“When I was in high school, I was recruited by NC State to play volleyball. That was exciting, but I found that being a Division 1 athlete was demanding and stressful. The depression and anxiety I’d struggled with since I was a kid got even worse. I was also dealing with ulcers, surgeries, and even a heart condition. My boyfriend often assured me that he would help me get through those hard times.

My body started changing, but I didn’t pay much attention to it because I was coming off an injury. I got sick to my stomach, but student health services said it was a virus and gave me meds. Later, my nausea turned to cramping and pain, and I went to a doctor. That’s when I found out that I was pregnant—in fact, almost five months pregnant! I didn’t know what to do. I called a friend, confused that everything was going wrong. She grounded me in the truth and told me, “God has a plan for you.”

Remember, you might be that friend for someone else.

Then COVID lockdowns happened, and all of us students returned home. I dreaded seeing my Christian parents; I knew they’d be disappointed in me. On top of that, I was afraid of losing my athletic scholarship, being on my own financially, having to move out… Once I got home, I just couldn’t keep it in. I told my mom and dad. They were so supportive and reassured me of their love. Mom reminded me that by keeping my baby, I wouldn’t be adding another sin to the first one, making things even worse.

I dreaded calling my coach, but he was optimistic. He said we’d get through this—and that after the birth, I could even come back and play. Unfortunately, I got COVID and didn’t recover fully; eventually, I was cut from the team. But God provided: I was able to keep my scholarship, and I graduated with a degree in finance.

I still struggle some with anxiety over the future because I have no control over it. But I’m addressing it because my baby girl, Shae, who was born two years ago this month, is someone I want to be my best for. People say churches just preach, “keep the baby,” but my church has been great! Through my parents and my church, God has provided child care, all kinds of support, and some very close friends who are pouring love into our lives. I dreaded the worst, but God has been faithful.”