LETTERS: HELP AVAILABLE IF YOU'RE PREGNANT

To the editor:

The following poem by Karen Sullivan-Ables is from The Cornerstone, the newsletter of St. Catherine's Church in Orange Park, Fla.:

The Acquittal of God's Infinite Mercy

In a far away place and a different time

I killed my first child, a most heinous crime.

The state didn't come, and I didn't stand trial.

Judge Blackman was calm when he said with a smile,

"Killing is legal, say we the High Court,

But don't call it murder. Just call it abort."

The judge in my heart would not let the case rest.

I had no defense when once put to the test.

Found guilty I was by my heart's supreme Court.

"You murdered your baby," they screamed in retort.

With tears on my cheeks it was too late, I knew,

To bring back the life of the child I once slew.

The gavel slammed down, and it rang in my head.

"You are guilty as charged and deserve to be dead."

"We now give you torment to pay for your sin,"

Was the sentence passed down from my own court within.

"You will never escape, You're branded. Don't hide.

Your just due is death. You should try suicide."

I was beaten in prison by daily attack.

I was paying a debt, so I never fought back.

No hope of escaping, and this I knew well.

I cried out to God from my of self-made hell.

The day I met Jesus he smiled in my face.

He said, "I forgive you. Come walk in my grace."

"Lord, I believe you forgive me, and yet

Blameless you are. Can you pay for my debt?

And Lord, please don't touch me, for I am unclean.

I'm filthy of murder, a most wretched being."

I poured out my story. He showed no surprise.

I gazed up with awe at the love in his eyes.

He said, "I paid for your crime, yes, was nailed to a tree.

There's no condemnation if you'll trust in me.

I took on your blame and your curse on my soul

So you may be free without judgment and whole."

I sputtered, Dear Lord, where's the justice in this?

I killed my first son, and you offer me bliss."

Tears blurred my vision, yet there in his face

Were eyes of compassion, blue oceans of grace.

I thought to myself, "Now the past has been buried.

I'm free of the guilt that for years I have carried."

He said to accept. It's a gift that is free.

This is atonement, not justice for me.

My judge was dismissed, my accusers and jury.

The truth of his love made them leave in a fury.

He smiled, "Walk with me and come learn my way."

And grasping his hand I began a new day.

If you have had an abortion or abortions and are feeling depressed, even feeling suicidal or if you are burying your grief by abusing alcohol or drugs, there is help from you minister, priest or rabbi or from the local mental-health facility. Call today and make an appointment. Every sin is forgivable.

Abortion is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. If your are pregnant and need help, please call Birthright at 335-0750. They have loving, caring people who will help you with doctor appointments, baby clothes, maternity clothes and counseling. There are also adoption agencies that are willing to help you place your child in a home with a loving family if you are unable to keep your child. Adoption is a caring option.

CHRISTINE E. STEPHENS

Cape Girardeau