Forty Years of Life .... Forty Years of Hope

 Zachary Alan: A Birth of Hope

It was the winter of 1985, forty years ago this very month. The chill in the Oregon air was heavy with rain, occasional snowflakes, and the deep quiet that only a winter season can bring. Yet, within our hearts, a different kind of anticipation stirred—a hope that could not be dimmed by either the cold or uncertainty. We were preparing to welcome our son, Zachary Alan, a child we prayed for, cherished, and longed to dedicate to God from the very start.

Expectation and joy filled our days, but those feelings were met with a challenge when the doctor informed us of Zachary’s Fred Astaire-like dancing feet. A “footling breech,” they called it—a precarious position that meant our son would not make his entrance into the world as planned. Instead, a Cesarean section would be required. In those days, such news felt more foreboding than it might today, a stark reminder of the fragility of life and birth. The realization weighed on us, yet through it all, the promise of our son—our Zach—remained like a flame that could not be extinguished.

We prayed. And as we waited, God planted a seed of purpose within our hearts—a desire to dedicate this birth to Him, to let our son’s arrival signify something greater. As though divinely timed, we soon discovered a brand-new organization had been founded in our community: the Salem Resource Center. Only twelve years had passed since abortion was legalized, and here stood a mission that sought to protect life—to offer grace and compassion to preborn babies and the mothers facing crisis pregnancies. This fledgling organization and its mission of hope aligned perfectly with our own prayer: that Zachary’s life would begin with a dedication to God’s grace and the preservation of life.

When Zach finally arrived—his tiny feet making their entrance through careful, prayerful hands—we saw not just our son, but a miracle. The cold, wet Oregon winter could not touch the warmth we felt in our hearts that day. Our hope had been fulfilled.

Indeed ... There is a Story

Now, forty years later, we stand amazed at God’s faithfulness—both in Zachary Alan’s life and in the ongoing work of that small seed of hope planted so many years ago. Today, that once-new organization has grown into what is now the Hope Pregnancy Clinic, a thriving testament to God’s love and provision. Just as we prayed for Zach’s life to bring hope, this clinic brings that same hope to every young woman who walks through its doors, often overwhelmed and despairing, only to find grace, charity, and the courage to choose life.

Hope is sustained in many ways. Through monthly and corporate donors, through community events like walk-a-thons (Zach in stroller, was at the very first), swim and bike gatherings, banquets, and other fundraisers, the clinic continues its mission to be a lighthouse of hope. Each day, they stand as a reminder of the beauty and sanctity of life, and the joy that comes when a young woman leaves those doors with a newfound desire to bring her child into the world—a story of redemption written anew.

In celebrating Zachary’s fortieth birthday, we also celebrate forty years of hope. His life and the ongoing work of the Hope Pregnancy Clinic are deeply connected—a symbol of God’s grace at work, no matter the odds or the season.

As one who was born to a sixteen-year-old mother, I can personally attest to the power of that hope. I am living proof of what happens when a young woman—though unsure, scared, and facing obstacles—chooses life. It is only by God’s grace that I live this day, and it is by that same grace that I pray hope will continue to manifest in the lives of countless others.

To Zachary Alan—the child of winter, the child of hope—your life reminds us that every birth is a miracle. And to the Hope Pregnancy Clinic, may you continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus, offering love and light to every mother and child who enters your care.

Forty years of life. Forty years of hope.

For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to Him. – 1 Samuel 1:27 (ESV)

 

Mark Schultz 'What It Means To Be Loved' .... The birth of a child often brings circumstances out of our control. Regardless .... the miracle of birth is just the beginning of 'What It Means To Be Loved' .... Enjoy!

 

"The Legacy of Forgiveness … One Friend, Twice Saved"

    Years past … there were two best friends, Maya and Lila. They had been inseparable since childhood,
their bond forged in laughter, shared dreams, and endless games of soccer on the neighborhood field. Maya was fiery, driven, and unstoppable—a natural leader on and off the field. Lila, quieter and gentler, was the heart of their friendship, always there to encourage Maya and keep her grounded.

But Maya had a shadow inside her: a quick temper that burned hotter than the sun. Lila had seen it flare up before, but she always stayed patient, calming the storm with her steady presence. Until one day, during an intense high school soccer match, Maya’s temper exploded in a way that shattered everything.

It was a close game, and Maya’s team was losing. Lila, trying to help, accidentally stepped into Maya’s path, causing her to miss the winning goal. The whistle blew. The game was over. Maya spun around, her face twisted with rage.

“Why do you always ruin everything?!” she screamed, her voice echoing across the field. “You’re useless! I don’t even know why I put up with you!”

Lila froze, her eyes wide with shock. Tears welled up, but she didn’t say a word. She simply turned and
walked away, her shoulders hunched, her heart breaking. Maya stood there, too angry to chase after her, too proud to apologize.

Days turned into weeks, then months. Maya buried herself in soccer, winning games and earning accolades, but something was missing. The friendship that had been the anchor of her life was gone, and though she wouldn’t admit it, she missed Lila deeply. She thought about calling her, about apologizing, but the words never came. And soon, years had passed, and they were strangers.

---

Maya’s life, once so promising, took a turn she never expected. Injuries ended her soccer career, and without the sport that had defined her, she felt lost. She drifted from job to job, struggling to control the anger that had alienated so many people. One day, sitting on a park bench with eviction notices in her lap and tears streaming down her face, she felt like the world had swallowed her whole.

“Maya?”

She looked up and froze. There, standing before her, was Lila. Older now, but still with that same gentle smile, that same warmth in her eyes.

“Lila,” Maya whispered, her voice trembling. “What… why are you here?”

“I heard you were going through a rough time,” Lila said, sitting beside her. She handed Maya a cup of coffee, as though no time had passed.

Maya took it, her hands shaking. “Why would you help me after everything I said? After the way I treated you?”

Lila smiled softly. “Because I forgave you, Maya. A long time ago. Carrying that anger wouldn’t have done either of us any good. And… I never stopped caring about you.”

Maya broke down, the weight of years of guilt and shame finally crashing over her. “I’m so sorry,” she sobbed. “I was horrible to you. I let my anger destroy the best thing I ever had.”

Lila placed a hand on her shoulder. “Maya, we all make mistakes. What matters is what we do next.”

From that day on, Lila became Maya’s lifeline, just as she had been years ago. She helped Maya find a job, encouraged her to seek therapy, and stood by her as she rebuilt her life. Slowly, Maya learned to control her anger and rebuild the person she wanted to be.

---

But life has a way of testing us in ways we never expect.

One evening, as they walked together after dinner, a speeding car came careening around the corner. Maya froze as the headlights bore down on them. In an instant, Lila shoved her out of the way, taking the full impact herself.

Maya screamed, "Lila, no!" She rushed to her friend’s side. Lila was conscious but pale, blood pooling beneath her. “No, no, no,” Maya cried, cradling her. “Stay with me, Lila. Please, you can’t leave me.”

Lila’s lips curved into a weak smile. “Maya,” she whispered, her voice barely audible, “you’ve always been the stronger one, more than you think. You don’t need me to save you anymore. You’ve found your way.”

“I need you,” Maya sobbed. “I can’t do this without you.”

Lila’s hand brushed Maya’s cheek. “You can. Promise me… you’ll help someone else the way I helped you. Don’t let my leaving be the end of this.”

And with that, Lila’s hand fell limp. Maya held her as the life slipped away, her heart breaking into pieces.

---

Years passed. Maya never forgot Lila’s final words. She built a life she was proud of, honoring Lila’s memory in everything she did. But her greatest calling came one day when she met a girl named Sophie.

Sophie was fiery and talented, just like Maya had been. But she had the same anger that had once consumed Maya, and it was driving people away. Maya saw herself in the girl—the anger, the pride, the loneliness—and she knew what she had to do.

Through patience, love, and persistence, Maya became a mentor to Sophie, teaching her how to channel her anger, how to forgive herself, and how to let others in. As Sophie grew and thrived, Maya felt a sense of peace she hadn’t known in years.

One day, as they sat together after practice, Sophie turned to Maya and said, “Why do you care so much about helping me?”

Maya smiled, her eyes misty. “Because someone once cared enough to save me when I didn’t deserve it. And now, I’m paying it forward.”

Sophie frowned. “Who was it?”

Maya looked up at the sky, the fading sunlight casting a warm glow. “Her name was Lila. And she taught me that forgiveness can change a life.”

As Sophie ran off to the field, Maya stayed behind, whispering a quiet “thank you” to the Lord of heaven and earth. Lila was gone, but her legacy lived on—through Maya, through Sophie, and through the countless lives that forgiveness had touched.

 Stories ... Our lives are FULL OF STORIES ... This blog is in fact the story of my life. This story along with the incredible song by Matthew West, is a story that is able to change a life. ~~ That said, the greatest story of all is about a man ... His story is of Love ... of Humility ... of Sacrifice ... He died on a cross to bridge the brokenness of our lives ... with His very own life. He Loved us so very much ... that He humbled Himself ... and He sacrificed His life upon a cross, shedding His blood for our sins. 

I hope this this kind of Love ... Humility ... and, Sacrifice ... might always be the model illustrated in my life. ~~ I asked you ... Where are you? ... What is your brokenness? Will you, as Paul ask in Romans 10 ... Call upon the name of the Lord? ... He can ... He will set you free & change your life!