Before I got pregnant, I was just living my life as a 27-year-old teacher until I went on a date with someone I thought I knew– it turns out I didn't know him as well as I thought I did. Two weeks after I stopped seeing him, I was unexpectedly pregnant, but we tried to make it work for the sake of our child.
I've been in and out of church for a while, but when my mom passed away five years ago, I completely stopped going. Luckily, I was surrounded by coworkers who believed in God and encouraged me to go to church again. I started visiting again here and there, but I wasn't convinced. When I was at my lowest point, my coworkers led me into the arms of Embrace Grace. One of their husbands worked at a church, which is why I heard about the program.
Before attending Embrace Grace, I didn't know where to turn. I talked to one of the leaders several times before mustering enough courage to attend my first class. It was on a Monday night– I had been at school all day, and before I left, my sweet friends prayed for me and reassured me that I would be okay. I was 15 weeks pregnant and terrified! The unknown of everything was terrifying to me, especially with the issues I was having with my baby's father that ended our relationship for good. I wasn't sure if I was making the right decision. I stood in the building doorway and cried for 5 minutes before walking in. In my first class, I didn't say a word. I sat there and cried for 2 hours straight– Just so overcome with emotions. I still didn't know if this was right for me, but I didn't give up.
Before my next class, I caught up on my previous week's homework and returned the following week. I was still absolutely terrified and still not talking. But I realized this was the right place for me– even if I wasn't emotionally ready to share my story. Over the next several weeks, I created an amazing bond with my group. Embrace Grace became my home. My feelings of anxiousness were replaced with excitement; I started to look forward to opening up about what was happening in my life because they understood what I was going through.
During one of the most challenging times of my life, Embrace Grace spoke to my heart and told me everything I needed to hear – that I am loved, and so is my baby. This meant everything to me because, at the time, I felt everything but that. I felt so unworthy. Embrace Grace taught me that I am redeemed and that even though my baby doesn't have a physical father figure right now, she will always have a Heavenly Father who will cherish her for the rest of her life. Without Embrace Grace, I don't know where I would be. This program helped me reestablish my relationship with the Lord.
Find a place of belonging in a support group for moms with unexpected pregnancies or single, young moms and dads.
