***WARNING***
Controversial Subject matter ahead
Since I consider myself a Christian and I believe in the sanctity of human life, I am against embryonic stem cell research. I'm sure some of you are thinking... How then can I support the JDRF who supports embryonic stem cell research? Because I believe that you can support an organization and still oppose some ideology. I support the JDRF because they support a cause that is near and dear to my heart.
Embryonic stem cell research is NOT the only research the JDRF does either, it is SO much more then that. If I turn my back on all the good they do with education, awareness and support then what is that saying to others? As a Christian I feel we need to have a voice in places like the JDRF to influence them to stop doing this type of research. I feel if enough Christians got on board, maybe we could make a difference or at the very least make sure fewer dollars are going to support this practice.
I also want to reach out to other families who are going through a diagnosis and my local JDRF can connect me with those people. I have the chance to reach out to them and share my faith with them. That to me is priceless. I just love how my friend Wendy put this: "In all things, I must constantly remind myself that I am an ambassador for Christ. Christ cared less about authority and more about people. The hurting, broken, fallible people. I care about these families and I trust that God is in control. In the end, it doesn't matter how much money the JDRF raises...a cure will only come in God's timing, using God's authority. It all belongs to him anyway." So very true and so well put.
Now I'm sure some of you might be reading this thinking I am some right wing Christian who is so far out in right field. That it is the furthest thing from the truth. I don't believe this just because someone told me I should or because that's what my parents taught me. No, I actually have a brain and I think for myself. I believe this because that is what I believe in my heart is right.
No, I do not judge other's who think differently then me. I'm sure there are others (Christians and non-believers alike) out there who do support embryonic stem cell research. I do not judge them. That is between them and God. Having a child with Type 1 I can see the arguements on both sides, for and against. There is value in the research, I won't argue with that. I just pray that I am never put in the position that I have to make a moral judgement on whether or not to cure Audrey because the cure came from embryonic stem cells.
When I talk about my support for the JDRF, it is not the most important thing to me. Yes, the research the JDRF does has made Lovebug's life easier. I'm sure they will continue to bring great advances in technology that will eventually lead to to cure. So raising money is important to me, but not as important as support.
What I mostly want from people is to show their support, wholeheartedly, to our family and help us embrace the unique challenges that we face day. One way they can do that is to walk with us in the Walk to Cure Diabetes. Doing that says to us, "we understand and sympathize with what you go through on a daily basis and we are there for you." Support and prayer is what Tim, I and the girls need to get through each and every day. Words of encouragement and hugs go a long way too.
I will close with this though as for our cure to Type 1 Diabetes:
Mark 10:27 (NIV) Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; ALL things are possible with God."
(emphasis mine)
9 comments:
We can all agree to disagree and love each other anyway! :)
For the record, our local JDRF chapter Treasurer is against ESCR so I know he struggles with the issue of the amount of money donated that way.
MWAH! Love ya, Girl!
I agree Laura! Especially when I really do understand both sides. Love you too girl!
With God all things are possible!!!
I applaud your bravery for posting about something that many people would avoid!
I have also had to respond to this question, specifically from Christian readers who have e-mailed me privately.
It's reassuring to know that I'm not alone.
If there was a "cure" tomorrow, I'd need more information about it's long term effects before jumping in to sign Sugar up for it. The concept of a "cure" entails SO MUCH more than simply producing insulin....
Even though I have a different belief, I completely respect where you are coming from and agree with Laura..there is lots of love no matter what side of the fence anyone is on!!
I too applaud your bravery for posting about this.
One thing you/Wendy said... "a cure will only come in God's timing". I absoulutly agree, but for me... if that cure comes in the form of ESCR; then so be it. Who am I to go against Justin's opportunity of a less difficult life.
As a Christian woman I struggle with this. I believe human life begins at day one. It is a precious gift. I hope the cure finds its way to us another way...but if a cure was presented, what would I do? I guess I'll cross that bridge when and if we come to it.
Heather...Awesome post. I have no idea what I would choose. With every action there is a reaction...with a cure...there will be a consequence, side-effect, complication. I don't know that we will have to cross the stem-cell bridge. Only time will tell. I am a big fan of Denise Faustman...who deals more with the autoimmune aspect of type 1. My money is on her...who knows though...I am not sure it will happen in my lifetime...OR...Joes.
LOVE YOU.
GREAT posts on this Heather!
My comment is actually similar to one I made on Jen's post on this subject.
Before Sugar Boy was diagnosed I was opposed to it. Adamantly. Not because I knew anything about it, but because my priest and my church said I should be. And what little I did know, just didnt seem right... so therefor, ok, yeah, I'll be opposed to it. I was uneducated, unexperienced, and oblivious to the pain and suffering that exisisted outside of my nice neat little circle of family and friends. Then our whole world changed with one little word: Diabetes. EVERYTHING changed - including how I felt about this very controversial subject. When it comes right down to it if the cure where to come from ESCR then I would embrace that cure with open arms thanking God that He had seen fit to give us the cure - no matter what form He provided it. I happen to agree with some of the other ladies that I personally DONT think the TOTAL cure will come from SCR. I think that a PART of it MAY. And for that reason I still feel the deep down desire to support it.
Does it make me a horrible human to think that way? I dont know.
Does it make me a bad Christian? Maybe, but I in my heart I really dont think so. I am still very comfortable in my relationship with God.
Can I live with that if it means my baby has a cure one day? Absolutely.
Can I respect others for their different opionions - YOU BET I CAN! Because we are all moms... parents of kids that suffer. And in that we are ALWAYS united.
Love ya, girl!
I'm with Laura and Jen. Regardless of perspective and beliefs, I think it's important to have respect and love for others.
I admire you for posting about this.
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