We can't be afraid to speak up

One of my dear friends is a physician and she told me I could share what she wrote about contraception...

Even if you don't believe in God, this is all true by nature, biology, and natural law.

But I did not hear any of it as a young woman until the weekend I committed to attend a Catholic retreat for young adults.

You see, I was in medical school, pressured with studying nonstop, working 40 hour stretches awake on-call, extremely busy, sleep-deprived, ... and recently engaged.

That weekend I awoke at 4am Saturday morning, traveled from my humble room in west Philly to NYC by trolley, train, then several bus transfers on cold windy city corners to get to an Opus Dei retreat.

That afternoon, I encountered a young woman who had the courage to challenge me with this.

I did NOT want to hear what she said- it went counter to all the "woman power" and feminist culture around me... and the control by pharmacology I was learning in medical school.

My spirit automatically rebelled against her, and I wanted to shut her up and put her down. But the Holy Spirit somehow got into my mind, and urged me to honestly pray on what I had just heard.

In my heart I knew she was right, but it went against all I was hearing in secular world around me. No one had ever taught this growing up catholic, in confirmation preparation, or the rel ed classes I attended through high school.

I never heard it from my parents...too embarrassing to talk about. I never heard it from priests in homilies... too many would get upset to hear it. I never heard it from rel ed teachers... too many parents would complain.

When I got bonked over the head with this information from a stranger 35+ years ago I had just met, I encountered the truth of God's design for us in marriage. And I committed not to use birth control....even if I lost my fiance over this new change in me and our relationship.

He didn't abandon me over this, but joined with me to make it OUR commitment.

I am forever grateful to my husband now of nearly 35 years. I am also incredibly grateful this woman had the courage to speak up to me....despite my angry, rebellious response to her.

So grateful to you, Gemma, wherever you are now.

I think God sends people with messages into our lives. Without her, my life and marriage would've taken a totally different course.

I would've used birth control as did all my peers... and my 4 children would not have been born.

And my husband and they are the most precious part of my life. Not my career or profession.

God works in astounding amazing ways. May we trust Him always.

As always, our entire family is here to give you hope & encouragement!  We truly love you and pray for you daily!  Never hesitate to send me a prayer request!

Sending our love and prayers to our remnant family...Wendy & Walt and family