Today is National Sanctity of Human Life Day. As Christ-followers, it is important that we stand strong against abortion and fight for God’s creations not just today, but everyday. In order to comprehend and personalize the countless futures that are wiped away when children are murdered in the womb, we want to share why we are thankful we were given the chance to live, and we encourage you to do so as well.

If my mother didn’t value life…

I wouldn’t have been able to stand across from my brother with tears streaming down my face as he married the love of his life.

I would’ve missed out on all our daddy-daughter dates.

I wouldn’t know what a rose smells like.

I wouldn’t have learned to make our secret family spaghetti recipe or tasted the best pasta in the world.

I wouldn’t have heard all my grandma’s crazy stories about when she was young and been able to pass them on to my own children.

I would’ve never seen a Texas sunset.

I wouldn’t have been able to go prom dress shopping with my mom and feel like a princess walking down those stairs.

I would never have felt the spark of a first kiss.

I wouldn’t have my Grana’s necklace around my neck.

I wouldn’t have gone on a road trip with my best friends.

I wouldn’t know the adrenaline of jumping into a pool in the middle of winter.

I wouldn’t know joy.

I would never have danced in the rain.

I wouldn’t be able to cuddle with my sweet, precious Mia.

I would never have taken a long walk on a beach.

I wouldn’t be able to jam out in the car with all the windows down.

I wouldn’t know what it feels like to laugh until you cry.

I would never be a journalist.

I wouldn’t have met you.

I wouldn’t have fallen in love with Jesus.

But because my mother valued life, I know what it’s like to truly live.

-Nikki

If my mother didn’t value life…

I would have never met all the incredible people I get to live life with.

I wouldn’t get to go for hour-long mommy-daughter walks.

I would have never known the joy of falling on the floor laughing with my best friends.

I wouldn’t have gotten to jump on the trampoline for hours upon hours growing up.

I wouldn’t appreciate the joy of not setting my alarm before going to bed.

I wouldn’t be able to sing in the shower.

I wouldn’t know the taste of warm chocolate brownies with ice cream.

I would have never experienced the beauty of a sunset over the ocean.

I wouldn’t know the feeling of accomplishment after a tough workout.

I would never get to go for late night milkshake runs with my brothers.

I wouldn’t get a daddy hug every morning when I walk downstairs for breakfast.

I would never know the thrill of wind in my face and my stomach dropping to the ground as I spend all day at six flags riding roller coasters.

I wouldn’t get to see the beauty of a bright moon in the dark sky.

I wouldn’t know the excitement of stage lights beaming on my face as I dance on stage.

I wouldn’t get to experience the joy of seeing people encounter the love of Jesus.

I would have never gotten to fall in love with Jesus.

But because my mother valued life, I know the joy of living.

-Nicole

If my mother didn’t value life…

I wouldn’t have met each and every person who has influenced who I am today.

I would have never seen the world.

I would have never been able to lay down on the rocks next to a lake looking at the beautiful stars.

I would have never seen fireworks on the Fourth of July from the dock of my lake house.

I wouldn’t have taken annual pictures in a patch of Bluebonnets.

I wouldn’t know the feeling of reverence while marveling God’s vast landscape at the top of a snowy mountain.

I wouldn’t know what a warm, homemade cookie right out of the oven tastes like.

I wouldn’t be able to have my nose in a book sitting by the warm fire on a cold winter night.

I wouldn’t feel the joy of holding the most adorable puppies.

I would have missed being called by different nicknames by various family members.

I wouldn’t know the feeling of having butterflies in my stomach.

I would have never been able to praise my King using the special voice He gave me.

I wouldn’t know the excitement of performing in front of thousands of people.

I wouldn’t have the amazing opportunity that I have to attend Abilene Christian University.

I wouldn’t know how to love others.

I wouldn’t have the tears to shed for those who are hurting.

I wouldn’t know the unconditional, transformative love of Christ.

I wouldn’t have the foolishness to believe that I can actually make a difference in the world.

But because my mother valued my life, how could I ever not value someone else’s?

-Amanda

If my mother didn’t value life…

I would not have been able to travel the world and see God’s creativity.

I would not have been able to gaze at the beautiful Texas sunset with tears while driving.

Nor would I have been able to stare out the window of an airplane in complete awe of the vastness of the world God spoke into existence.

I would not have been able to enjoy the art of music at a symphony.

I would have not met the God-fearing friends I have today.

I would not be a younger sister.

I would have never enjoyed the hysterical laughs from my sister’s weirdness.

I would not be able to get the best hugs from my daddy.

I would not have had all those irreplaceable girls’ nights with my momma.

I would not be able to fulfill my dream to be a psychologist to help people by the power of God.

I would not know what it’s like to run outside in the fresh air with music blaring.

I would not have had the chance to intercede in prayer for those that needed it.

I would have never felt the extreme excitement/terror from cliff jumping with my best friends.

I would not know what my momma’s glorious pecan pie tastes like.

I would not have had the trials of this life to run to my Heavenly Father for the deepest comfort.

I would not know what it means to be a bride of Christ.

But because my mother valued my life, I know the beauty of living.

-Aubrey