He held his hand out for her. Katie looked up, her eyes swollen from crying, and hesitated before taking it.
The memory of that night of her rape haunted her, tormenting her with the physical and emotional scars that seemed to never heal. She wanted to forget it all, but at the same time, she couldn’t help but relive it over and over again in her mind. It was a constant battle between wanting to move on and being trapped in the trauma of that terrible night.
As the weeks passed, Katie discovered she was pregnant. The news shattered her already fragile state. Fear and uncertainty loomed over her, compounded by the relentless pressure from friends and society to abort the baby. They argued it would be the best way to move on—to erase the reminder of the trauma she had endured and a chance to reclaim her power and freedom. If she thinks she’s reliving that horrible night now, she will relive it for the rest of her life every time she looks at that baby.
Katie sat in her small apartment, drowning in despair, when Christina, her childhood friend, came to visit. Christina had always been a beacon of light, her faith guiding her actions and words. She listened as Katie pour out her heart, sharing her fears and the overwhelming advice—the only choice—her friends gave her to go to the local Planned Parenthood.
“Katie,” Christina said softly, taking her hand, “I can’t imagine the pain you’re going through, but I want you to know you’re not alone. God loves you, and He has a plan for you and your baby.”
Katie’s tired eyes met Christina’s with hesitation and uncertainty. But as she took in the warmth and understanding in Christina’s gaze, her tense shoulders relaxed and softened.
“But what am I supposed to do, Christina? I can’t do this on my own.”
Christina squeezed her hand gently. “You don’t have to. My church and I will support you every step of the way, like we’ve supported others. We have a group of ladies and a budget specifically for women like you. We can provide free checkups at the local pregnancy center, and we’ll help with all the costs after the baby is born—diapers, food, clothing, toys, everything you need.”
The wetness of Katie’s tears trickled down her cheeks, leaving a cool trail on her skin. She wiped them away with the back of her hand, feeling the softness of Christina’s palm against hers.
“Why would you do this for me?” she asked with perplexity.
“Because you’re my friend and I love you. Because the Holy Spirit is the Lord and Giver of life, and it’s what Jesus would do. Every baby—even yours despite the terrible circumstances—is fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. You suffered a horrible tragedy, and it makes no sense to put your body and the baby through another traumatic experience.”
With Christina’s encouragement, Katie decided to keep the baby, despite the acrimony of her “friends” when she announced the decision on Facebook. She started attending the church with Christina, finding solace in the community that welcomed her with open arms. It was a haven of warmth and acceptance—a refuge where Katie could find comfort and understanding amidst the storm of judgement and criticism. The community embraced her with open arms, even when her baby bump was palpable, offering not just physical aid but also a sense of belonging and support.
As the swell of Katie’s belly grew, so did the warmth and strength of her faith. She no longer saw the baby as a burden, but as a sweet blessing that would bring new beginnings and light into her world. The soft fluttering of tiny kicks inside her were a constant reminder of the love and kindness she had received from Christina and the church. These acts of compassion had transformed her outlook on life, and she felt grateful for the journey that lay ahead with her precious little one.
One Sunday morning, the pastor had said something in his sermon that moved her deeply. “Christ is the Great Reverser. From the depths of despair, He brings forth a glimmer of unwavering hope. From the burning embers of hate, He ignites a fierce love that cannot be extinguished. In the midst of chaos and violence, He offers an unshakable peace that surpasses all understanding. And even in the face of death, He brings forth new life—a resurrection from the ashes of our suffering. So, when we are wounded by the evil deeds of others, we can find solace in knowing that Christ Himself bled for us. And when we experience injustice and oppression, we can trust that not only will He bring His recompense, but also redemption for those who have been wronged.”
It was as if he was speaking directly to her. When she despaired of her trauma, the church showed her hope. When she hated herself and her baby, she was filled with love for herself and her baby. When she was haunted by the violence, she was filled with peace. When she sought death, she was shown life. When she desired to take justice into her own hands—what she came to realize was bringing justice upon her baby instead of the real perpetrator—she left in God’s hands, knowing Christ will come to judge the living and the dead, and that He has redeemed her from her oppression.
The months passed quickly, and the day came when Katie gave birth to a beautiful girl. It was a day of hope and rebirth—of tears and joy—as Katie brought forth new life and love into the world. The sun shined through the hospital room’s windows, as if God Himself were smiling upon this new mother and her baby.
She named her Hope, a testament to the journey she had been on and the future she now looked forward to, not just in her life now but also in the life to come. The church rejoiced with her, their collective prayers and support having brought her through the darkest of times, showering her not just with presents for Hope but also their love.
Katie embraced motherhood with a strength she never knew she had. The challenges were still there, but she faced them with faith and the unwavering support of her new family in Christ. She often marveled at how one act of kindness from a true friend had changed the course of her life.
Years later, as she watched Hope play with the other children at church—now self-sufficient in her own life—Katie whispered a prayer of gratitude. She had found more than just support and love; she had found faith, purpose, and a reason to keep moving forward. And it all began with Christina holding out her hand, offering hope and compassion when Katie needed it most.
The Lutheran Column 