If I could pick one word that resonates deeply with those of us in the pregnancy help movement, it would be this: isolation.
It’s one of the enemy’s favorite lies, whether whispered to a woman facing an unexpected pregnancy or to a leader trying to faithfully serve her.
“You are all alone.”
“There’s no one to help you.”
The truth? Isolation is a tactic, not reality.
But it’s a feeling I know well.
When I first stepped into this ministry 11-½ years ago, I felt it deeply. I knew God had called me, but I remember having an honest, raw conversation with Him.
“Okay, God. I’ve stepped out. Now what?”
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Have you ever felt that way?
If you’re reading this and your heart whispers yes, I believe it’s no accident. Let this be your reminder: You are not alone. You were never meant to walk this journey alone.
Just a few weeks ago, I found myself in tears on the phone with Heartbeat International, having one of those hard moments we all face from time to time. I needed someone to remind me to lift my eyes again, to refocus my heart and mind on the One who called me. That day, God met me in my exhaustion. I felt like Elijah in 1 Kings.
Rest. Eat. Take a nap. Just abide, Valerie.
As a lifelong learner and a natural connector, God has taught me the value of healthy community and wise counsel. It matters who you allow to speak into your life. We remind our clients of this all the time, don’t we?
What I didn’t realize early on was how much I needed other pregnancy help leaders walking this road alongside me.

Seven years ago, I drove to Middle Tennessee for what I thought was just another conference. About 25 leaders gathered for one day, encouraging, uplifting, and sharing ideas to strengthen the way we serve women, men, and families.
That gathering has grown every year. In recent years, we’ve brought department leaders with us, those who serve in medical, development, sexual risk education, men’s ministry, and abortion recovery.
This year, over 200 people gathered in Chattanooga to sharpen one another once again.
Our theme? Abide.
What a timely and needed word.
We spent two days learning, in fellowship, and growing together.
Yes, we are different: different centers, different communities, different strengths, but united by one mission and one Savior.
I found myself reflecting again on how, when I first answered this call, God already had in mind not just me but every person on our team and every leader represented in that room.
One of our highlights was hearing from Kirk Walden, someone we all know and appreciate. His words, as always, brought humor, wisdom, and challenge. He reminded us to pause and measure the fruit in our lives. Such a needed reminder for those of us serving on the frontlines of life-affirming work.
We each bring something unique to the table, gifts that God is using to ensure no woman or man feels isolated or cornered into believing abortion is their only option. Because there are life-affirming alternatives in every corner of our state, real care, real help, never charging a dime. Just compassion. Just truth. Just hope.Kr
Tweet This: You are not alone. You were never meant to walk this journey alone.
This work isn’t easy. We know where our strength comes from. Abiding in Him makes all the difference.
We broke out into groups at the Chattanooga conference, CEOs, medical staff, men’s ministry, development, abortion recovery, sexual risk avoidance educators, and shared openly.
On the way home, listening to our team reflect, I was reminded again: We are truly blessed.
Our center may not look like others across the state, but we are all set apart for such a time as this.

One conversation that stood out to me was on healthy collaboration. What does it look like? How can we better partner with other organizations to serve families even more effectively?
These are the conversations that strengthen us, not just for today but for the future.
We left this year’s conference with full hearts, full hands overflowing, ready to return home and pour into our teams and the families God entrusts to us.
We are not alone. And neither are the families we serve. Together we can make abortion unthinkable, one center and one family at a time.
If your state doesn’t gather regularly with other pregnancy centers, consider this your sign to start.
Alone, you may move fast. But together, we go far. We are truly better together.
Editor's note: Valerie Millsapps is CEO of Pregnancy Resource Center in Maryville, Tenn,