Tonight I’d like to share another inspirational excerpt from Mona’s book, “The Healing Desert – In the Sands of Time,” with you all. Please do feel free to share your thoughts with us… we welcome hearing from you!
From Chapter One – The Awakening:
The Faith Journey Begins
In 1978, I became concerned about a growing lump that suddenly appeared on my neck. When I visited a doctor, it turned out to be toxoplasmosis… a viral infection that can be contracted from cats and dogs… and the doctor recommended I have it removed.
Although there was no life-threatening danger to me, it could have posed a risk to an unborn baby, which raised the question of whether I was pregnant or not. To my knowledge at the time, I was not. When I returned home however, I found out that I was in fact pregnant and further testing showed that the infection was active.
I was told that the only option was to have an abortion, because there was a risk that the fetus would not develop properly in the womb. The doctors took for granted that I would agree. To their surprise, I was not in favor of their advice. Although I was not as deeply rooted in my faith as I am today, something deep inside me revolted at the idea. The doctors were astounded and tried to convince me to abort because they could not imagine that I would risk having an abnormal child. Back then we didn’t have the updated medical equipment that doctors use today to help women through uncertain pregnancies.
My husband Aziz and I loved children, and we were happy for this gift. It was impossible for me to imagine having an abortion, and I began my prayer:
“God, if there is anything wrong with my baby, let me abort naturally”
For the first few months of my pregnancy, my family doctor and other doctors encouraged me to reconsider… they tried to make me see what could happen to the baby. I remained rooted in my decision. During the nine moments of a pregnancy that the doctors remained fearful about, my prayer remained the same.
Little did I know that God had begun strengthening my faith, and I was an instrument in His hands. I had only to respond – and I did.
The time came for the birth of my baby, and after hours of labor, I had to have a caesarean section as I was not able to give birth naturally. When I awoke after the surgery, my beautiful baby girl was placed on top of me and I cuddled her, gazing upon our precious gift. She was the most perfect little girl and so beautiful. The doctor looked at me, and all he could say was, “For nine months you’ve made me tremble with fear and worry”.
Today, my daughter is as beautiful as she was at birth. She is married with two children and is a teacher to children with special needs. If I had listened to the doctors I would have been robbed of a soul God had created to love and serve Him in His broken little ones.
I’d like to paraphrase the late Pope John Paul II, who often encouraged young people to realize that they each had a purpose in this life:
“Discovering God’s will for your life is a fascinating challenge that requires trust. Everyone has a vocation, because God has something in mind for everyone to do. True happiness is found by generously giving oneself to the Lord. Our deepest desires are signals of God’s will for us. God is the one who has placed those aspirations in our hearts and as we pray, God unfolds and guides us through His purpose and truth.”
Blessings to you and yours.