The Debate - Part 2

***WARNING*** 

Controversial Subject matter ahead

If you didn't read yesterday's post, go HERE to get the background on this post.

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)

The Debate - Part 1

I realize that this can sometimes be a touchy subject matter, 

and a recently I realized just how controversial it can be.  

What is it you ask?  

Embryonic Stem Cell Research

A recent chat with a friend got me thinking about it, a lot.  I always knew where I stood on the subject but I never thought about the why and what ifs.  So I started reading, thinking, praying, and researching.  

There really are a lot of things to consider when it comes to this subject matter, especially the fact that I have a child with Type 1 Diabetes whom could potentially be cured from those stem cells. How could I as a parent not want that for my child?  Am I a bad parent because I do or don't?  

I asked myself a lot of questions like; What would I do if a cure did come from embryonic stem cells?  Would I cure or not cure Lovebug?  What would be the legal ramifications if I did or didn't? Could I have my daughter taken away from me if I didn't?  Would friends and family be judgemental of my decision if I did?  

Then I think about the embryos....Whom am I to say that those parents who had them created in a petri dish can't donate them to research?  How is that any different then donating a dying child's organs to save someones life?  What is worse, the embryo's just sitting in a frozen state, discarded, or used for research?

On the other side of things, (kind of playing devils advocate here)  Should I blame those parents who created extra embryos for this mess?  Why not just create what you are going to use, and have them all implanted rather then creating extra? Seriously, if there weren't frozen embryos around then there wouldn't even be a debate about this.  

Those were just a few of the thoughts that came to my mind. I don't have the answers for all of them either.  But I do know what I believe. 

Tomorrow I will share that part....