain people, it unveils needs in others and insights on how to pray and plan better situations and relationships for mother and child. In this way, an unborn baby improves life for the mother.
2. The knowledge that a family and community will teach and demonstrate life to the baby is equal to creating what the new child will consider "normal." Creating a "normal" template supplies great motivation to both parents, those in their families, etc. Bad habits previously tolerated may become eliminated. After all, babies imitate adults (mirror neurons are amazing!) and some unhealthy habits are far from suitable imitating material.
3. Against a dark tapestry of world problems, unborn babies remind us that God is always creating and doing good things -even if they aren't obviously seen (e.g. in the womb). In our situation, 2020 is when we found out we were finally going to have a baby in February 2021. This news was shared with others and we were deeply moved to hear friends cheer up instantly. Repeatedly. And some even said it was the best news of the year. It moved us greatly. Our baby's life mattered and offered good news to anticipate.
4. Unborn babies supply reminders of God's ongoing unique plans for each of us. Whether a parent or not, each person can be reminded of the utter miracle of life! Each of us was created by God against all kinds of odds. Each of us was created by God on purpose and for His purpose. No baby is unwanted by Him. And every adult is wanted by Him, too.
5. In a negative world, unborn babies possess countless positive possibilities. Interactions by mother and the unborn baby begin a profound bonding process which predates the birth date. These interactions begin building the profound launching pad for development and overall contributions by the child to the world. From the womb, the baby begins to prepare to change his/her world.
6. Unborn babies fill people with expectation and challenge them to grow as well in new roles while enhancing pre-existing roles. Today, an expectant mother can utilize myriad resources and continue to lead a balanced life with greater vitality and compassion. Sleeplessness, pregnancy symptoms, and other challenges help the mother to discover new ways to relate and make the most of her time.
7. Unborn babies remind us of God's love. God sent His Son as a baby. And the first person to innately recognize Him was John the Baptist, another unborn baby. God communicates with His creation. God loves us. And unborn babies remind us of these desperately needed facts.
In conclusion, savor the words of our Creator to Jeremiah:
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
And before you were born I consecrated you;
I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
God bless every expectant mother and unborn child. And may He use each of us to share His Word with love to a hurting world.
-Stacie Ruth Stoelting Hudzinsk