Embracing a Culture of Love.

Love.

It was everywhere last week. Gifts from spouses and significant others flood social media. Little hearts were spattered over the emails of subscriptions I follow. Billions of dollars were spent on chocolate, roses, and Hallmark cards.

Because, love.

But is that really love? Is that what we've boiled down this ever important four letter word to?

Not within our office doors. Here, things look a little different.

Here at First Choice, love looks like free services in the form of an ultrasound and options information for a newly pregnant, frightened woman. She's treated with dignity, empowered through education about her and her baby, and given compassionate support throughout her decision making process.

It looks like a hug, and open ears after a precious mamma loses her baby 18 weeks into her pregnancy and she knew no where else to turn but to the center that showed her that little heart beat ten weeks prior.

It's shown in the smile of a sleepy newborn held by a proud parent who was told they were too young to do this; too unprepared to choose life. But through the consistent weekly appointments, she began to realize she was capable and there were resources and support available where there may have been gaps prior.

Love is consistent action, devotion, and servitude toward others. It's purposeful, meaningful, and intentional. It's patient, lasting, and merciful.

And one of the most commonly known scriptures in the Bible that best explains this is out of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7:

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

And it's everything we desire to exemplify in our work at First Choice.