Editor’s note: APR mom Sierra and her husband Michael dedicated their daughter Sawyer on Mother’s Day. Pregnancy Help News asked Sierra to share her reflections on the experience.
Having Sawyer dedicated was our way of publicly giving thanks to God for her life and committing to raise her to know and love Him.
Because of her story, dedication carried an even deeper meaning for our family.
Sawyer is such a beautiful reminder of God’s grace, faithfulness, and the value of every life. We wanted to stand before our church, family, and friends and acknowledge that she is a gift from God, while also committing ourselves as parents to guide her in faith, love, and truth. It is a powerful reminder that children are gifts from God and that raising them is both a privilege and a responsibility.
Dedicating her on Mother’s Day felt like a beautiful way to celebrate life, God’s faithfulness, and the blessing of being her mom.
It was also a special reminder that every child is valuable, and every mother’s journey matters. Being able to stand in church on a day that honors mothers while dedicating Sawyer back to the Lord felt incredibly emotional and full circle for us.
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Sawyer thought we were going to get to sing with the praise and worship team so that was adorable! We worshipped with her before going on the stage and she had her hands held high with us. That was absolutely priceless.
She did act shy as the pastor was praying for us, but she typically is shy in those situations. She was happy and they gifted her with a teddy bear that she carried around all day.
After I took her to her class, the worship team played a song called The Blessing and I couldn’t help but go to the altar and get on my knees just thanking Jesus for everything He has done in my life.
This Mother’s Day feels especially emotional and meaningful to me. It’s a day that reminds me not only of the beauty and sacrifice of motherhood in general, but also of how grateful I am to be Sawyer’s mom.
Watching her be dedicated on a day that honors mothers made me reflect on just how faithful God has been through every part of our journey. Motherhood has given me a deeper understanding of unconditional love, grace, and dependence on God. I also know Mother’s Day can hold many emotions for different women ... joy, grief, longing, healing, and hope, and I think that’s what makes honoring mothers so important. Every story matters.
One thing I keep coming back to is just how important compassion, support, and hope are for women facing unexpected pregnancies.
Tweet This: One thing I keep coming back to is just how important compassion, support, and hope are for women facing unexpected pregnancies.
Our story is a reminder that moments of fear and uncertainty do not have to define the future. Sometimes having someone willing to listen, encourage, and walk alongside you can make all the difference.
I’m incredibly thankful for the people and organizations that support women and families with love and without judgment.
Our journey has strengthened my faith and deepened my appreciation for the gift of life, motherhood, and community.
The people who helped me, from the person on the other end of the phone when I called the APR hotline, to the doctor, to the nurses, to pregnancy decisions help center, to Heartbeat International, and everyone in between, truly were the hands and feet of Jesus for me. They showed me the tangible heart of God through their support.
The men who have been in my corner also healed something inside me, I needed to meet true men of God, standing up for what they know is right, that fight for women & children, no matter the cost.
I hope Sawyer’s dedication reminds all of us that God can bring beauty, purpose, and hope even through difficult or uncertain circumstances. We are just so grateful for the blessing she is to our lives.
Editor's note: Heartbeat International manages the Abortion Pill Rescue® Network (APRN) and Pregnancy Help News. Heartbeat is currently the subject of two lawsuits brought by state AGs concerning sharing information about Abortion Pill Reversal.
