Podcast Summary
Supporting families with life-limiting diagnoses: Able Speaks, a Christian nonprofit, helps families cherish their child's life with trisomy 18 by providing support, information, and community.
For families faced with the difficult decision of carrying a child with a life-limiting diagnosis like trisomy 18, the most loving and healing choice is to allow the baby to be born and experience life, despite the potential grief and loss. However, these families need support, information, and community to make this choice. Able Speaks, a Christian nonprofit organization founded by Daniel and Kelly Crawford, exists to provide this support. Their organization's name comes from Hebrews 11:4, which speaks of Abel, who even though he died, still speaks through faith. The Crawfords' journey with their son Abel, who was diagnosed with trisomy 18 in the summer of 2015, led them to create Able Speaks to help families cherish their child's life and find hope and joy amidst sorrow.
Receiving a diagnosis for trisomy 18 during pregnancy: Despite a diagnosis of trisomy 18 being life-limiting, parents can experience valuable time with their children outside the womb. It's crucial to provide comprehensive information and support to families facing such diagnoses.
Receiving a diagnosis for a condition like trisomy 18 during pregnancy can be a shocking and emotional experience. During a visit to a maternal fetal medicine specialist at around 12 weeks, the couple was informed that their unborn son likely had the condition, which is characterized by an extra copy of chromosome 18. The specialist suggested terminating the pregnancy due to the condition's life-limiting nature. At the time, the couple was given little information about the diagnosis or alternatives. However, they later learned that there is a range of time outside of the womb that parents can experience with their children who have diagnoses like trisomy 18. The experience highlights the importance of providing comprehensive information and support to families facing such diagnoses.
Grieving the loss of dreams and expectations: Prepare for challenging situations by having a clear sense of beliefs and values to lean on during uncertain times
The experience of receiving a difficult diagnosis can be a time of profound grief and uncertainty, even before the inevitable outcome. This was the case for a couple who received the news that their unborn child would not survive, and they began grieving not only for the loss of their child but also for the loss of the dreams and expectations they had for their family. This process of grieving began not at the moment of resolution, but in the moment of receiving the diagnosis and coming to terms with the reality that things would be different than they had imagined. It was important for them to lean into this process, even if it was difficult and tender, and to remember that they were not alone in their journey. Another key takeaway was the importance of being equipped and having a clear sense of one's beliefs and values before facing such a challenging situation. This allowed them to approach the experience with a sense of peace and purpose, even in the midst of uncertainty.
The power of faith and community during a challenging pregnancy: Faith, community support, and using one's unique gifts can provide strength and hope during difficult times, inspiring individuals to help others in similar situations.
Our beliefs and values, particularly regarding ethical issues like abortion, significantly impact our decisions and experiences in life. During a challenging time in her pregnancy, Ally learned the importance of having a strong foundation in her faith and understanding of what an abortion truly entails. After leaving the hospital, she was deeply moved by the support of her church community, which provided practical help and prayer. This experience inspired Ally and her husband to start AbleSpeaks, a nonprofit organization that aims to equip and support families facing similar situations. The power of community, prayer, and using one's unique gifts to help others emerged as essential elements in their journey.
Trusting in God's provision during hardships: During hardships, trust in God's provision, find comfort in community and prayer, and be authentic in your requests.
During times of uncertainty and vulnerability, it's essential to trust in God's provision and sustainability while abiding in faith. Communities and personal preparation can help, but there's a limit to what we can control. In the face of hardships, we can find comfort in the stories of those who have come before us and the assurance that God draws near to the brokenhearted. Setting aside time for prayer, even daily, can serve as a reminder of the support and love of a community and the power of collective faith. It's important to be authentic and vulnerable in our prayers, asking for what we truly desire, even if it seems impossible. The act of praying, regardless of the outcome, can bring a sense of intimacy and authenticity to our faith journey.
Impact of healthcare providers during challenging pregnancies: Choosing compassionate and supportive healthcare providers can transform a difficult pregnancy or birth experience, inspiring parents to advocate for better care for others.
The support and care provided by medical professionals during a difficult pregnancy or birth experience can have a profound impact on the emotional and vocational journey of the parents. The speaker shares her experience of navigating a challenging pregnancy and the significant difference between two providers. The first experience left her feeling disconnected and uncertain, while the second provider celebrated the value of their son's life and supported their parental choices. This positive interaction changed their lives and inspired them to help others find similar care through their organization, AbleSpeaks. The days leading up to the birth felt like a blur, but the moment of Abel's arrival was a powerful and transformative experience. Overall, the speaker emphasizes the importance of choosing healthcare providers who value and support their patients, making a significant difference in their lives.
Navigating unexpected challenges in parenthood: Trust the journey, advocate for your child, and cherish the memories made with them, even during difficult times.
The journey of parenthood, especially when faced with unexpected challenges or a child's life-limiting diagnosis, can be filled with a complex mix of emotions, from excitement and anticipation to fear and uncertainty. The speaker's experience of preparing for and welcoming her son, Abel, who was born with a heart condition, illustrates this. Despite the challenges and uncertainty, she emphasizes the importance of trusting in the journey and advocating for what is best for the child and family. The experience of meeting and getting to know their child, no matter the circumstances, is a unique and valuable gift. The speaker encourages families going through similar experiences to hold on to the hope that the connection and memories made with their child will be invaluable.
Finding beauty and joy in the experience of loss: Despite loss and grief, families who have experienced stillbirth or a child with limited life expectancy find joy and appreciate the time spent with their child, experiencing God's grace and reporting better psychological and emotional wellbeing in the long run.
Even in the face of loss and grief, families who have experienced stillbirth or the birth of a child with a limited life expectancy find beauty and joy in the experience. This sentiment is universal among the over 400 families that have been served, who express a deep appreciation for the time they spent with their child, no matter how long that time was. Anxiety and fear often arise when we forget that God's grace is present in each moment, and families who have gone through this experience have reported feeling God's grace and being grateful for it. A study conducted by Duke University also supports this, finding that families who carry and continue to care for their child, regardless of the child's life expectancy, fare better in the long run psychologically and emotionally. Ultimately, the experience of love and joy, even in the face of loss, is a testament to the redemptive nature of life and the power of God's grace.
Trusting the natural course of events: Trusting the natural course of events can bring unexpected joy and redemption, even during difficult times. Informed decisions and trust in God's plan are important.
Trusting the natural course of events, even during difficult and uncertain times, can lead to a greater sense of peace and fewer regrets in the long run. The speakers shared their experience of carrying a child named Abel to term, despite the challenges and unknowns, and how it brought them unexpected joy and redemption. They also emphasized the importance of taking informed decisions and not rushing into decisions that might forfeit the potential for joyful experiences. The speakers also highlighted the importance of trusting in God's plan and finding grace in the daily challenges of life. Despite the sadness and loss associated with Abel's passing, the speakers found comfort in the peace and presence of God during that time. Overall, their experience underscores the value of trusting the natural course of events and finding grace in the daily challenges of life.
Finding purpose in tragedy: Personal experiences can reveal needs in society and inspire individuals to create organizations and provide resources to address those needs.
After experiencing the loss of their child, the parents felt called to create an organization to support other families going through similar experiences. They didn't have a grand plan but responded to opportunities as they arose, feeling led by faith. Over time, they realized there was a significant need for education, support, and guidance in areas such as theology, relationships, and practical matters. Many families lacked a foundation for understanding and navigating the complexities of their situation. The parents saw an opportunity to fill these gaps and provide resources and perspectives that could make a difference. In essence, their personal experience led them to identify a need and respond with compassion and practical solutions.
Navigating challenges of caring for a medically complex child: Able Speaks, a ministry supporting families with medically complex children, grew from personal experience to serving over 400 families in US and 8 countries. Founders emphasize importance of compassionate, redemptive care and challenging cultural narrative around abortion for medically complex children.
The journey of caring for a medically complex child can be filled with unexpected challenges and obstacles, from denial of necessary care to a lack of knowledge about available options. The founders of Able Speaks, a ministry supporting families with medically complex children, share their own experience of navigating these challenges with their son Abel, who was born with a heart condition. They saw a need for support and resources for families facing similar situations and established Able Speaks in 2018. The ministry quickly grew, and the founders, who were initially working part-time, had to make a decision to fully commit to the ministry. Today, Able Speaks serves over 400 families in the US and 8 different countries. The experience of walking with families through their most difficult moments has kept the founders' perspective focused on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of compassionate, redemptive care for all children, regardless of their diagnoses. The founders also emphasize the need to challenge the cultural narrative around abortion in cases of medically complex children, as not all families may be aware of the options for whole-life care.
Exploring the Role of Suffering and God: Through personal experience, the speaker emphasizes the importance of embracing suffering as an opportunity to deepen our relationship with God, and encourages a thoughtful and compassionate approach to controversial topics like abortion, rooted in a deep trust in God's goodness and plan.
Understanding suffering and God's role in it is crucial for believers. The speaker shares her personal experience of losing a child and how it led her to a deeper relationship with God. She emphasizes that suffering is not something to be avoided, but rather an opportunity to know God more intimately. The speaker also highlights the importance of having a solid foundation of knowledge and understanding when it comes to controversial topics like abortion. She encourages believers to share their stories and experiences to help others see things from a new perspective, while also balancing grace and truth. The speaker's organization, Able Speaks, offers a free resource called "4 Foundational Questions about Abortion" to help individuals navigate this complex issue. Ultimately, the speaker encourages a thoughtful and compassionate approach to difficult topics, rooted in a deep trust in God's goodness and plan.
Personal stories of carrying pregnancies to term despite difficulties: Experiencing the joys and pains of raising a child creates cherished memories, despite the challenges, and can lead to greater fulfillment in the long run.
The personal stories and experiences of those who have chosen to carry their pregnancies to term, despite difficult circumstances, offer a powerful counterpoint to the abortion debate. The ability to experience the joys and pains of raising a child, and the creation of cherished memories, are irreplaceable. The temptation to take the seemingly easier way out and avoid suffering is a common human struggle, but ultimately, it can lead to greater suffering in the long run. Organizations like AbleSpeaks offer valuable resources and support for families going through this experience, helping them to cherish their child and connect with others in similar situations.
Building connections and community: Support from others who have gone through similar experiences is crucial for families facing difficult pregnancy decisions, leading to positive outcomes and improved well-being.
The most impactful and transformative support for families facing difficult pregnancy decisions comes from building connections and community with others who have gone through similar experiences. AbleSpeaks, an organization that provides resources and support for families, emphasizes the importance of these relationships in helping families navigate their journeys. The organization has seen firsthand that families who receive proper support do not regret their decisions, and they strive to connect families with each other and with their staff. The impact of this support extends beyond individual families, affecting grandparents, siblings, and even future generations. AbleSpeaks has been instrumental in helping some families, such as the speaker's own, experience positive outcomes, like successful VBACs after multiple C-sections, that others may find unheard of. The organization's emphasis on community and relationships has proven to be a game changer for many families facing difficult pregnancy decisions.
Celebrating the Journey of Challenging Experiences: Trust and faith, focusing on the present moment, and connecting with others can bring peace and hope during challenging experiences
Going through challenging experiences, such as pregnancy and childbirth, can be mentally and physically taxing, but the journey is worth celebrating. No matter the difficulties, including concerns from loved ones, it's essential to trust and have faith that things will work out. The waiting game and unexpected twists can be daunting, but focusing on the present moment and trusting in the unknown can bring peace and comfort. Additionally, sharing experiences and offering support to others going through similar circumstances can provide a sense of connection and understanding. Ultimately, no matter the circumstances, knowing that we are not alone and that God sees and cares for us can bring hope and strength during the most challenging times.
