An Alternative to Abortion: Imagine the Story We Can Live Out

After my recent intense post about the rapture that has come and gone, I thought I'd write about a very light topic: abortion.

Bada bing. Bada bam.

My views haven't changed over the years. I'm against abortion. I believe that it is wrong (in most cases). But simultaneously, I believe in the freedom for an adult to make their own choice. And thus, everyone hates me and I get it from both sides. Add to this complexity the complicity of it being a serious money making industry (like many other things), and it's downright convoluted.

For what it's worth, I've written about abortion before: The Abortion Conversation and The Sequel: Abortion Conversation.

While I believe that abortion is wrong, we as Christians should graciously hold and believe in everything that upholds the sanctity of life -- which includes protecting the lives of the unborn. But how?

The government should be involved, but how does a government legislate and enforce such a value? And I agree with others that the church needs to be careful not to relinquish -- blindly or in totality -- our responsibilities to a mostly secular government. As I wrote earlier:

Rather than legislating it, I wonder how abortions can be reduced by speaking and appealing to the heart and soul of a person, and to make all necessary provisions if a person decides to have that baby. In short, can we maintain choice, but do all that we can to preserve and ensure the life of an unborn? This is where most of us fall short.

I find it incredibly frustrating and naive when Christians take a stance of being against abortion at all costs, but are unwilling to yield to issues that have direct correlation to abortions: sex education in schools (starting in middle school), health care benefits for low income families and women, post-birth care and benefits, usage of contraceptives, etc.

But rather than going into a long post (you can check out the links above), I'd like to view the issue of abortion from someone who is around simply because his mother made the complex decision to not have an abortion.

Let me first introduce you to Gowe -- an emerging hip hop artist -- and his song, "I Wonder," which is dedicated to his biological mother. I met Gowe (which stands for Gifted on West End) at a talent show called Kollaboration where I had the privilege of being one of the judges. While Gowe didn't win, his song resonated deeply with me, and, recently, he also became an official artist partner with my nonprofit, One Day's Wages. The song is about the discovery of his adoption at the age of 18 and learning the story of his biological mother who turned away from the option of an abortion. Gowe told me, "Ever since I discovered that I was adopted (at the age of 18), I've always wanted to write a song that captured my experience and gratitude toward my biological mother."

Obviously, Gowe didn't intend for the song to be about abortion and probably didn't envision it being used in a blog post about abortion. But that's my point. This post isn't about abortion. It's about life.

It's about a life enabled because of a mother's courage to choose life.

For most that have or will go through this dilemma, I can't even imagine how difficult it would be to think beyond that moment, but I guess that's what encourages me about this song. It gives a glimpse of a bigger and greater story. Perhaps, this is one way we can approach not only the topic or issue of abortion, but also the intense and complex moments of our lives.

I know. I know. It's much more complex but ... if we can get through it, imagine the story we can live out.

It's a beautiful song, ya'll. Check it out here:

I Wonder (Lyrics)

Verse 1
Her mind was confused with a plus at the tip of the tube
Sick as she threw up with a cup take a sip of abuse
So she gets nervous cause her man left her
After the sex and he jets she thought that he loved her
You see shes 18, and shes a bit conscious
About her dress and the reflection of her own image

Timid in speech, shes limited given a week
With her tummy blowing up so that people can see
But she decides to keep it, said no to abortion
The feet kicks in her stomach comes without a warning
She feels the pain though, cause her parents cry
And the shame eats her alive when she closed her eyes

Then the day comes, she gives birth to a son
Kim Sung-Hoon, soon she holds and kisses her love
Wishing it never ended, taking a mental picture
Hoping through her tears that her son would have a better future

Chorus
I wonder if there's a smile on your face
Sometimes I miss you and long for your embrace
I never could thank you, enough for holding on
Dear mama mama mama, forever, I'll hold you in my heart

Verse 2
So she wonders, what happened to her son next
Is there clothes on his back, food on his plate what's the context
The recollection of the day replays in her mindset
And the ways she would try but just never could forget
Well he's okay, and he resides in the states

A needle in space in which rain makes it a beautiful place
Embraced by the culture and he's loved by all the members
Until he turns 18 and his world get flipped
He hears that his mom is not actually his and that complications
Prevented her from having any kids and his real mom
Is actually Korean and she had, to give him up for adoption
Cause she was young and was a student

Lost and was confused and, wrestling in the moment
Am I Chinese or Korean? Am I destined in this union?
And if I am what's the purpose? I jot it in my verses
So I replay it in my mind as I think about you

Chorus
I wonder if there's a smile on your face
Sometimes I miss you and long for your embrace
I never could thank you, enough for holding on
Dear mama mama mama, forever, I'll hold you in my heart

Verse 3
If I could write a letter, and know that you would read it
I would tell you that I never once in my heart felt hatred
Reinstated I would play a song and dance with you
Hold your hand as I thank the Lord for creating you

As strong as you are cause in my mind I can't fathom
The pain and the guilt when all you heard was their gossip
And still you stuck through it, when they called you foolish
And with this gift that I possess your probably loved music

I hope you're doing well, I hope someday you'll see this
I hope I mean I really hope that you know Jesus on a deeper level
Seeking just to know Him better, I hope in perfect timing we can
See the reason clearer, I hope you're smiling now

I hope I cross your mind, I hope you never second guess
If what you did was right, cause I'm so proud of you
I love and admire you, so after all these years this is my way of telling you

Chorus (x2)
I wonder if there's a smile on your face
Sometimes I miss you and long for your embrace
I never could thank you, enough for holding on
Dear mama mama mama, forever, I'll hold you in my heart

Eugene Cho, a second-generation Korean-American, is the founder and lead pastor of Quest Church in Seattle and the executive director of Q Cafe, an innovative nonprofit neighborhood café and music venue. You can stalk him at his blog, Twitter, or his Facebook Page. Eugene and his wife are also the founders of One Day's Wages, a movement of people, stories, and actions to alleviate extreme global poverty. This blog post originally appeared on Eugene Cho's blog.