Sarah came to the sidewalk by way of a painful but redemptive path through abortion recovery. After completing a recovery program, she returned to volunteer at the pregnancy resource center that hosted the program. Not only did volunteering provide her continued healing, but it also introduced her to Sidewalk Advocates for Life.
Her first visit to the sidewalk as a trainee was outside the facility where she had aborted her first daughter. Committed to helping moms avoid the trauma she experienced, Sarah continued going out to the sidewalk as a certified Advocate. She recalls,
“Every time I went out on the sidewalk I was able to get in the car, call my mom, and say, ‘You won’t believe what God has done.’ Every time, God would show up somehow — even if it was just [a shift within myself].”
One day, while out on the sidewalk, Sarah fell into conversation with local Sidewalk Advocates for Life Program Leader Bobby, who had trained her. They were talking about how amazing it would be if there were a pregnancy center in that particular part of the county.
“Let me know when they get it started. I would love to volunteer and help!” Sarah told him. Bobby replied: “Why don’t you start it?”
“In that moment, I was blinded,” Sarah recalls. “I got in the car from doing sidewalk advocacy and called my mom: ‘I think we’re supposed to start a pregnancy center!’”
In June 22, the Arms of Grace Pregnancy Resource Center opened in Burlington, NC – thanks to Sarah’s “YES.” With the support of her mom, who has worked as a CPA and in human resources, local relationships, and a Life Launch grant from Heartbeat International, Arms of Grace opened a brick-and-mortar location, utilizes the Triad Pregnancy Care mobile ultrasound unit for on-the-spot outreach, and is in the process of opening Belle’s Boutique to serve the community with low-cost maternity, baby, and toddler items.
Reflecting on this incredible path from pain to redemptive service, Sarah shared:
“Something that I’ve learned on my journey — even when we think we’re out to help other people, God has something for us as well. I never realized that my volunteering would lead to so much healing for myself – and for others.”
Pictured above Sarah with National Programs Team Member Melissa