The Atonement Child by Francine Rivers

 The Choice Debate

One of the greatest debates in the world happens to be whether or not abortion should be legalized. And recently, I saw a video on TikTok for 'no-nuance-November', where the person said that people debate about this issue yet it is never really about the 'children' involved. It reminded me of one of my favorite novels by Christian author Francine Rivers titled The Atonement Child. 

The novel tells the story of a young college student who is assaulted and as she is a Christian who also happens to be attending a Christian college, she is advised to abort the baby (once it is found that she is pregnant) for the reputation of both the college and her fiance. Yes, one of the major topics of the story is to uncover the hypocrisy in the body of Christ but most importantly it is to reveal the journey of generational curses.

As the story progresses, we find out that her mother had an abortion in her younger years before becoming a Christian and her grandmother before that had also had an abortion. Regardless of whether you are a believer or not, you can acknowledge and concede that the sins of the father do fall on his generations. Having pamphlets written on safety and choice all-around your house won't make much of a difference.

The protagonist of this story had never done anything against her parent’s wishes, who were fairly strict as they knew of their pasts. Yet somehow the repercussions of past decisions still affected her. It affected her, the child her mother kept as she was ready to have children. The child she had decided was not a mistake, the one she had under wedlock and was fully 'prepared' for. Our protagonist had to go through one of the most traumatizing things a woman can ever go through because those before her made a decision they felt was about them. A decision that served and was best for them at the time. 

I feel that regardless of choice, please consider those who are set to come after you. It may be best to note that just because it is your body and your decision, there are millions of other people directly from your bloodline that could be affected by that singular decision. Everyday we wake up and create new versions of ourselves, we might even change our sets of ideologies as we grow older and this is to be considered before we make any major decisions.

goodreads.com/book/show/9943.The_Atonement_Child

Trust The Process

 I find it absolutely amazing that with all our imperfections, self doubts and recently popular self destructive ways; God still keeps to His promises. If you know anything about being a Christian you will know that your level of faith is forever growing and constantly tested. And that faith cannot exist without trust. 

Trust being the scale to be honest. I know who God is and I know that He performs miracles everyday but would He really do that for me? Those visions I get every night, the promises of a wondrous and fulfilling life. In the middle of a pandemic? I realize that I question His promises not because I don't trust or have faith in His word, its simply because I find it hard to think of myself as a David or Ruth.

Yes my nickname is Moses but that's about it, right? I don't evangelize, the praise and worship team would definitely kick me out and patience is a constant prayer point for me. So where exactly would I be contributing towards the Kingdom of God to the extent that He would splurge and dazzle me with all these blessings?

We then get the big revelation, trust the process. Just because you are not up in podiums preaching, constantly sharing bible verses or posting viral christian content doesn't mean God won't work on you or through you. No one is an extra on earth, not even an ant. Yes, pray for direction and fast for your purpose to be revealed but do not let your walk seem meaningless nor your relationship with God a transaction. Some are born knowing exactly how they will serve and some of us just need an extra push or a serendipitous moment. 

Be kind to yourself in your walk of faith, not everyone is going to slay lions or walk on open flames. The promptings of the Holy Spirit can never be ignored and when your time to bedazzle comes, you will definitely do the needful. And do not let yourself be an Israelite that rejected God's vision and promises, depriving your future generations from entering the land of milk and honey, because the journey seemed to be taking too long.