A Life Forever Blooming
"In January 2024, our staff chose 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 as our verse of the year which is 'Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.' As a staff here at Alternatives, we must be prepared to walk with our patients through every stage of pregnancy. Never in my wildest dreams did I think our staff would walk alongside me as I faced one of the most difficult seasons of my life.
My name is Rayneedae Garcia, and I am the event coordinator at Alternatives Pregnancy Center. At just 19 weeks pregnant, our daughter was diagnosed with trisomy 13 - a fatal chromosomal abnormality that prevented her brain from fully developing. My husband and I were told the heartbreaking news that she would not live long either in utero or after birth.
The answer was simple: either I trust God with nothing, or I trust God with everything. At that moment, I could have submitted to fear and allowed my selfishness end her life there. Instead, I submitted to the Lord, which meant laying all my fear and grief at the feet of Jesus and cherishing everyday that my daughter was alive in my womb. What should have been the most painful time of my life turned out to be the most beautiful and sacred season. Jesus is close to the brokenhearted and draws near to those who draw near to Him. To be immersed in the midst of suffering and still choose to give thanks in all circumstances is what creates an eternal impact.
The Lord chose the life of our daughter, Florence Elizabeth, to bring Glory to His name. Florence means ‘to flourish and to blossom’. Through the Florence Elizabeth Legacy Fund, we will honor others who have also chosen life in the face of fear and create an impact that will last for generations."
