Children of Light

Every heartbeat pulsated in my ears as I stared at the tiny infant in my arms. He was perfect. Ten tiny fingers. Ten tiny toes. Bright shining eyes and milky skin. For months I’d been plagued by doubts and worries. In some way or another, these are common to nearly every mother’s experience. For me, however, buried beneath the mountainous erosion of inner turmoil was a single fear I wrestled with day and night. No amount of words can describe how I hated my own skin for even thinking the question: Do I want my child? 

But on a warm spring morning in a hospital room, silent but for our two hearts beating, light pierced the darkened sky of my battered soul. Towers of impossibilities I’d erected in my mind melted. Healing didn’t come in an instant. But the power of darkness trembled when a single grin from my newborn baby infused purpose into this mama’s heart.

A Day in the Life of a Boutique Volunteer

The Starting Point Boutique.

Within our community, it has become a claim to fame. Individuals from across Knox County will unload bags full of baby items to be donated for our families in need. When taking someone on a tour of our facility, it is most frequently the favorite room of them all.

The material assistance component of our services is often what draws in our pregnant clients. Many are uncertain how they will be able to provide their child with all the necessary items.

Our Boutique is a crucial puzzle piece to our ministry— one that would be impossible without the support of our volunteers who keep it all running.

To better understand this work, keep reading for a typical day-in-the-life of a Starting Point Boutique volunteer.

A Day in the Life of a Client Advocate

When a client walks through Starting Point’s doors, they know they will find open arms, welcoming smiles and listening ears. . . they will find our loving Client Advocates.

The role of the Client Advocate is a unique one. These are the wise mentors, ready to journey alongside our “Start Here” members.

There really is no predictable day for a Client Advocate. In fact, it is nearly impossible to foresee the crises they may have to talk our clients through. Yet it is a rewarding task, one that presents the most perfect opportunity to plant seeds of God’s truth and love.

To better understand the work of these individuals, keep reading for a typical day-in-the-life of our Client Advocates.

Meet Starting Point’s Youngest Donor

If you have attended a Knox County church within the last few weeks, you are probably familiar with our tagline “It only takes one donor filling one bottle to change one life.”

This phrase encompasses the truth and power of our Baby Bottle Campaign. In this very moment, hundreds of families in neighboring towns are actively collecting spare change to benefit the young families of Starting Point. However, it only takes one to change a life.

Instead of Giving Up

“How’s it going?”

“What’s happening?”

“How was your day?”

“What’s new?”

The list goes on… and on… and on… I mean, there are hundreds of ways to ask the same question, and not surprisingly enough, there are hundreds of ways to give the same answer.

Superhero Status

Spiderman. Batman. Ironman. Superman. Captain America. Wolverine. Hulk. Thor. Wonder Woman.

I know I’m not the only superhero movie lover.

There’s just something about the way these characters save humanity that makes us want to grab some popcorn, turn off the lights, put up our feet, and press “play.” Am I right?

Condom Free-for-all of Olympic Proportions

Most people won’t know Eric. In fact, no one on social media knew him until the Olympic Games in Rio. Eric broke the internet when his picture, shown carrying a bag of condoms, was tweeted and retweeted. He, along with other staff, were hired for the sole purpose of handing out condoms to Olympic athletes. Olympic coordinators provided 450,000 condoms this year, to serve over 10,500 athletes and staff, encouraging them to practice “safe sex.” That number is up from 150,000 that were handed out in London just 4 years earlier.

But, I’m a Good (pregnant) Christian Girl

It’s summer!  Next year, I’m a senior!  Life as a Christian girl is good, well except maybe just this one part … I think I’m pregnant!

My monthly cycle hasn’t shown up yet.  I’m scared & anxious – I mean I’m in high school & 17!  I’m a “good” Christian girl, who’s not married.  If I’m pregnant my life will suddenly be different.

What if we search online to get answers about where we can go to get rid of the situation?  What’s this … Starting Point?  I know we’re in shock & panicked but I’ll call & maybe we can go there.

I thought we only had 1 option – abortion.

I (Ashley) was scared & anxious as I stared down at the positive home pregnancy test. I was in a relatively good relationship…now, at least…but I was still suffering the memories of a past abusive relationship. Living at home with my parents, & not having any extra money, I thought, “How could I possibly care for a baby?” I didn’t think there was any way I could be a good mom. So, in my fear & panic, I decided if there wasn’t a heartbeat yet, I would definitely get an abortion. It felt like my only option.

How do I know for sure if I’m pregnant?

No matter what your situation is, if you think you might be pregnant you’ll want to find out for sure. Most pregnancy tests are fairly accurate, but if you want to know for sure it’s best to have a lab quality test run by a healthcare professional.

Not sure if you really need a test?

I’m pretty sure I’m pregnant. Now what?

Each situation is unique. No matter what your situation is, there is something you should know… you are NOT alone.

What now? That’s a question only you can answer. But before you do, you’ll want to be sure to have all the information on all your options.

Did you know you had options?

10 Signs of Relationship Abuse

Abuse happens in many ways and it’s important to know what it is.

“Relationship abuse is a pattern of abusive and coercive behaviors used to maintain power and control over a former or current intimate partner. Abuse can be emotional, financial, sexual or physical and can include threats, isolation, and intimidation. Abuse tends to escalate over time. When someone uses abuse and violence against a partner, it is always part of a larger pattern of control.” – Center For Relationship Abuse Awareness Center

What is Safe Sex?

Sex and fire have lots in common…ever thought about that?

Ever enjoyed the warm toasty feeling of a hot fire dancing in the night as you’re huddled around a fire pit enjoying the ooey gooey chocolaty goodness of a freshly toasted s’more? Or, ever sat in front of a fireplace as the heat of the fire warmed your chilly toes after a hardy play in the snow on a cold wintry day?