Sanctity of Human Life Month

January is Sanctity of Human Life month. At One by One we believe every life is inherently valuable, sacred, and worthy of protection because each one of us is made in the image of God.

While we proudly stand for life, we recognize that women facing unplanned pregnancies can be scared, alone, and unsure what to do next. We know many moms in this situation lack support from their babies’ fathers and even their families. We understand how moms in these situations can feel overwhelmed and desperate.

And that’s why One by One exists.

Because we do believe every life is valuable. Every life is worth of protection. Every individual is made in the image of God. And God wants a relationship with every one of us – especially during times we may feel unworthy.

One by One is here for every mom looking for support –  we’ll be right by your side throughout your pregnancy and into your child’s early years.  We match a trained mentor to each mom, and mom and mentor meet monthly and often communicate more frequently. Each mentor provides friendship and support without judgment. Mentors provide baby health, safety, development, and growth information and share activities moms can do to support their babies’ development, especially during the important time between birth and age three. Mentors provide parenting strategies and life skills lessons. Mentors also help moms access other resources they may need. And most importantly, mentors share the hope that can only be found in Jesus.

A friend of the ministry, Sara Gargala, wrote the following and gave us permission to share. We feel this passage is a good summary of what we mean when we say our mentors walk alongside our moms.

“I’m not taking you camping.

But I will….

·       Sit with you when you’re scared.

·       Hold you when you cry.

·       Drive you to a pregnancy clinic to help make sure you and baby are healthy and thriving.

·       Help connect you to resources whether it be for adoption or assistance programs for when baby arrives.

·       Pick you up for church on Sundays and make sure you know God loves you so, so much.

·       Cook you meals, collect donated groceries, or organize a meal train to help you get through those long, tired nights.

·       Support you every day in your decision in any way I can and make sure you know that your baby already loves you so much for choosing life.

You aren’t the first woman to feel the uncertainty and fear of motherhood, and you won’t be the last. Many before you have been changed for life by motherhood. They have overcome battles and achieved dreams they never knew possible because that little face was looking up at them, pushing them to do better.

God gifted you with the precious living soul inside your womb. You may never know his intentions but know He has a plan for you and that child. And at the end of the day, no matter what choices you make or how bad you think you’re screwing up as a mom, God will always love you, forgive you, and shower you in grace.

You are never alone and you are unconditionally loved!

I’m here for you.”

While One by One mentors cannot provide financial help, transportation, or babysitting services to moms, they can provide friendship, a shoulder to cry on, and an ear to listen. They can help you connect to doctors to make sure you’re getting the care you and your baby need. They can help you connect with other agencies to help with food, rent, childcare, transportation, job training, education, and other services. And they can help you connect with a local church whose members will also be there to support you, pray for you, and remind you just how special you and your baby are to God.

Any pregnant or new mom in the U.S. can apply for a mentor. We serve any mom regardless of socioeconomic background, marital status, number of kids she has, or age (although we do require parental consent to serve minors). Click here to apply for a mentor.

Christian women with a heart for moms and babies can apply to serve as in-person or virtual mentors to new moms. Training is free, and we give you the curriculum and everything you need to support a mom. We’re looking for both English and Spanish-speaking women to serve with us.  Click here to learn more.