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Friday, February 5, 2010

Life & Tim Tebow



You know, I hardly ever get very "deep" on this blog of mine. I really just set it up for a few friends and family in the pre- Facebook days as a way of keeping up and getting some photos out there. But a few days ago, I read something (ironically on Facebook :-) that had me thinking and I just had to share.

While the rest of the country had already chosen their 'love-him-or-hate-him' sides on Tim Tebow, until about 3 months ago, he slipped completely under my radar. I think it was the Florida/ Alabama SEC Championship game that catapulted him into my life. I was pretty appalled at some of the hurtful things said about that poor boy after he cried at the end of that game. Some of those hurtful things were said and broadcast (once again on Facebook..... do you see a pattern here???) by people who really ought to know better.

But two days ago, I noticed that several of my Facebook friends had joined a group called "Support Tim Tebows Superbowl Ad." I was intrigued, but really didn't look into it until my friend, Libby, posted a link to THIS article about the ad.

Turns out that, but for the grace of God and the faith of his mother, Tim Tebow might never have been. Because Mrs. Tebow was treated for malaria in the Philippines. And the drugs the doctor gave her were so strong that the doctor recommended that Mrs. Tebow end the pregnancy. Mrs. Tebow already had 4 healthy children. Why should she risk all of the possible (and they were immensely possible) problems that this child might have?

Why indeed?

And that's where my heart stopped. Because you see, my husband, Rob, is the youngest of 5 children. He's the 5th. And do you know how my mother in law found out she was expecting? Right after surgery to remove her gall bladder. Surgery which required such strong drugs that the doctor recommended that my mother in law terminate her pregnancy. She already had 4 healthy children. Why should she risk all the possible (and they were immensely possible) problems that this child might have?

Why indeed?

Because they might change the world that's why. My favorite part in that article posted by my friend Libby was this one:

"Here's what we do need a lot more of: Tebows. Collegians who are selfless enough to choose not to spend summers poolside, but travel to impoverished countries to dispense medical care to children, as Tebow has every summer of his career. Athletes who believe in something other than themselves, and are willing to put their backbone where their mouth is. Celebrities who are self-possessed and self-controlled enough to use their wattage to advertise commitment over decadence," Jenkins continues."You know what we really need more of? Famous guys who aren't embarrassed to practice sexual restraint, and to say it out loud. If we had more of those, women might have fewer abortions," she adds.

Amen

And "my" 5th child/ husband may be no Tim Tebow, but I can't imagine life without him.

I'm not here to debate right or wrong or EVER to judge, but here's to all the mothers who make the difficult choice. I'd like to think I'd have as much courage, but I honestly don't know. To those who walk in faith and trust in He who holds the future, you are in my heart and you are in my prayers.

1 comments:

Libby said...

Erin, I too found the article very thought provoking. You quoted the portion that spoke most loudly to me and rung the most true. I was all welled up by the end of your post. None of us know who among us almost wasn't. None of us will ever know those who just weren't at all. It is such a difficult (to say the least) issue and I'm grateful that I was never faced with such a decision. I too, will pray more consistently, not only for the women facing such a choice, but all for the little lives, not all of which turn out as pretty as Timmy and Rob. Thanks for sharing your story and I'm glad you are a Timmy fan. :) He's pretty inspiring!