Vulnerability: An Identity Crisis
Video 4
Summary
A woman who is unexpectedly pregnant may experience profound vulnerability. Ponder this reality and learn how genuine accompaniment can transform fear into hope.
Scripture for Reflection
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
“Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Reflection Questions
- Was there a word, phrase, or idea that resonated with me? That was new to me?
- How do I view vulnerability? In myself? In others?
- Have there been times when I felt I lost control of my life? What was my response? What were my fears? What gave me hope?
- According to Paul Swope, women in crisis pregnancies generally view adoption as the worst form of death of self. Take a moment to pause and reflect on this. How can I empathize with a woman in crisis? When have I had to make a hard decision that was ultimately for my good, but which felt like a death of self at the time?
- The Sisters speak about how those who choose life make an act of faith in themselves and incorporate motherhood into their self identity. Has there been a time(s) that I have experienced questions or doubts about my identity, for example, as a spouse, a parent, a student, a leader? How did I respond to these doubts? Was I called to make an act of faith in myself?
- Is there a fruit from my prayer that I would like to share with others?
Discussion Questions
- Is there a fruit from your prayer that you would like to share with others?
- In the modern world vulnerability is viewed negatively, but in the Christian life it’s essential for communion with others. How do you tend to view vulnerability? When have you had an experience of vulnerability that was transformed from something negative into an opportunity of encounter?
- In the video we heard that, for many women, abortion is a response to the interior question: “How can I preserve my own life?” How do you react to this? How does this perception of abortion as self-preservation impact your understanding of women who find themselves unexpectedly pregnant? How can you build empathy for a woman who has this experience?
- Sister Maria Cristina, SV says, “If we begin to wrap our minds around this perception of abortion as self-preservation, we can start to understand the extent of the pressures and temptations a pregnant woman in crisis faces. This allows us to prepare our hearts to receive her, …to give her the space to reflect honestly and ponder the questions tugging at her heart. If she feels understood, she will begin to trust, and once that happens we can respond, … with a real friendship and practical support – housing, clothing, options for continued education – the list goes on.” How does this approach to walking with a woman in crisis strike you? Does it resonate or not? Explain.
Videos
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1
Summoned To Life: Spiritual Foundations
In his goodness, God calls each human person into existence with infinite intention, care, and love. Explore what it means to be created by God, in his image and likeness.
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2
Seeing Reality: The Contemplative Outlook
God invites us to see ourselves, others, and the world differently. Learn what it means to cultivate a contemplative posture of heart that sees God present in all creation.
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3
This is God’s Work: The Power of Prayer
Proclaiming the sanctity of life is a work that belongs to all of us, but it is primarily God's work. Explore how prayer is the foundation and cornerstone of a culture of life.
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4 - Active
Vulnerability: An Identity Crisis
A woman who is unexpectedly pregnant may experience profound vulnerability. Ponder this reality and learn how genuine accompaniment can transform fear into hope.
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5
Hope and Fear: Understanding the Heart of a Pregnant Woman
A woman who knows she is loved can do anything. Learn more about the fears and hopes of a pregnant woman and how to genuinely accompany her.
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6
Exodus from Fear: Accompanying Her to Life
A woman struggling with the reality of her pregnancy needs someone who believes in her and in her goodness. Explore how genuine accompaniment creates the space a woman needs to make a truly free choice in love.
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7
Rejoicing in Her: Our Disposition of Heart
Do we see the person before us as a project or as a beloved daughter of God with her own dreams and her own destiny? Reflect on the three essential dispositions of the heart needed to accompany a person in crisis: prayer, leisure, and delight.
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8
Maternity is Forever: Hope and Healing After Abortion
Abortion can lead to a deep sense of loss and to profound emotional, spiritual, psychological, and relational pain. Explore how abortion affects the heart of a woman and how to accompany her on the journey of healing.
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9
Maternity is Forever: Adoption
Adoption can be a beautiful choice when it emerges organically in the heart of a woman. Learn more about adoption, and the tremendous discernment, maturity, and strength it requires.
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10
Listening a Person into Life: The Art of Being Present
Listening is a unique set of skills that demonstrate we understand a person’s thoughts and feelings. Reflect on the power of listening in the work of accompanying another person.
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11
Listening a Person into Life: How to Listen Well
Good listening allows us to hear what another person is really saying without applying the filter of our own experience, judgment, values, and needs. Explore the process of active listening, the five levels of listening, and common barriers to listening.
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12
Listening a Person into Life: Reflective Listening
In reflective listening we act as a mirror for the other person, helping her to uncover what is really in her heart. Explore the power of reflective listening in the process of accompaniment.