In society today, we hear various arguments for all the varieties of choices we can make in our lives. I’m writing this to tell you a story of one girl who took on God’s call, and made a choice that started a chain reaction of love and blessings for years to come.
An average, un-wed college student chose to do something remarkably selfless. This college student chose to say ‘yes’ to the child that God had knitted within her womb. Through the difficulties of realizing she couldn’t offer her child the life she wanted her to have, she chose to find an adoptive family who she felt had the means to raise her child. The father of the child left with the news of the pregnancy. The year was 1995, and this mother had full “legal right” to choose abortion and end the life of her child. The young girl felt so alone. But she was a devout Catholic and believed in the sanctity of life, from womb (conception) to tomb (natural death). With the love and support of her family, she gave her situation to God. Soon after, through God’s grace, the young girl went through the process of making an adoption plan, and made contact with a family who had all the qualities and characteristics she was looking for in a couple who would raise her child. This family lived in a completely different state. Only God could have planned what would soon unfold in each of their lives.
See, the family who would adopt this child had been praying for a very long time about adoption and the right situation; they continued to do so even up to the day they would sign on the dotted line, committing to provide for their soon-to-be newborn child.
God really did have everything planned out. Any part of this young birthmother’s story would be seen as flawed to the human mind and eye, but God began to let His perfect plan unfold to the world. On February 12, 1995, the day I was born, my birthmother made the ultimate sacrifice and presented me, her firstborn child, to the family she had chosen to raise her newborn baby girl. Adoptions, especially closed ones like mine, often contain a negative connotation because people say that the adoptee will grow up to resent their birthparents. That may be true in some circumstances, but my family has taught me since the day I was born that my life was a blessing. I grew up in a positive and loving environment in which I never saw myself as a consequence or my life as a mistake. I have grown to understand how God creates beauty from our earthly challenges. How could I be upset when two loving parents chose me out of every baby in the whole wide world? They chose me; they didn’t have to provide for me all these years, but they wanted to do that. My family and I pray for my birthmother and her family daily. I pray that she comes to know the love that I have for her, how astonishingly grateful I am and that I hope she has peace in her heart. Though I’ve never contacted my birthmother, her story keeps inspiring me to commit my life to God and try to make the right choices that will glorify Him. Regardless of what happens in life, I’m inspired to remember that when my birthmother realized that in the times she was too weak to walk on her own, Jesus was carrying her through each day until she was strong enough to walk side by side with Him.
God blessed my life, 20 years ago today, with a wonderful family whose helped shape me into the young woman I am today. In my biased opinion, I’d have to say that I have the best parents in the world! My family is honestly just like every other, but let me help give you a glimpse of my family. First, I have a wonderful, selfless mother who inspires me to bring light into the world wherever I go. She supports me, unconditionally loves me and she is my best friend. Secondly, my dad is my hero. He and I actually share the same birthday— how crazy is that? But, I know there are no coincidences with God. My dad has shown me the importance of discipline, responsibility and how to live life with no regrets. I may not have their eyes or smile, along with various other genes, but I do know they’ve passed down their ‘Trudeau Family’ characteristics in more ways than I can count. I’ve called these two wonderful people Mom and Dad for 20 years and will continue to do so forever. My brother was my first friend. He has never stopped encouraging me and challenging me both academically and athletically. I look up to him, and I couldn’t imagine my life without such an amazing big brother to look up to.
My experience hasn’t always been the most glamorous, I acknowledge my struggles; but, I have learned how to choose thanksgiving over pity. In doing so, my life can be a testimony and vessel of God’s mercy and ever-providing hands, giving comfort to those who seek Him. What profoundly helped me through the good times and the bad was my faith. All glory to God because He gave me this amazing testament and a journey which I have only just begun. I look to the Bible to help me remember that unconditional love and protection from my heavenly Father. His Word is His personal love letter to all of us. For many years now, I have continued to keep these two verses in mind each day:
Jeremiah 33:3 (NABRE) “Call to me, and I will answer you; I will tell you great things beyond the reach of your knowledge.” I have chosen to answer His call and use my story as a testimony to the glory of God. I have chosen to be a voice for the voiceless and give yet another witness to the pro-life movement. Nothing I have been blessed with would have been possible without God. I hope that society can come to see that there is always a choice for life.
Ephesians 1:5 (NABRE) “He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will.” We must remember that adoption is a blessing and not a curse on our society. It’s not a rarity. If you are a Christian, you have been adopted in Christ’s name to be the daughter or son of the King. Be a light in the world and give adoption the positivity it justly deserves, especially because you never know who could be struggling with their own adoption experience. Encourage those around you to look into the ultimate gift you can help give a child— life.
One child can change the world, so embrace your life and be bold. We are called to love each other: mother, father and child. I hope that my story can give you just a glimpse into what glory can come from such hardship, thanks to our Lord. Speaking for the many children who are waiting to be adopted, remember, by choosing to love just one child, you can radically change their world. It made all the difference in my life, and I honestly wouldn’t have my life be any other way.
Katie Trudeau is a student at Ave Maria University. She is a graduate of the (Spring 2014) Ronald Reagan Memorial Internship Program of Concerned Women for America.