When I was a little girl, I had a special friend named Katie. Though I was very young and I don’t remember as much as I would like to, I know that she was a kind friend. I know that I didn’t care that she had down syndrome, I only saw a friend. Just like she didn’t care that I was a little quirky. We just saw friendship. Eventually Katie switched schools and we lost contact with each other. I sure hope that she’s doing well. I am bringing this up because my heart is saddened at some recent news that I read. A couple had gotten pregnant and then did some tests, that showed that their baby would have down syndrome. Unfortunately, they chose to abort this beautiful child. The enemy convinced them that, that, was their best choice. Though, that is a deeply troubling lie. For all babies, all humans, have value and something to offer the world. God doesn’t make mistakes ever, and certainly not when we were knitted in our mother’s wombs. Katie, brought me joy, as I am sure she did to many others as well. When did we as humans we start labeling peoples worth and their value? We are all created in God’s image. All filled with beauty and value. Some of us might be more unique, that is only because God has a more unique purpose for us. Jesus died for all of us. Different does not devalue our worth. Different is what makes us worthy. Giving us all our own purpose in this world for each other, and for His glory. A life was taken away far too soon, for simply being a little different. Though are we not all, a little different? This baby deserved life. May we pray for this baby’s parents that they can see beauty in all lives and not be fooled by the enemy. May we too friend, see each other as God see’s us, born with a purpose and formed with love. I bet Katie has brought so many people joy over the years and I am grateful for that friendship we had when we were both so very small.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Born with a purpose, formed with love

Genesis 1:27 NIV

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Ephesians 2:10 NIV

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Psalm 139:13-14 NIV

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.