You Gave Her a Supportive Family
Ashley had no plans to be a mother at this time. What she did plan on was finishing her degree so she didn’t have to work two jobs. She was nervous to tell her boyfriend, Alex, who was so busy with law school.
Ashley said, “When I found out I was pregnant, my first instinct was to get an ultrasound. I almost couldn’t believe it when I saw that CHOICES offered free ultrasounds! When our friends and family found out, most of them told us to get an abortion. Walking into CHOICES, I felt the heavy weight of what seemed like a forced decision. But then my nurse sat with me and talked, bringing me so much comfort. At that moment, I knew choosing life was the only decision I wanted to make. My relationship with God led me to CHOICES. I was meant to be there to meet the amazing women who would support me. When no one else supported my decision, CHOICES did.”
After the first ultrasound was inconclusive, Ashley and Alex returned for a second ultrasound. Alex gasped as soon as the heartbeat flickered on the screen, and they both began to cry. They left that day filled with excitement. Alex and Ashley attended our LEGACY Parenting Development Class, where they were equipped to be the best parents they could be. As they were preparing for baby’s arrival, Alex had a divine encounter. He said, “One night, while Ashley and I were setting up Ashton’s room, I was touched by the Holy Spirit in a profound way. Having gone so long trying to do things MY way, I finally felt the weight of what God was capable of, and it overwhelmed me. In that moment, God showed me what love truly is and how I am to love my wife and son and be the leader in my family and my community.”
Every day, we all make hundreds of choices and entertain millions of thoughts. Some are insignificant and others become defining moments in our God-given destiny. We are amazed at what happened when Ashley decided to honor God with her choices, even if it cost her everything.
“I decided I wasn’t going to have an abortion and I kept praying for God to use this for our good. I physically saw God fill Alex’s heart little by little. Now, everything about my husband has changed. He is a completely new person. It’s a miracle. He loves Ashton so much – how a father should love their child. No human is capable of softening someone’s heart like this — only God.”
Alex and Ashley got plugged into a church and serve every Sunday and they are in love with their baby boy. Their decision to choose life didn’t make all their problems disappear, but amid the good, hard choices, God changed everything. Ashley took a sabbatical from school, and Alex works full-time while finishing his rigorous law school program at night. While it doesn’t look anything like their plans, we know that God promises He already has an amazing future written that will be fulfilled for Alex, Ashley, and Ashton.
“My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways…As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).