Friday, January 22, 2016

Carolyn McBreen Gibbs Blog: The Other Victim

Carolyn McBreen Gibbs Blog: The Other Victim: It is still January, and that means Abortion awareness month. Abortion doesn't need a month, it is a top priority all year long. Those o...

The Other Victim

It is still January, and that means Abortion awareness month. Abortion doesn't need a month, it is a top priority all year long. Those of us who fight to stop this horrendous murder of innocent babies do so everyday, every year. We are aware more than one month a year. 

We all know the victims are human from conception, we know they have no choice, and we know that abortionists play on a woman's fears just to make money. We know abortionists and their clinics are never concerned with women's health. They can say it constantly, but they lie! They are self serving, only concerned with their making money.

We all know that the babies suffer and die because of greed, and inconvenience. But recently, God has directed me to think about the mothers. They, in most cases, are victims too. I know some use abortion to delete the consequences of their sin. But there are many more that are talked into killing their baby, because they do not have options explained, or are lied to.

I have a friend, who had an abortion when she was 16. Her parents didn't know how to deal with it. She was still in High School, and they truly believed this option was best. They were not bad people;she was not a bad girl. She felt deep down, it was wrong, but she trusted her parents. Even when she relives walking into the place, going down the hall to a room, and being instructed by a nurse with a no nonsence attitude, she admits she wanted to run.

Once again lies were told, abortionists portrayed the procedure as no big deal, and no other options were explored. If mothers know options, and know what to expect, and still choose to destroy a life, that is sad. For all those who are con
fused, believe the lies, and feel they truly have no options, they are also victims. With as much coverage as we see on social media, and with the crisis pregnancy centers available, there shouldn't be anyone unaware. Sadly there are still those trapped in a situation where they are perfect victims to believe the lies abortionists, and abortion clinics hand out.

My friend is maybe 40 years out from her abortion, but it haunts her every day. She has been a pro-life advocate with her town and state since. She works to inform others about what really happens inside those clinics. She credits God with redeeming her, and helping her save one life at a time. When those who profit from this murder say no one is hurt by what they do, who are they really kidding? I think themselves.

God has had me praying for the ban on abortion for a long time. Recently he has reminded me of the other victims in each situation. The mothers, the nurses, and yes even the abortionists. I have heard of nurses that help with this gruesome practice, finally reach a breaking point, and turn from this occupation. If you and I keep praying for them, God will hear, and change their hearts. The abortionists are harder to pray for. These supposedly are doctors, who took an oath to protect and preserve life. God is almighty, and He can change even those hearts. 

You may not think prayers do much, but look at the headway that has been made. Many babies have been saved through Christian crisis pregnancy clinics, when they began using ultrasound. I have heard of mothers changing their minds when they see a picture of their baby. It refutes the lie that it is just a blob of tissue, unimportant and disposable. Many of those centers have ultrasound machines because of prayer. Abortion clinics have been shut down, because of prayer, and babies have been given a chance, because of prayer.

I would ask that prayers be directed to Moms. Let them see that they are mothers, at the minute of conception. Their child becomes a living breathing human at the moment of conception. How do I know that....because God says it in His word. He created each of us. Only He can determine when we die. Yes others can take those lives, because of free choice, but is that what God has for you, for them?  I have several other friends that had abortions years ago, and the one common thread is sadness, regret, but also forgiveness by Jesus, as Lord of their lives. Do they ever forget? No. In all these dear friends I know, they are now using their experience to minister to others!  God can change a heart, and  turn what was intended for evil, into something good!

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Carolyn McBreen Gibbs Blog: Does It Show?

Carolyn McBreen Gibbs Blog: Does It Show?: There are people in my life that just amaze me. If you look at their lives, really look, what do you see? I see people who never let others ...

Does It Show?

There are people in my life that just amaze me. If you look at their lives, really look, what do you see? I see people who never let others see their pain. They continue in their jobs, take care of families, and minister to others dailey.  I see one who has been battling cancer for years. Even the ravages of chemo do not show on their face. 

Other friends walk each day with the burden of chronic pain. Whether it is arthritis. fibromyalgia, cancer, or MS, they make it through each day with a smile on their face. How do these brave people do that? I have seen others in my life that complain, and moan and groan each step of their life's journey. They want to make sure everyone knows how miserable they are. 

One group carries on, one group wants sympathy from all around them.
One group lives in spite of their problems, while the others want to carry their ills around as an excuse for everything they don't want to do. One group is concerned for others, while the other group is all for themselves.

I know this may seem harsh on my part, but I have been close to people in both groups. I have been a part of both groups. There was a time when I blamed everyone, and everything for my ills. I was mean, nasty, and felt it was my due to be pampered and coddled if I was hurting. Believe me it is not fun to be that person, or associated with that person.

The thing that stands out for me is that no matter how miserable some of these people are, they don't burden others with it. They have accepted that this is a part of their lives, and they simply do not let it determine how they will live that life.  I have learned that my chronic pain does not define me.

It is not always easy to put that pain aside, whether it is physical or mental, it can surround you in a fog of dispair until you can't think of anything else. It is easier to lash out, to hide, to play the "poor me" card. Like I said, I have been in both places. I admire those who keep on keeping on, no matter what. The other group is too hard to help, because no matter what you say or do, it is never right.

I so admire those who keep going, who reach out to others, and who do their crying in private! What makes that night and day difference? It is Jesus in a life! The pain is still there, the illness may never be cured, but the person has a relationship with Jesus, and He gets them through. Before Jesus in my life, I was the poor me. Now that Jesus rules my life, I give it to Him. Some days are very hard, and prayers are constant to make it through the day. Some days are not as bad. The prayers are still there, but also much praise.

I have found that if I focus on Jesus and on others, my pain is less! If you focus only on yourself and whatever pain you are dealing with, it makes it worse. I rely on Christ to help me through each day. Sometimes it is hanging on second by second, but He is always there. He encourages me to pray for others and to keep a smile on my face. It is very uncomfortable for family and friends to hear never ending complaints about your pain. Why? It's not that they don't love you, but that they don't know what to do to help you.

I sometimes don't think I am very brave or even have a handle on this pain thing, but when I look back on the extreme moments, I then see just what God brought me through, and I did get through.
I pray you don't have pain issues, or cancer, or extreme surgeries to get through, but if you do, I pray that you know Jesus personally, and have made Him Lord of your life. Only then can you come through with a smile on your face, thinking of other people, and going on with your life, no matter what else is in your life!

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Carolyn McBreen Gibbs Blog: Joy Comes In The Morning

Carolyn McBreen Gibbs Blog: Joy Comes In The Morning: You can learn a lot in a lifetime. I have learned that I will rise up, no matter what the pain or problems I encounter. I have learned above...

Joy Comes In The Morning

You can learn a lot in a lifetime. I have learned that I will rise up, no matter what the pain or problems I encounter. I have learned above all that without Christ leading me, living in me, I can not survive. I have a tendency to see my issues as failures. I grew up believing there was no mercy. There was only my inadequacy to blame for whatever happened. 

I always felt I was an embarrassment. I didn't belong, and even what I thought was my best was a let down for others. I was weak, flawed,  and no matter what, I couldn't see beyond my flaws. Sometimes all we are able to see is the rubble of our lives.

Because of my view, I saw myself as a detriment to ministry. I finally let God teach me, and show me that He could and would use me for His Kingdom. My flaws were what Christ saw and used to reach others who may feel the same way. My brokenness was the bridge others needed. What Jesus taught me over the years, I could use to minister to the hurting.

Christ graciously equipped me with compassion, and empathy. Now the problem with empathy is that whatever hurts others hurts me. It is hard to carry the pain of others', but that is what God has equipped me for. Sometimes, I want so much to help and make it better, I try to run ahead, and lose track of the fact that it is not me, it is Christ in me. It doesn't depend on me.

I want so badly to make everything O.K. That I falsely think it is up to me. Another thing learned, but sometimes forgotten. God is in control! I am nothing on my own, but it is Jesus in me that can help another. When I fall on my face, I need to let Him help me up! I can be there for others who have horrible problems, who are in impossible situations, but it is Jesus who can make a difference. If I give Him my broken pieces...ALL the pieces, He will make a way. He will mold me into what He wants me to be.

In some ways 2015 was a rough year, but God was always ahead of us. He already knew what was needed and He supplied in His own time, in His own way. How will I live this new year ahead? How will you? I will continue to learn at the Master's feet! The more I know Him, the more I love Him! I have learned that everything is in His mighty power to make right. I have learned that no matter what things look like, I can trust God to take care of it. I don't need to fix things. That is His job.

I can't convince others that Christ is the only way, but Christ can. I can't change the course of our country, but Christ can. I can't solve everyone's problems. I can't change the course some people take, but Christ can. Maybe you are feeling hopeless, defeated, sad, powerless, but as Jesus said to the man waiting for rescue n John 5:6, "Do you want to be well?"

As for me I will rise up and live what I believe. I will believe that with Jesus, there is hope for any situation, no matter how it looks.  I lived too long as a victim of my past.This year I will live my glorious future, whatever that looks like as one saved by God's grace. 

Friday, January 1, 2016

Carolyn McBreen Gibbs Blog: A Very Molly Year!

Carolyn McBreen Gibbs Blog: A Very Molly Year!: Yes, it's me, Molly! I had a super dedupper, year! Well some of it was a little scary, and weird, but it turned out O.K. I remember last...

A Very Molly Year!

Yes, it's me, Molly! I had a super dedupper, year! Well some of it was a little scary, and weird, but it turned out O.K. I remember last New Year because it was cold. I don't remember this much snow. Spring did come, and my Mom loves Spring! Except this Spring, she went to the doctor, and ended up in the hospital. I do not understand those things, but for four days it was just me and Dad. 

He bought me yummy chicken to eat, and he snuggled me when he was home. I missed Mom. Then one day, Dad called her at that place she was, and let me listen to her. He laughed, because, I couldn't figure out where she was. I could hear her, but couldn't find her. I ran around the room, but she wasn't there. I was so glad when she came home. 

Then before I Knew
it, Dad left for a long time. He had surgery, and was gone for several months! Mom came home late every night, and I was on guard to take care of her. I did get to go in the car and go see Dad when he was getting better. That was super fun. They had ice cream there, and I got my own cone!

Summer was lots of walks, and seeing ducks in our pool, and turkeys in our yard. Mom never did let me chase them. We sat outside on the porch, and on the deck. In July they have a holiday that they call 4th of July! It is lots of loud noises, and I don't like it very much! Mom had to give me pills, so I would sleep and not be so scared.

Before I knew it, the leaves started falling. When the wind blows, they chase me. I don't like that either. I do like play times with my best friend next door. That's Max! Sometimes Zoey was out too. We three have fun playing in the yard. Before long, we started having a lot of this white stuff. Mom says it is snow. I don't mind it too much, but when it's falling out of the sky, it gets in my eyes, and gets me wet. Walking in it is hard, and freezes my feet. It makes going potty really hard.

Mom and Dad were gone every night while Church had it's Christmas Pageant. I was sad, cause I like Mom and Dad to be with me. Now Christmas is over, and Mom says this is a new year. What does that mean? I just know that I am a very lucky girl, and another year is gone. This July I will be four years old!
I hope all of you had a good year, like I did. I also hope you have a very good New Year! As long as I have Mom and Dad, Max, and yummy food, my wolf, and my toys, it will be another good year for me, Molly!