Displaying items by tag: best of heartbeat 2025

by Jor-El Godsey, President of Heartbeat International

Boys will be boys. I know this because I have two of them.

And I am still one. You’d know this because of my natural inclination to turn a wrapping paper tube into a sword. Maybe even a lightsaber if I add the appropriate sound effects.

My sons do the same thing. My daughter, not so much.

But just as boys have a natural inclination to fashion ordinary items into imaginary weapons, so has God written on their hearts the call to provide and protect. Unfortunately, our culture has done all it can to distract from this call and delay manhood. Even worse has been the intentional redefinition of manhood into perpetual adolescence, something that would be wholly unfamiliar to the generations that preceded us.

Many men wear a façade of casual disregard. This is what we might see most in our pregnancy help effort. If we’re not careful, we’ll be tempted to disregard him from the equation too quickly. Fortunately, we’ve seen active programming for men grow by 6% in the last two years.  Advocating for these men to be the dads God has called them to be, or being a “Dadvocate,” should be part of the fabric of our work.  Whether he responds or not, we should lean into what we know the Holy Spirit is doing – calling him to be part of the life he created.

After all, this is what our Father God does. He actively creates and looks to perform His Word. In John 10:10, Jesus tells us, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” This is a very familiar passage and a great theme that contrasts the work of the devil with the work of our Messiah.

Yet, if you read the entire chapter of John 10, you’ll see how the theme of the Father and Jesus as one is in play. This is the chapter where He says, “I and the Father are one” (v. 30), a statement that so angered those listening that they picked up stones to stone Him.

Yes, the world today is angered by the work of the Father.

But take heart, your work advocating for dads is a work of the Father Himself. Not all will listen, but those who do will join the work of the God of the Universe. And you will rejoice seeing the work of the great Dadvocate! 

by Dr. Joe Malone, PhD, CPT, LWMC, CFE

Some in our 21st-century Western culture are advocating many new relationship types. These include hookups, friends with benefits, throuples, cohabitation, polyamory, and more. They say that we need to be liberated from our sexually repressed lifestyles. The philosophy is that if it feels good we should do it with as many different people as we choose. When it stops feeling good or gets old, we can switch to another or others. Being personally happy is the ultimate goal in life for each of us individually and the most important gifts are the ones we give to ourselves in the pursuit of pleasure, no matter how it affects the other people in our lives ( such as exes, children, etc.).

A CHRISTIAN DISTINCTIVE

Sometimes we don’t realize the value of the gift of sex in a loving monogamous relationship that we share with the love of our life, our spouse. An outstanding hallmark of Christianity from the beginning has been monogamous marriage. Christians stood out within their communities because of it. It has also stood the test of time and there are so many benefits to sex within a monogamous marriage. Let’s take a look at some of them.

First of all, sex is a great releaser of stress. Sex within marriage doesn’t carry all of the negative baggage that sex previous to, or otherwise outside of marriage carries like guilty feelings, regret, worry about STIs, or an unintended pregnancy with someone who is not your spouse.

BENEFITS ON MANY LEVELS

Sex within marriage leads to greater and greater levels of intimacy. You get to know each other better and better in a way that no one else on earth does. This helps develop a trusting relationship that is sure and steady. In happy marriages, this can have interesting physical benefits. Happily married couples' blood pressure drops when they sleep together. Their heartbeats synchronize as well. Their hearts literally beat as one because of the assurance that they have that their spouse loves them absolutely and has their back at all times.

The physical contact involved in this helps us to bond more strongly all of the time. There are endorphin receptors throughout the skin covering of the body and they react to intimate and loving touch, which generates endogenous (or internal) endorphins, a kind of super relaxant. Hugs contribute to this, and married couples are encouraged to hug each other at least eight times per day.

LIFE LENGTHENING AND ENHANCING

Another great benefit of married sex is that it is anti-aging. Cells in the body that are anti-inflammatory are released during sexual activity. This helps the body to be able to repair more effectively and seems to be a built-in way that the wellness and well-being of the married couple are enhanced.

Sex within marriage raises our immune system by causing the release of an antibody called immunoglobin A. This helps protect our bodies against invasive bacteria and viruses. A lifelong marriage is a very holistic stabilizing factor physiologically for a couple.

SLEEP LIKE A HUSBAND AND WIFE

An awesome married sex life helps us sleep better because oxytocin is released substantially after orgasm. Cuddling afterward and going to sleep is very natural and healthy. It helps us to have healthier-looking skin as it promotes blood circulation, and it even helps women to have lighter periods. Many women have cramps during their monthly period, and regular sex to orgasm can make a difference through frequent uterine contractions that help expel toxins and tissues.

Sex within marriage raises our moods and gives us a more positive outlook on our spouse. If we are reflective we see that its benefits go far beyond immediate pleasure. When we look at the physical and spiritual fruits of our married sexual relationship: our children and grandchildren, it is obvious that this is definitely one of God’s most important gifts to us. After all, His first words to humanity were to go forth and multiply. As they say, this is the gift that keeps on giving.

GOD’S WAY IS ALWAYS THE BEST WAY

Married sex is a wonderful example of men and women displaying consistency, intentionality, and most of all faithfulness. This is what God intended for humans and without doubt, it is best for us. As noted above, it pays dividends multi-generationally to a family and then to all of the lives a family influences in their lifetime. As we have seen before, it is always in our best interests to do things God’s way. Profound and magnificent blessings follow in that pathway. One path leads to death, the other path leads to life. Let’s choose life!

"Marriage is to be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, because God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers."

Hebrews 13:4 CSB

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This article was originally published on Faithandfitness.net by Joe Malone, PhD, CPT, LWMC, CFE. It has been republished here with permission and adapted for our audience. The views expressed remain those of the original author.

by Andrea Trudden, Vice President of Communications and Marketing

As this new administration begins, we are witnessing the restoration of life-affirming policies that uphold the sanctity of life, defend conscience rights, and protect taxpayers from funding abortion at home and abroad. These powerful actions are already making a monumental impact, and we celebrate them with you, the frontline champions of pregnancy help, who work daily to offer life-affirming care to women and families.

A Renewed Commitment to Protecting Life in the U.S.

This administration wasted no time addressing key policies that were in direct conflict with pro-life values. By rescinding harmful executive orders from the previous administration, the President has reaffirmed the Hyde Amendment, ensuring that:

• Federal tax dollars are no longer used to promote or fund abortion.
• Abortion is no longer falsely categorized as "healthcare" for funding purposes, preventing the misuse of Medicaid for elective abortion travel costs.

In addition to rescinding harmful executive orders, on day one, President Trump signed an executive order titled Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism And Restoring Biological Truth To The Federal Government. In this order, he affirms there are two sexes, each assigned “at conception.” This recognition strengthens the argument for personhood and lays the groundwork for further legal protections of the unborn.

The Fourteenth Amendment guarantees that no person shall be deprived of life or denied equal protection under the law. Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization overturned Roe v. Wade, which had wrongly excluded the unborn from these protections. However, Dobbs left the question of personhood open. If the government affirms that life begins at conception, the unborn could receive the same constitutional rights as any other person.

In another bold move, the administration also pardoned 23 pro-life advocates who faced unjust persecution for defending the unborn. Additionally, the Born Alive Survivors Protection Act passed the House with strong support from the President. While it was blocked in the Senate, its progress demonstrates growing momentum for policies that protect the most vulnerable among us.

A Global Stand for Life

Beyond our borders, the administration has reinstated and expanded the Mexico City Policy, ensuring that U.S. taxpayers no longer fund abortion or its promotion internationally. This policy shift directly impacts global abortion providers like International Planned Parenthood, cutting off funding and reaffirming America’s stance for life.

The U.S. has also led a coalition of countries in signing the Geneva Consensus Declaration, affirming that there is no international right to abortion and calling for the protection of women’s health and the family. Additionally, all funding to the United Nations Population Fund—an entity complicit in coercive abortion and forced sterilization—has been cut. The U.S. also has withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), which promotes abortion as a "universal right to health" and issues guidelines for implementing abortion policies worldwide.

What This Means for Pregnancy Help Organizations

These early victories reinforce the importance of the work you do every day in serving women and families with love and practical support. Policies may shift at the national and international levels, but it is your hands-on care and compassion that makes the real difference in communities. Now is the time to educate your donors about these developments and how their support strengthens a culture of life at every level.

You can share these wins with your supporters:

• The government is reinforcing policies that affirm the dignity of life and protect women from being pushed toward abortion.
• Pregnancy help organizations remain at the forefront of providing compassionate alternatives and real solutions.
• Their support directly fuels life-saving efforts that offer women real choices outside of abortion.

As we celebrate these victories, we know there is still much work ahead. Heartbeat International remains committed to equipping you with the tools, training, and resources needed to continue serving women effectively. We will also continue working to educate government leaders about the irreplaceable role of pregnancy help organizations in our communities.

"And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good." – 2 Thessalonians 3:13

Be encouraged—your work is making an eternal difference. Every act of love, every word of hope, and every life saved reflects the greater victory we have in Christ. Keep pressing forward with courage and faith!

Together, we are building a culture of life—one woman, one family, one community at a time. Thank you for the work you do. Let’s continue this mission of hope and life, stronger than ever!

In March 2023, Heartbeat International speaks at the United Nations to share how pregnancy help organizations support women's health on a global level.

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President Trump photo credit: NPR.org

by Valerie Harkins, Executive Director of the Maternity Housing Coalition

Oh, the media buzz! Recent headlines have been as dramatic as a soap opera, stirring up discussions and raising more eyebrows than a surprise baby shower. Accusations of infantilizing residents, religious coercion, and overly controlling measures have been thrown around, suggesting that these practices strip residents of their dignity.

But let's cut through the noise with some clarity. As the Executive Director of the country's largest network of maternity homes, I've seen firsthand that in residential ministry, finding the right balance is key. Too little structure, and we're in a free-for-all; too much, and we might just squash the Spirit, leading back to—you guessed it—chaos.

To critically assess our practices, we need to go back to the basics:

• What problem was this rule meant to solve?
• Has the context evolved since then?
• Have these rules effectively addressed the initial issues?

Let's discuss one controversial tool and share the right questions your organization can ask to determine your motives for using it.

Tracking Apps

Consider the controversial tool of mandatory tracking apps for residents. Originally, these might have been about ensuring safety for women escaping dangerous situations like stalking or trafficking. Here, a tracking app isn't just tech; it's a safety net with features like crash detection and emergency alerts.

But what if we're using these apps just to catch lies? Here's a comedic news flash for you: if you think you've stopped all the lying, congratulations, your resident has just outsmarted you. Deception might be part of the survival toolkit for some, so the real questions become:

• Is catching every lie our mission?
• Is it more mission-focused for our concerns to be focused on safeguarding children, preventing addiction relapse, or maintaining a peaceful home environment? 

A few ways we can address these concerns:

• Check on the well-being of the children upon return by looking for obvious bruising, appropriate attire, and their general countenance.
• Implement regular drug tests to support recovery. These are recommended to be randomized regularly, as well as administered upon returning from an outing.
• Adjust curfews to foster tranquility. If a resident misses curfew, this could result in a discussion similar to that of mentorship or perhaps even a change in their permitted outing schedule going forward. 

This leads us to ask these questions regarding tracking apps:

• Do they actually solve the problem at hand?
• Are they the least invasive option?
• Do they provide the most beneficial support?

You decide. 

I’ll leave you with a few thoughts to consider regarding the accusations from those who have never served a single day in a maternity home. Are maternity homes harming women? No. While we may all differ within our community about how to protect our residents, we can all agree that maternity homes are operated by a radically caring and empathetic group of people.

Even in this accusation of a tracking app allegedly causing harm and stripping dignity, the resident is always welcomed in the home, cared for in every way throughout her pregnancy, and shown overall concern for her safety and well-being.

I’m proud of who we are, I gladly accept our growing pains and learned lessons along the journey of this ministry. I encourage you to as well. 

Hold your head high knowing that you have been chosen for the privileged position of serving women alongside Jesus. You are the best of our country - radical givers, selfless servants, merciful forgivers. Each of your homes has challenges to overcome and rules attempting to get you there. Sometimes, we adjust these rules and learn through the journey. We understand.

The greatest point is to keep going!

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Would you like to review your mission and rules with a Maternity Housing Specialist? That’s what the Maternity Housing Coalition is here for! Book your free consultation today: Housing Consultation

by Ellen Foell, International Program Specialist

There are so many reasons people attend the European Pregnancy Help Leaders (EPHL) Summit. There are, of course, inspiring keynotes and relevant workshops. This year, attendees heard keynotes from Jor-El Godsey and Guillermo Morales Sancho, from Alliance Defending Freedom International, and nine workshops covering issues such as mega tech’s shadow banning, metrics, and how to track them simply, efficiently, and effectively, as well as updates on European Union laws and cases, fundraising and mission drift. That wasn’t all, but hopefully, that whets your appetite to attend the next Summit which will be in 2026.

Aside from that, the EPHL Summit is always held in a beautiful world-class city. From Bratislava (2014) to Venice (2016), Belgrade (2018) to Bucharest (2022), and this year to Budapest (2024) participants have the opportunity to see something in the city. This year, we also had the honor of being received in the Hungarian Parliament by the Vice President of Hungary. Hungary declares itself to be pro-family and pro-life, and this is evident—even at the airport!

One can’t forget to mention the food. A fun part of attending these Summits is the opportunity to taste local cuisine, served at the hotel and in neighboring restaurants.

Networking & Fellowship

Have you ever wondered how other centers do "x" or "y" [insert frustration of the day]? Are we the only ones that do things this way? Are we the only center that struggles with this? One of the reasons people love the Summit is that they have a chance to talk to other center leaders and volunteers. They talk about mutual challenges and difficulties to figure out solutions that might work. Further, we often have a chance to visit a local pregnancy help center. It is fun to see how other centers are set up.

Speaking of fun…you should hear the volume level in the lobby as people greet one another and excitedly hug when they see each other after two years of not seeing one another.

But, what's the best reason to attend the EPHL Summit? Well, there are actually 60 reasons: the people who come. There is nothing quite like seeing people who already connect on a professional level, also connect on a personal and friend level. The fellowship of people who see one another only once every two years—but every two years—is sweet. Repeat attendees enjoy seeing one another and make sure newcomers are warmly welcomed.

The pregnancy help community is a family. We need one another and we help one another. We spur one another to greater love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25), we encourage and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11), we carry each other's burdens (Galatians 6:2), we are kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32), we sharpen one another as iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17), and we accept one another and encourage one another with the same mind in Christ (Romans 15:5). We remind one another of the “why” behind the work we do.

Family reunions—there's nothing quite like them. We are grateful for the privilege of hosting this family reunion every two years in Europe. Thank you to all who attended and we hope to see you in 2026! We value your input, so please fill out the short evaluation linked here. Also, make sure you're subscribed to our eNewsletter, Heartbeat Around the World*, for an announcement about our next Summit. You don't want to miss it!

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