Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: UNBORN (07/27/23)
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TITLE: One Beating Heart | Previous Challenge Entry
By Laurie Bahlke
08/03/23 -
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Science class was one of her favorites. Savannah enjoyed learning about nature with all its plants, ecosystems, and animals but mostly, she had an eager curiosity about the creation of things. Her stepfather once told her not to use the word “creation” because someone might get the wrong idea and think she was a conservative, or worse yet, a Christian.
Ms. Thompson was her teacher, one of her favorites because she always told the class one personal thing about herself. Once, she told the class her first name: Sayah. She said that it meant “shadow” and although her mother wasn’t too keen on its meaning, she loved how it sounded; like waves lapping along a shoreline. Ms. Thompson said that as her pregnant mother’s belly grew, so too did her love of the name. It was an image that had made Savannah smile. So, it surprised Savannah when Ms. Thompson announced to the class one day that they would be having a “debate of sorts” about reproductive rights. “The curriculum requires us to touch on this subject in our class and again in your health class.” Everyone in class groaned and carried on a bit before Josie blurted out, “What, again? C’mon, it’s 2028 for crying out loud. We all know about abortion.”
“Well, Josie there are still some who believe that the unborn should be protected.”
“What? Who? Who cares about that anymore?”
That’s when I raised my hand ever so slowly until I could feel all eyes on me.
Sayah looked at me inquisitively at first and then her expression changed to something like that out of an old cartoon. The ones where surprise practically explodes across a person’s face. Before she could say anything, Josie inserted herself, “Don’t you know Savannah, there isn’t room for one more beating heart in this world and besides, it’s just cells and stuff. And what about the girls who are raped or molested and don’t want a baby? What about women’s rights and choices? What about re-pro-duc-tive jusssstice?” Her words were punctuated with anger, contempt and laced with the bated breath of humiliation that caused me to turn several shades of red.
The class went eerily silent. “Well,” I replied, “one less beating heart hasn’t stopped rape or sexual assault on children from happening. One less beating heart hasn’t solved the problems of inequality or discrimination. One less beating heart hasn’t resulted in people making choices that don’t involve abortion and one less beating heart has not healed the wounds that women of all ages face. One less beating heart has not resulted in any of this for me. I am still abused. I still cry alone in the bathroom after my mom’s best friend hurts me and then asks for my forgiveness. I am still waiting for someone to truly give me a choice that results in something better for my future. I am still waiting for someone to look away from their cell phone or social media and pay attention. I am still waiting for someone to lead us all out of the mess we have created in oh, so many ways. And please, do not say, one more time that perhaps it would have been better if I were left unborn. Despite all of it, I know my beating heart has a purpose. One beating heart might just be the answer.”
I looked down briefly at my desk and then up to meet Ms. Thompson’s eyes. She was smiling, the shadow gone at least for the moment. I took it as a sign and didn’t raise my hand when I added in a loud, proud voice, “And P.S.- I believe in creation.”
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV
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