First Fruits Friday - Stressed and Overwhelmed
When we ask our Seneca clients what are the main reasons that bring them to the point of abortion, without a doubt they shrug their shoulders with deep sighs and say something like, "I'm overwhelmed. I just can't raise a baby. I just don't have it in me." Maybe it is because of many children, finances, mental health issues, or abandonment from the father of the baby, but the feeling is an engulfment of burdens that they cannot escape from, and it reverberates into a deep sense of hopelessness.
God knows all about His children being stressed. Did you know that stressed spelt backwards equals “desserts”? Now, who does not like desserts? You see, God sees sweetness when we see stress. Isn't that strange? Not really. Stress is caused by too much weight for the capacity. But how do we as faithful followers and our clients deal with this stress? He gives us prescriptions for peace:
Rest - on the 7th day, God rested and so should we. It is a time to replenish, recover and prepare for challenges ahead. .
Finding rest as an overwhelmed mom is not always easy. Seneca's building is a place of rest, of comfort, of peace. Pregnant moms and new moms lacking sleep, are often found on our couches taking a a moment to rest in a safe and calm environment.
Knowing who we are and our calling - with Case Management, Seneca clients begin to clearly define who they are and what gifts they have to bring to the world. Our team supports them in this with many resources and follow up calls or meetings. With the right support, overwhelmed mamas can begin to step into their true selves.
Knowing whose we are - with spiritual direction at Seneca, clients begin to bond with their creator by meetings with our volunteer director, joining a church, attending a bible study, etc. That growing relationship allows our clients to feel love and belonging - maybe even for the first time ever. It is a life changing experience to truly see ourselves as sons and daughters of the King.
Support from our community: We are a flock; the Body of Christ. We are a family of faith. God did not design us to be alone - He meant us for relationships. With Seneca’s bi-monthly support group and play dates, our clients begin to form healthy relationships with others whom they can trust.
God's help: Our capacity to deal with the ups and downs of life comes from God. When in relationship with him, the Bible directs us and his Holy Spirit guides us. He is our King.
Each day, our team at Seneca aims to serve our clients and support them in receiving this “prescription” for peace when they are stressed and overwhelmed. Prayer, intervention and prevention - any and all of these are needed for us to serve here at Seneca.
It is interesting that some of the late Queen Elizabeth's words were:
“Oh! how I wish that the Lord would come in my lifetime! I should so love to lay my crown at His feet."
Are we willing to lay down our own “crowns” at the feet of Jesus and humbly support vulnerable women who are considering abortion because they are overwhelmed?
Please contact Karen to find out more about serving the Lord in some capacity at Seneca. What is God calling you to do?
Isaiah 4:9-12
Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Message adapted from Church of Highlands sermon on 9/11/22