Joy from Pain | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Joy from Pain | Previous Challenge Entry
By Pam Cantrell
08/26/09
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Joy from Pain

What should have been a wonderful October day for Sherri's family suddenly became
a challenge for their hearts and minds.
Sherri was a very energetic person with strawberry blond hair to her shoulders, blue
eyes and most days a warm smile. She had to have alot of energy to keep up with her
beautiful children, Emma age 4 and Jeremiah age 2 and her husband John of 7 years.
On a bright sunny day in July Sherri found out she was to have another child. The
family was excited and offered up prayers of a safe delivery and a healthy child. Then
the regular doctor visits began including many test. The doctor visit went well one day
in October until the doctor informed her that one of the test came back positive for down
syndrome. As any Mother would be, she was in shock. Most of what the doctor said went
unheard except the sentence "I am sending you to a genetic specialist to have an
amniocentesis test done." This test allows a long needle to go into the bellybutton and
into the amino sac to get fluid to be tested. This test can be dangerous to the baby and
can result into a miscarriage.
Sherri and John agreed to go to the genetics specialist. As Sherri sat there she
couldn't believe what she was hearing. She felt angry, numb, furious. How dare her! She
couldn't believe this, this specialist was telling her to abort her baby, this beautiful
life that God had put inside her. To top it all off some of her family member's agreed
with the specialist.
John not knowing what to do took Sherri home. A few days later the test was done.
As she laid on the bed, being careful not to move, she saw the baby moving and sucking
its thumb. Crying, she couldn't stop. How could anyone think of doing such a thing just
because the baby might not be perfect? The specialist informed them that the results
would take at least fourteen days to get back, go home and rest.
Trying to function became a difficult job. Sherri began to pray like never before.
Her sister sent her a book about praying in the spirit about your specific needs.
Sherri had to force herself to eat, to put a smile on her face for her children and
family. But most of all she read her Bible and prayed. Four days later the specialist
called and said the baby was fine and it was a boy. She began to laugh and cry at the
same time. It wasn't about whether this child would be perfect or imperfect or down syndrome.
It was about the struggle within. Should she listen to family and friends or to go with her
heart and the Word of God as to aborting this child. Sherri thanks God daily that she
didn't give in to those who were against having the baby even if it meant losing family
members if it was down syndrome. In her heart she knew she had done the right thing.
On February 10th a beautiful baby boy was born to Sherri and John. Sherri now
knows the full meaning of the scripture in the Bible that says "No weapon formed against
you shall prosper."

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