How could this have happened? Good Christian girls don’t get pregnant. When you hear those words, “Mom, I’m pregnant,” your brain starts going over how you got there.
You did all the right things. You taught your teen daughter God’s word from an early age. You took her to church and Sunday school. You taught her right from wrong. It seems, though, that you have failed as a parent.
Did you know that three out of ten teen girls will become pregnant before the age of twenty? That’s about 700,000 teen pregnancies each year according to some statistics.
For some teens in today’s world, it’s not a big deal. Some teens actually think it’s cool to get pregnant. Some don’t even try to avoid it because they want to be the next celebrity teen mom on a reality show. What they don’t realize is that teen pregnancy changes lives.
You may have a teen daughter or granddaughter who is pregnant right now, and you are struggling with how to help her through this challenging time.
Initially, it’s normal to feel shocked, upset, or even crushed about the news of your teen getting pregnant, especially when you’ve had great dreams for your teen’s future. However, it’s not over. The Lord still holds her dreams in His hands.
Here are a few thoughts.
1. She needs your love, support and forgiveness. Put your own hurt feelings aside and let her know that you’ll be there for her through all the challenges she faces ahead of her.
2. Seek godly counsel. This will help all of your family as you go through the emotional rollercoaster and decision-making in the months ahead.
3. Let her know that God is not done using her to impact the lives of others. She is still His child and He loves her.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)
Stay encouraged. There is hope. There is grace. There is love. God is ready to use you to help her. Remember, the Lord does not make mistakes and is working out his plans for you and your teen daughter.
You never know. Her baby just might be the next great young woman or man to reach millions with the message of Jesus.
