A couple weeks ago, our blog asked, “What would you do?” if you found yourself on an episode of John Quiñone’s “What Would You Do?” television series. Just as important to consider is your answer to the question, “What could you do?”

The answers to two out of the three life-threatening scenarios were “no brainers.” I can’t imagine anyone not trying to help a suicidal person or prevent a would-be drunk driver from getting behind the wheel.

But the third scenario—overhearing a weeping teenage girl talk to her friend about her surprise pregnancy, asking for advice—that’s a little more complicated, isn’t it?

Why is it socially appropriate (dare I say “morally expected”?) that one would intervene to save the life of a complete stranger who wanted to kill himself or protect people we’ll never even meet from being in the path of a drunk driver? Yet, when it involves a young girl talking about ending her pregnancy, culture would demand, “Hush up…mind your own business!”

If we don’t know what we would do, it’s usually because we’re unsure about what we could do. Consider these three options:

1. Pray for wisdom. Yep. Right then and there, as you eavesdrop on the conversation. (Or if you are engaged in such a conversation.) You don’t need to do it aloud; the Holy Spirit knows what you are seeking and God gladly gives wisdom to those who ask.
2. Butt into the conversation. Gently share that you overheard her dilemma, and express empathy, understanding what a tough position she is in. Speak calmly and compassionately. Even if she is leaning toward an abortion, she is not the enemy. Stay engaged with her and listen well. Ask what her options are and the reasons for them. If adoption isn’t mentioned, ask her what she thinks about it.
3. Carry a pregnancy resource center’s business card with you. Write your number on the back of the card, and offer to go with her for support. Remind the young woman that she is not alone and that she—and the baby she is carrying—are both loved more than she can imagine.

Resources:

1. James 1:5 “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask Him, be sure that your faith is in God alone.”
2. You can learn to speak confidently about protecting the unborn. Stephanie Gray’s Love Unleashes Life: Abortion and the Art of Communicating Truth or Trent Horn’s Persuasive Pro Life: How to Talk about Our Culture’s Toughest Issue are helpful reads.
3. Stop by a local pregnancy resource center and grab some business cards. If you don’t know where one is, do an internet search for “pregnancy resource centers near me.”

Now…how will you answer, “What could you do?”