Thursday, January 21, 2010

Remember Samuel


Some weeks ago while cleaning out some older files, I ran across a ten year old Focus on the Family newsletter that I had purposed never to throw out. It had this photo on the front and when I first saw it, I could not for the life of me figure out what was going on. I didn't read the article first so I stared and stared at the photo and when I saw the hand, my mind was ready to explode! You probably know the story of this photo. Obviously, it was a photo you wouldn't see much in the MSM, but its story has been told by faithful folks who knew its importance. You may recall that the little fist you see in the middle belongs to Samuel Alexander Armas, who at the time the picture was taken was a 21-week old preborn baby. Sometimes a child at this stage of life is called a "fetus," but as far as I'm concerned, he is a baby. It would have been quite difficult for him to survive outside the womb at this stage, but he is still a baby. If you have never heard or read the story about this particular photo (called the "Fetal Hand Grasp" Photograph), I encourage you to read it here. Also, You might like to read Samuel's story which is written here.


I just want to say this: Snopes, in its usual fashion, has discounted some of the circumstances surrounding this photo. I don't have the time to go into all the controversy as to whether the baby reached out his hand on his own accord or what the reaction of the surgeon was. One thing to me is sure and vital. There is a hand there and that hand has fingers which are curled around or resting on that of the surgeon. He or others may not think of that in the way that some of us do, but to me it is a verification (not that I needed it) of God's work in the womb as written in Psalm 139:13-16. Snopes' assessment of the situation does nothing to move me from exclaiming "How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God!"

We are approaching yet another Sanctity of Human Life Sunday in what has been a long fought and continuing battle since Roe vs. Wade. I just thought it would be a good time for all of us to remember Samuel.

10 comments:

Susan said...

What a story, Maxine. I have never heard this or seen the picture before!!! Sometimes I think I live in a cave or something.

Thank you so much for posting this and making me aware. Our God is so awesome. One of my prayers is that as we see this country shift back a little bit from the stupidity which has been displayed on every front, by everyone lately we'll see Roe vs Wade overturned and an end to the terrible crime of murdering our babies. being done in our country each and every moment.

Laurie said...

Yes, Maxine! I do remember this photo, and I may even have it saved on my computer. I had never seen the update of Samuel that you posted a connection to, though. What a cutie! Samuel and ALL babies are precious in God's sight. I recently read a book written by Karen Kingsbury entitled "Shades of Blue". It is a fictional account of a couple who chose abortion, and she writes very sensitively about the subject of abortion. I hope many will be reminded and touched by Samuel's story.

Linda said...

Thank you for this beautiful, miraculous, poignant reminder Maxine. I remember it well. No matter what anyone may say, I absolutely agree with you.

Sandra said...

That is a great story!!!!!!

Brenda said...

It would be neat the see where Samuel is now. How he's doing and all. I remember this picture.

Maxine said...

Brenda, I linked to an article about how he's doing. It's at the end at his name. Looks like he's doing great and recognizes the significance of that photo.

Anonymous said...

Hi Maxine,

I just wanted to introduce myself to you. I am also a Nana (grandkids call me Nama) & a home schooling Mom. I just opened my blogspot blog a couple of days ago but have been blogging for years on xanga. It's nice to see someone on here who believes very much like I do!
Loved this post. I remember the picture and the story well. Amazing!
Blessings to you,
Jana

Anonymous said...

P.S. thank you for sharing the link to the follow up story about Samuel!

Denise said...

I have seen the picture and read the story..... What a mighty God we serve... What a God that created that little hand......Not a fetus a child..... I have a story that will make you cry and I will post it soon on my Samaritan Women...... I lost a child in 1966...... 2 months into my pregnancy...... What God told me caused me to sob....... I must share..

Maxine said...

Okay, Denise Dear, please share. We'll be looking for it.