Reading the outraged responses to Alabama’s abortion law, I had a disturbing thought. Since my conception, other people have controlled my body. I’ve lived my whole life in submission to other people’s rules!
It started with my own mother! Imprisoned in her womb, I went wherever she went. I ate what she ate. I didn’t get a choice. She had me literally connected to her. She called all the shots and never bothered to ask my opinion. I thought birth would free me from her tyranny, but it didn’t.
Outside her uterus, she continued to control me. She told me when I had to put my body to bed. She wouldn’t allow me to feed my body just candy. She made me wear diapers! I’m not kidding! My mother inserted herself into all the important decisions. And when we disagreed about what was best for my body, we ALWAYS went with her opinion.
- “Don’t stick that knife in your ear.”
- “Comb your hair.”
- “Brush your teeth.”
- “Don’t pick your nose.”
- “Get out of the street.”
- “You’re too loud. Inside voice!”
- “Go potty.”
- “Eat those peas.”
- “Tie your shoe.”
- “Stop crying.”
- “Sit still.”
- “Tell the truth.”
- “Be polite.”
- “Respect adults.”
- “Share your toys.”
- “Say you’re sorry.”
- “Think of others.”
The list went on and on! There were days when she did nothing but criticize me. She asked questions that made me feel stupid. “You know you’re not supposed to get on the roof. And you’re not supposed to pee outside. So why did you pee off the roof?” I doubt it would have helped me to say, “My body. My choice!” Mom wasn’t woke at all.
Reading the outraged responses to abortion laws, I realize the abuse I too have suffered. I’ve never had control. I’ve never been in charge. I was brainwashed into thinking the world doesn’t revolve around me.
I’m not sympathetic to the argument that women should be free to do what they want with their bodies. I’m not free to do what I want with mine. I learned that from the woman who birthed me.
14 Responses
I truly do appreciate that. I’ve been trying to do better.
I have seen many of your previous comments IB and I can tell your a very gifted thinker. I can’t agree with you on this stance, however. My hope is that one of us( your brothers and sisters in Christ) will be able to guide you. Unfortunately, I don’t feel equipped to do this because I’m not a very feeling or empathetic person, and I think I will do more harm than good. God bless.
The irony is in the good amount of empathy you’ve put into this comment. 🙂
No, because I’m not really interested in “exhibiting” anything.
So your just as bad as the Christians.
She is a sister in Christ and a long-time reader. Sometimes she says really profound things we can all agree with. But something is wrong in this area, and I’m not sure what is going on… I think her resistance to the idea of “Truth” plays a part. She believes in faith alone, to the point of rejecting so-called “man’s” logic… Obviously we’ve disagreed about that in the past, but I’m afraid this is where the real world results of her Theology are obvious.
I’m very sad to see how mixed up she is.
I apologize, IB. I was at the gym, and I asked that last question before I had the chance to pray about it. Now that I’ve gotten to a quiet place, I realize that’s not what the Spirit wanted me to ask.
Instead, this is what He is saying to me:
“I know that you want to do what is right, and that you want to be my Hands and my Feet. Ask Gabrielle how an empathetic Christian would respond to a woman who is considering having an abortion.”
A lack of understanding for killing unborn children?
No, I’m dealing with the pain of the present, of having to bear witness to such an incredible lack of understanding and lack of empathy from Christians.
Are you a Christian who exhibits empathy?
IB- I ask this as a person truly wanting an answer. I don’t want to paint you into a corner so please tell me if this is something you don’t want to answer. What do you think the slogan means?
If instead your mother had sexually abused you, if you had actually experienced the theft of your mind, body, and soul by someone you trusted and relied on, you would understand better. If you had been told over and over again, “you don’t control your body,” you would have more empathy for what that slogan actually means. But feeling that pain on behalf of others doesn’t lend itself well to snarky blog posts, self righteous political campaigns, or trying to fix things we don’t fully understand.
IB– are you dealing with the pain of an abortion in your past?
I’m sorry to ask it so bluntly, but the Holy Spirit told me to ask for more details. I have connections with healing ministries if you or someone you love have been coerced into participating with an abortion.
You poor abused soul who’s mother didn’t let him hurt himself with sharp objects. I recommend therapy for this.