Why My Best Friend Abandoned Me

July of 2015, my older sister came to my parents with the hare-brained idea that God was calling her to go on a missions trip. Not just any missions trip, mind you, but the World Race (an 11-month missions trip founded by Adventures in Missions where the participants visit 11 countries and serve a month in each one). I overheard and tearfully but jokingly threatened her that if she ever went on such a long trip, I was coming with her. (Now, my sister has been my best friend ever since I can remember. We've argued, we've squabbled, we've gone through times where we were both seething mad at each other. But she's still my best friend.) And so it began. My sister began fundraising in August, had training camp in October, and left just after the New Year (as a side-note, she specially requested that we have a Lord of the Rings marathon as part of our New Year's celebration). I was devastated. My best friend. My sister. Was gone. Gone to visit places that I couldn't go with her. I selfishly convinced myself that she had abandoned me (yes, I have a bit of a flare for the dramatic), even going as far as to ask God (quite accusingly) why He'd sent my sister away [to help people who had never heard the Gospel, nor seen the love that Christ gives]. The turning point didn't come until I started to read the blog that she was posting from Central and South America (more recently, Europe and Africa) (you can follow her continuing journey here: http://carolyngibson.theworldrace.org/). Lives were changing radically, my sister's life included. And here I was, sitting at home, moping and being miserable. So I began really delving into the Scriptures. I wanted my life to change, too. I wanted to be able to experience the joy that she was experiencing. And I did. It didn't happen right away, it took a few weeks for me to relearn how to love reading my Bible, so to speak. But as I read and and continued to read, I came to absolutely love God's Word, because I learned what I've been told so many times... The Bible is and always will be relevant. I still miss my sister terribly. I still cry every time I have to say goodbye over Skype. But she's doing what God has called her to do, and who am I to say she shouldn't? She's still my best friend, as she will likely always be. And we're now both doing what God wants us to. But back to my sister. She's been through situations I can't imagine, from living for a time with her team, crammed in a filthy, bug and rat infested hostel in Chile, to meeting up with our parents in Romania (as part of the Parent Vision Trip, where parents of the Racers meet up with them for a week of ministry together) and serving with them in the poor communities there. She's served in 9 countries now, with courage, determination, and joy I'm astounded by. If you had told me a year and a half ago that this would be my sister today, I wouldn't have believed you. She's become a gentle warrior, if that makes sense. She's someone I look up to, because she mirrors Christ in her every-day life.

This deep thought isn't meant to be about me, or even my sister, really. It's about the impact that one can have when they are in God's will, going where He wants them to go, doing what He has called them to do. That being said, my sister is a living example of that, which is why she's my role-model.

Can a Christian be Pro-Choice?

One of the major topics in the church these days is abortion. What shocks me more than just about anything in churches now is the condoning of abortion in “some cases.” This baffles me. Where in Scripture does it also condone the taking of innocent life in “some cases”? We often hear the terms “pro-life” and “pro-choice.” When has it, in the history of Christianity, been a “choice” to take a baby’s life?

I have heard so many arguments for abortion, it’s ridiculous. One of the most absurd excuses I’ve heard from some Christians is that if the mother isn’t married, then she should have the right to abort it, as a child needs both a mother and a father. This is so incredibly wrong! The Bible says to care for the fatherless, the orphan. Nowhere does it permit the taking of an innocent baby’s life. Another argument I hear commonly is, “Her body, her choice [in reference to the mother].” Well, logically, this doesn’t work. It’s not her body, it’s a child’s body. A child that has been given a soul by Almighty God. Who are we to take the life of a being made in the image of God? Another of the most common arguments I hear is that if the child was conceived in rape, then the mother can abort it if she so desires. This is also incorrect. Why should children be murdered for the sin of their parent(s)? Is it their fault? Of course not! Another argument for abortion is when a mental and/or physical handicap is detected by ultrasound. Here’s a staggering fact: 50% of all babies in the world with Down Syndrome are aborted. If you’re in Great Britain, 90% of all babies with Down Syndrome are aborted. Is this just? Is this Christian? Our blood should boil at the taking of innocent lives! God gives life for a reason, no child is an accident. One more fact... 65% of women who have had abortions later openly regret it. And that’s just the women who will admit to regretting their decision.

One of the most wonderful things I’ve seen done is where couples who want children go to an abortion clinic, stand outside, and offer to adopt women’s babies that they don’t necessarily want. I also have friends who have gone to preach outside of abortion clinics, sharing the Gospel so that women and girls may see the error of their ways and turn towards Christ.

So, no, a Christian fundamentally cannot be “pro-choice.”

Politics and Christianity

How do politics relate to Christianity? Short answer: as Christians, our faith should influence every part of our lives. Long answer: buckle your seat belts. In our Constitutional Republic, also known as the USA, politics are important, and at times, trying. For Christians, it can be even more trying at times. We have to decide who best upholds Christian morals, a Christian worldview, and a good public reputation. The Bible talks about politics quite a bit. The Old Testament especially gives extensive political law, but we have to remember that the political background shown here is that of a patriarchy. Also, these laws were replaced by New Testament laws, because we are no longer under the old covenant. Jesus also talks about taxes (the give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s). We are to give the government what the government is due in ways of taxes (Some things we are taxed for are ridiculous, but that’s where local and state government, backed by the people, need to stand up and say, “no”).

I’ve heard the argument that Christians should not be involved in politics at all, but when we look at history, we find that the best politicians were Christians who weren’t afraid to stand for what is right, and a strong moral compass. If we (Christians) aren’t involved in politics in some capacity, there is next to nothing to stop evil from sweeping the world. We need to stand for what’s right and not bend under an oppressive government that either ignores Christianity, or attacks it by turns.

A commonly overlooked aspect of the Apostle Paul is that he used his Roman citizenship in Acts 22 to escape an unjust beating. Not only did he use the law to his advantage as a citizen, he also clung to his rights as one. Can we not do the same?

So, what are we as Christians supposed to do with things like elections? Follow your conscience. Not your heart, your conscience (Remember, when we are redeemed, the Holy Spirit becomes our conscience, and He doesn’t make mistakes). Also, do your research. On everything. Candidates, Issues, etc.

Young people (and older, too), if you want to get involved in politics, that is an amazing way to serve your town, your state, your country. You can be a good influence and help to make decisions that will better your town, your state, your country.

Stand with us, my fellow Christians. Stand for what’s right.