Two Phone Calls That Showed Me God’s Plan (part 2)

One day, thirty years ago, I had to make one important phone call that could cause the beginning of a major change in my life. Pressing that last number to call a place I’ve never heard about caused my heart to pound. That place? Planned Parenthood.  – 1*-

Ring, ring. Ring, ring. Ring, ring. Ring, ring.

Hmmm. No answer. Darn it. I’ll try another one. Let’s see. 

Flipping backwards a bit through the phone book I found another place: Crisis Pregnancy Center.

I have to try this place. If I’m pregnant, then it sure will be a crisis for me.

Ring, ring. Ring, ring.

Oh, please. Oh, please be open! PLEASE be op…

“Hello. Crisis Pregnancy Center. How can I help you?”

I can still picture that building and how I felt as I drove up. But more so, I can picture the look on my face once I learned what the pregnancy test result ‘Positive’ meant. I also learned what feeling numb felt like. After a short spell, the lady asked, “Is it okay if I ask you, now that this test shows you are pregnant, what you think you should do?”

I took a deep breath, feeling like I needed to be strong and not fall into a pit of despair.

“Yes, you can. I . . . I think I should get an abortion. I can’t be a bad example as a Christian. You may not understand what the Christian faith is all about, but I want to please God and be a good witness to others.” Deep down, escaping the embarrassment of being pregnant when only nineteen was just as big a reason.

Those next few minutes were priceless, as I learned the place I was in was a Christian organization. God used that one woman to open my eyes to a few facts I needed to know.She could tell I was young and uninformed, so her showing me verse after verse of what God’s Word says about abortion was valuable. Learning how God knew this baby was forming in me, and that he or she was planned, changed my entire view on abortion.

Watching a video showing what a five-week-old in the womb actually looked like had me in tears for even thinking of having an abortion. I grasped the fact that God is my Father, He loves me, and He knew this baby that was forming inside me.

I left that building fully at peace. Yes, I knew a tough road was ahead but more importantly knew God would be right there with me.

He knew what was best for me: to make that phone call when one place was open while the other place was not. If that first call was answered, I’m almost certain Planned Parenthood would have let my emotions take over and resort to abortion. God knew it was best for me to have this baby and, as I continue sharing bits and pieces from my book, you’ll find out why.

God still hears my thanks to this day, 30 years later. I cling to all that took place back then knowing it has helped me go through other tough trials since.

I’m telling my story to encourage others going through an unplanned pregnancy but also for really anyone going through any tough times. Things may not turn out picture perfect as we hope, but God’s plans are always for our good as you will see as my story continues.

 1* – Click here to read what started her need to make that call.

Marianne Petersen’s book God and Your Pillow is now available on (Amazon) – Follow Marianne on Twitter at @mariannesmemoirs and Facebook at @marimemoirs.