And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10:16

Last weekend I went to Quilt Camp. I can imagine the quizzical look on some faces. “What in the world is a quilt camp?” Well, it’s exactly as it sounds. It is the chance to get away for a few days to sew and to do what makes us quilters happy – play with fabrics, talk, visit and make huge messes. In this case I went to Quaker Hill Camp in McCall along with 42 other ladies.

Considering the amount of sewing supplies necessary for our projects, it was an amazing spectacles. Sewing machines, irons, plug ins, extension cords, pins and needles were stacked and strewn everywhere, along with fabrics of every hue and color. It was truly multi generational fun because several women brought their granddaughters to learn quilting. I wished mine were able to be there with me.

One of the traditions on such weekends is to have a “Show and Tell” on Saturday night where people bring projects old and new to display. It is always an impressive display of talent and creativity. One of the young girls who was about 14 showed off her little quilt and definitely was the winner for the evening. You see, the girl has Down syndrome. She made the quilt with the help of her grandmother and it was absolutely precious, just as she is. The smile on her face lit up the room and touched every heart, especially mine. I thought about Jesus who loved the children and surrounded Himself with them, even to the disciples’ annoyance and I knew the Lord was crazy proud of that little girl’s life and creativity. It is not so in this darkened world we live in.

Several countries now use genetic counseling to test for Down syndrome in pregnancy and as a result thousands of women choose to abort the babies if the prenatal tests reveal the disorder. Iceland has proudly eradicated all Down babies to almost 100%. Termination rates in Denmark, France and the United States aren’t that far behind either. But even if it were less than 5%, it is appalling. The rising statistics should cause all people, not just Christians, to ask the hard questions. What has happened to humanity? Where is compassion? Love? Selfless protection for those whom Jesus loved? The ethical and moral implications are too enormous for this small blog to address but my heart hurts for all those who see nothing evil in this trend. If today it is a Down syndrome baby that is endangered, who is next on the list for annihilation?

There is some good news. The Gerber Company chose Lucas Warren, a sweet faced one year-old as its 2018 Gerber baby. He is the first child with Down syndrome to be named a Gerber baby. There are signs of a growing backlash in the light of what has happened in Iceland. But more than a pricked conscience is needed to stand against this horrific misdirection within the evil of abortion.

The greatest news is the Word of God. It alone has the power to awaken people to the Light of Christ. Jesus had a lot to say about children whom He often included to teach. In almost every instance Jesus says that children are special to Him and the Father.

See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. Matthew 18:10

To enter into God’s kingdom we are to be like little children and have child like dispositions.

Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. Mark 10:15

The Lord did not mince words concerning those who would harm children nor did He concern Himself only with “normally healthy” children.

If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Matthew 18:6

The girl at my quilt camp epitomized Down innocence and all the childlike qualities which Jesus asks us to emulate. How can anyone even consider it is ok to eradicate little ones like her? I pray it is not too late to protect them for they are the living gift which Father God has set into our midst. I pray for His mercy on Iceland – and on us.