Nick Cannon Offers Help

Nick Cannon, actor and popular singer who’s music video “Can I Live” relates so well to so many visitors to this site, is offering to help young women raising children on their own. He’s so proud of his own mother for giving him life, he wants to encourage other young women as well…

“Hey y’all It’s Nick,

Thank you for all the support with my “Can I Live” record. It is really taking off. We are shooting the video very soon. It is going to be great! This record is extremely important to me and to our community. There are a lot of young mothers in need and have had to struggle to raise their children. I just wanted to recognize all the strong women who are raising children on their own like my mother had to do. Myself and my foundation really want to help these young women. If any of you out there know a single mother between the ages of 15-25 who may be having a difficult time, I would love to hear the story. Please write to me and explain the condition and how I could possibly help. I will check the website and respond accordingly.

“Can I Live” is a rap song, topping the charts and showing up on MTV’s Total Request Live. Nick Cannon performs the song as a tribute to his mother who almost aborted him. She walked away from the abortion clinic after she chose life for her son Nick. Continue reading for the complete lyrics. Here’s an excerpt:

   You Seventeen huh
    And having me that will ruin everything huh
    It’s a lot of angels waiting for their wings
    You see me in your sleep so you can’t kill your dreams
    300 Dollars that’s the price of living what?
    Mommy I don’t like this clinic
    Hopefully, you’ll make the right decision
    And don’t go through with the Knife Decision
    But it’s hard to make the right move
    When you in high school
    How you have to work all day and take night school
    Hopping off da bus when the rain is pouring
    What you want morning sickness or the sickness of mourning

    Talking Ma
    I know the Situation is Personal
    But it something that has to be told
    As I was making this beat
   You was all I could think about you heard my voice

   Yeah Just think Just Think
   What if you could Just
   Just blink yourself away..
   Just Just wait just pause for a second
   Let me plead my case
   It’s the late 70’s Huh
   You Seventeen huh
   And having me that will ruin everything huh
   It’s a lot of angels waiting for their wings
  You see me in your sleep so you cant kill your dreams
  300 Dollars that’s the price of living what?
  Mommy, I don’t like this clinic
  Hopefully you’ll make the right decision
  And don’t go through with the Knife Decision
  But it’s hard to make the right move
  When you in high school
  How you have to work all day and take night school
  Hopping off da bus when the rain is pouring
  What you want morning sickness or the sickness of mourning

  I Will Always Be a part of you
  Trust Your Soul Know it’s always true
  If I Could Talk I Would Say To You
  CAN I LIVE?
  CAN I LIVE?
  I Will Always Be a part of you
  Trust Your Soul Know it’s always true
  If I Could Talk I Would Say To You
  CAN I LIVE?
  CAN I LIVE?

  I am a child of the king
  Ain’t no need to go fear me
  And I see the flowing tears so know that you hear me
  When I move in your womb that’s me being scary
  ‘Cause who knows what my future holds
  Yo the truth be told you ain’t told a soul
  Yo you ain’t even showing I’m just 2 months old
  Through your clothes try to hide me deny me
  Went up 3 sizes
  Your pride got you lying saying ain’t nothing but a migraine
  It ain’t surprising you not trying to be in Wic food lines
  Your friends will look at you funny but look at you mommy
  That’s a life inside you look at your tummy
  What is becoming ma I am Oprah bound
  You can tell he’s a star from the Ultrasound
  Our Sprits Connected Doors Open Now
  Nothing But Love And Respect Thanks For Holding Me Down She Let Me Live…

  I Will Always Be a part of you
  Trust Your Soul Know it’s always true
  If I Could Talk I Would Say To You
  CAN I LIVE?
  CAN I LIVE?
  I Will Always Be a part of you
 Trust Your Soul Know it’s always true
 If I Could Talk I Would Say To You
 CAN I LIVE?
 CAN I LIVE?

 It’s uplifting for real yall
 I ain’t passing no judgement
 Ain’t making no decisions
 I am just telling ya’ll my story
 My love life
 I love my mother for giving me life
 We all need to appreciate life
 A strong woman that had to make a sacrifice
 Thanks for listening
 Thanks for listening
 Mama, thanks for listening

I’m just a 15 year old who wanted love

He came to me. The guy who forever changed my life.  James! He just happened to be 5 years older. But it didn’t matter, for I was in love. I really fell hard for the guy. For once in my life, I was happy. James was so different. He made me feel loved. Of course, my parents didn’t know about him. They would pretty much kill me if they found out. So every night at midnight, I would sneak out and see him.

Dear Becky — My story is the typical teenage one…Girl falls in love, gets pregnant, guy leaves her. But first, I’m going to start from where it all began.

I’m just a 15-year-old girl, who wanted love. Who wanted to be loved…I was the type who always looked for it. I never could find that “right one”. So I began to just give up on it. They say to not look for love, that it comes to you.

That’s what just happened. He came to me. The guy who forever changed my life. James! He just happened to be 5 years older. But it didn’t matter, for I was in love. I really fell hard for the guy. For once in my life, I was happy. James was so different. He made me feel loved. Of course, my parents didn’t know about him. They would pretty much kill me if they found out. So every night at midnight, I would sneak out and see him. He would always tell me that I was different than the other girls. That he was in love with me. I believed it. Every word he said. I found myself in love with him. It was weird for me because I never let myself go that deep. But I did. Before I even met James, I heard the stories… He’s the type who likes to sleep around. He was what they call a man whore. I didn’t think things would get serious. So I really didn’t care. Then we kept seeing each other. I really didn’t want to get hurt. He told me that he was going to change…He wouldn’t dare to sleep around. I was happy about that. Things were so great. He would call to say good morning….e-mail to just say he was thinking of me. One time, he even stayed up till 6 in the morning watching over me. Because stupid me, had too much to drink…and as I woke up he was all “I was sooo worried about you babe”….that’s when I realized he was different. At that point, we were “seeing each other” for two weeks… This is where it all began… The symptoms!!!! I remember the first time I told him that I might be pregnant… He would want to talk about it. But I was really scared. I would ask him to shut up. But he would remain to talk about it. He said that we had to be prepared in case the test came out positive. James then told me that he was really happy, that he was going to help me. That I had his support. I remember he said that it was a way for us to be together… So I was glad to hear that.

The next day, I planned to take the test. James said to me to not freak out about the results. Wait for him to be there, so he could help me get through. When I finally took the test, It came out negative…what a relief!!! When I told James the news, he said that he was hoping that it came out positive. He was hoping for me to be pregnant!! Another week went by, and I still felt symptoms, so I retook the test…this time. It changed my life forever…. Yes, it turned out I was pregnant. What was I going to do? But then I thought wait, I have James… So I stopped the worry, I called him up and told him the news, he was happy! I really didn’t think I had any worries. Except I still didn’t understand how he could be happy about this.

I told him that he was going to wake up in the morning and realize what I said. Come to find out, that’s exactly what happened…A few days past, no call….a week…two weeks… He became distant! I knew what this meant, that he didn’t want to help out anymore. It crushed me. I thought that maybe he was scared…. so I gave him time….time…time…and more time… I was hoping for him to have a change of heart. For him to want me back. But, it turns out all I did was keep dreaming…Nothing ever did happen. I didn’t understand. How he could do that to me…after saying he would help me. I thought he loved me. Love only lasts so long. He had to leave me in a time like this. I needed to move on. Except that I still loved him. To this day, my heart could take him back. I realized that he wasn’t coming back. It hurt! Never in my life have I ever experienced a pain like that. I began to think…and I needed to be strong. Most guys to this to girls. I still have my moments when I break down, but I try my best to keep my head high. I had to for my baby….Everyday James goes through my mind. I wonder what he’s doing. How he is. I know he’s going on with his life. That’s what I have to do. In the end, it’ll all work out!

I’m 15 and pregnant. I look on the bright side of things. Yeah, maybe James did break my heart, but I have something to live for. I struggle all the time to pick up the phone…Still wanting to hear his voice. Its too hard though. About a week ago, I finally did get a hold of him. He was on his way to a chick’s house. We did manage to talk for 10 minutes though…He said he was sorry that we haven’t talked. I was all James, you’ve got your life…and then he’s all I could have called you!!! I thought maybe he really was sorry. Then he said he would call me back…..I waited!! I waited ALL night. He never called. TYPICAL! I’m now 2 months pregnant…. I still keep picking up the phone….because I know that we have to discuss things. I mean he’s having a child. He cant ignore that. I don’t know if I should call him. I keep waiting for his call. But I know he’ll never call. That’s my story. I fell in love with a guy. When he found out I was pregnant, he never spoke to me again. Even after he said he would help me through this. I think that I learned a lot from this. I hope this inspired some girls. That sometimes you just have to let go. Guys will leave. I mean mine even said he would stay. You may be in love, but being pregnant scares the guys.

Thanks for reading this. Girls, you’ve got to stay strong. There’s always going to be struggles. But stay strong. One day, I may work up the strength to call James. One day… I hope you guys have better luck.

Carol


Dear Carol — WOW! Your story had me reading to the very last sentence! You know what, Carol? You are a true Stand Up Girl! I will tell you though, please be prepared Carol. There WILL come a day when he will try to walk back into your life. He knows there is a baby on the way and he is not taking responsibility for his actions. Please try to remember that.

I think your story will encourage many other young women in their pregnancy as they will see that they are not alone. You know?

Keep standing tall Carol. You have a beautiful little life on the way. Take care of yourself and know that if you want to talk, I’m here for you.

Thank you for your e-mail.

Luv Lisa |

We didn’t plan on having sex until we were married

We didn’t plan on having sex until we were married. Well, one night things all changed, and we did end up having sex, the first time, and I got pregnant. What a shock huh? Well, it was for me, being only 16 and still in school, and pregnant.

Dear Becky — I am now a 17-year-old mother of a 4 1/2-month-old son. His name is Jasadrian, and he was 7 lbs 10.1 oz 20 ¼ in.

I had my head on straight, had plans for the future, and college all worked out for me. Then I fell in love, and things all changed. My ex-boyfriend/father of our son is now not in my or our son’s life. Here is the story…

We didn’t plan on having sex until we were married. Well, one night things all changed, and we did end up having sex, the first time, and I got pregnant. What a shock huh? Well, it was for me, being only 16 and still in school, and pregnant. The time me and my boyfriend did have sex, like two weeks after that, we were both laying in my bed, just laying in each other’s arms, then I turned to him, and told him I had to tell him something, I turned away from him and I just started crying and he’s like “I know what it is”, and I couldn’t tell him still. I was such a mess. He asked me if I knew for sure and I said NO. A few days after that, and I got an EPT test. I didn’t tell my boyfriend because I wasn’t ready to take it yet, I already knew.

I did end up taking it. Me and my boyfriend were sleeping, and it was somewhere between 2-3 in the morning. I went to the bathroom and took it. It was the longest time ever it seemed like waiting for the results. After I had seen it, I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t move. I just kept looking at the little stick in my hand that had two pink lines. Finally, the shock wore off enough for me to move and go back to my room. I woke Alex up, and told him, ” Alex, I just took the test”. And he’s like what did it say, I was like go see for yourself, and he’s said, no tell me…I was like, ” I AM.” He’s like “Okay, things are going to be fine ” he went back to sleep, and I just laid there, and like this isn’t, and can’t be happening!!! The next morning, he woke up and went to the bathroom, and when he did I heard him pick up the test. I had left it out for him to see for himself. When he came out, I asked him if he had seen two pink lines too, and he said yes. He just came and held me and told me everything was going to be okay (at that time I was 16, he was 21). He told me he would always be there for me and his baby, and he made me feel like things were going to be okay! He told me that he was going to Florida for a few weeks, and I said that it was okay! But for him to come back. He told me he would. Well, the night before he left, I told him that I didn’t want him to go, and we got in a big fight. He told me that he was. He left my house and went and stayed at a friend’s.

Well, the next day (Father’s Day), I had to watch my cousin while my aunt and uncle went out. I called him over and over, then he finally talked to me. I told him happy Father’s Day, and he’s like what does that mean, I should go tell my dad happy Fathers Day. I said NO IT’S FOR YOUR KID! We didn’t talk for long because we ended up fighting again (and our first fight ever) then I asked him if he was going to see me before he left, and tell me goodbye, and he said “Maybe!”

Well, he never came and I never got to say goodbye to him. I didn’t have a # or a address of where he was going, so I couldn’t contact him, I had to wait for him to do that. He called me like 2 months or so after he had left. I just cried the whole time, and kept telling him I loved him. He told me he wanted to be there for the baby, and I kept telling him to come home. Finally the time came when he was about to be due, Alex showed up in November.

Well I was suppose to go for a ultrasound the 16th of December. On our way, A drunk driver hit our car. It killed Alex instantly. I was rushed to the hospital. They had to take my son, or I would of lost him too! So that was the saddest and the happiest day of my life. I lost my boyfriend, and gave birth to our son! Everyday I miss him, and keep thinking of him! It has been hard on me, because I am still in HS. Only 3 more weeks left and then I will graduate. I was kicked out of my house when my mom found out I was pregnant, (everyone wanted me to get an abortion). I thought about it for 1/2 a second, and knew that I could never do that and live with myself. And then Alex left me. So I had to get a job to support myself, and still go to school.

Well now, I am a full time mommy, student, and am working. Things are good now, because I have a perfect gift from God, my baby boy that looks just like his daddy! Each and everyday, I am thankful that I have him. He has made me a stronger woman, and made me respect that everyday we live, we should be thankful for. I want you and everyone to know, that I LOVE MY SON, and he is the world to me.

To you girls out there that think abortion is right. It’s not. Once that baby has a heart beat, you do not have the right to take it away EVER! YOU GIVE LIFE, AND GOD TAKES IT AWAY! Not you! But just to kill that living baby is not right, you would regret it, I’m sure, but it might be hard for you to accept and handle it. Trust me, I did it all on my own, (and still am) but I am thankful that God gave me my son. I’m sure if you think about it, you would rather give a life to a child, then to take it away! So if you are considering an abortion, please think about that poor innocent baby that is inside you, who didn’t do A THING! you brought him/her in this world, he/she didn’t ask to be. It was your decision!

Thanks for your time,

Ashley


Dearest Ashley — My name is Lisa and I help Becky at the Stand Up Girl website with some of her e-mail.

Wow! When I read your story, I felt like I was there watching the whole thing happen and my heart so broke for you. I am so sorry you have been through all you have been through, but you have a beautiful baby boy to remember and carry on his fathers memory.

Ashley – you truly are a Stand Up Girl.

I should tell you too, that a baby’s heartbeat can begin within the first week! Did you know that? So … upon conception your baby was alive and a human being, even though he had no form, he was alive. Isn’t that amazing?

Ashley – I am very glad that you have your precious baby boy and I am so proud of you … being a Stand Up Girl. Keep it up my friend.

Luv Lisa

Abortion and Preemies

Abortion Raises the Risk of Premature Delivery Later in Life: Women with a history of induced abortion were at higher risk of very preterm delivery than those with no such history (OR + 1.5, 95% CI 1.12.0); the risk was even higher for extremely preterm deliveries (<28 weeks).

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Volume 112 Issue 4 Page 430 – April 2005: Women with a history of induced abortion were at higher risk of very preterm delivery than those with no such history (OR + 1.5, 95% CI 1.12.0); the risk was even higher for extremely preterm deliveries (<28 weeks).


A new report from France has information of which every young woman faced with the choice of abortion should be aware.

The report was created to evaluate the risk of preterm birth associated with previous induced abortions (that is, abortions and not miscarriages). The authors used a scientific formalism to control for possible unintended study bias, and based their results on a sampling of the population of France (2,837 early births).

The outcome was quite dramatic. Quoting from the results of the study:

“Women with a history of induced abortion were at higher risk of very preterm delivery than those with no such history (OR + 1.5, 95% CI 1.12.0); the risk was even higher for extremely preterm deliveries (<28 weeks). The association between previous induced abortion and very preterm delivery varied according to the main complications leading to very preterm delivery. A history of induced abortion was associated with an increased risk of premature rupture of the membranes, antepartum hemorrhage (not in association with hypertension) and idiopathic spontaneous preterm labour that occur at very small gestational ages (<28 weeks). Conversely, no association was found between induced abortion and very preterm delivery due to hypertension.

Conclusion: Previous induced abortion was associated with an increased risk of very preterm delivery. The strength of the association increased with decreasing gestational age.”

Women Deserve Better Campaign

Abortion is a reflection that we have not met the needs of women. Women deserve better than abortion.

Feminists For Life

Are you pregnant unexpectedly?
Do you need concrete, practical help?

You are not alone. Below are some resources that can help, and some stories from women who have been right where you are and lived to tell about it. See what they have to say before you make any decisions.

Don’t believe that abortion is the only way out. You Have Choices.

There are people willing to offer you medical care, counseling, clothes, baby items, and a sympathetic ear in pregnancy centers all over the country.

Unplanned Pregnancy – A Detour, Not a Dead End

The Spring 1999 issue of The American Feminist explores the various ways women cope with unplanned pregnancies, whatever their individual situations.

College-age women are most at risk

of experiencing the tragedy of abortion. FFL’s College Outreach Program was launched in 1996 to reach out to these women with life-affirming alternatives to abortion.

Did you think legal abortion was safe?

Courtesy of Feminists For Life
http://www.feministsforlife.org

Please Forgive Me-My Abortion Story

When I was 19, I felt I had the right to do whatever I wanted because I was legally an adult. I became involved with a young man and when we dated and had sex, sometimes we would have protection and sometimes we did not. One of those times we did not use any.
Events rolled out-of-control from there. I was still living at my parents’ house and going to college and working at a minimum wage job. I thought my mom would at least emotionally support me after the shock of telling her that I was pregnant, but that is not what happened.

When I told her, she went white in the face and then bought a home pregnancy test, which turned out positive. After a few days later, I passed by the kitchen and she heard me. She then said, “I guess you will have to have an abortion.”

My world totally collapsed. I really did not want to have an abortion. I went to her for alternative support and she failed me. If I had of had someone to go to…..another person with some emotional backbone to tell me that I could be pregnant, then I would have despite the pressure of family and the imagined shame while still going to church.

I think that it was the church attitude that frightened her more than anything. Here I was a Christian and pregnant without a husband. She was shamed because of that. Therefore, I had to hide her shame.

After she made her decision for me, I made all the preparations. Finding a clinic, making an appointment, and going to the clinic to have an abortion.

That morning, I said to myself, “I am pregnant. Tonight you will not be anymore.” I felt very sad.

I drove there and then proceeded to go through their process. Making sure I had adequate protection for birth control when I was finally out. Making sure I had adequate Valium for the procedure. “The procedure.” What a name? It is not so much of a procedure than it is a vacuum being shoved up into the womb and sucking everything out. AND IT HURTS!!!!!!!!! No amount of Valium could make up for that kind of pain!

After the 30-second procedure was done, I vomited on the table. They then led me to the recovery room where the other women and young women were. Recovering from the pain. The cramping doesn’t stop after the machine has turned off. The cramping continues until it is dulled and then you may go home.

The abortion not only took my baby’s life that day, it also took away my ability to have children ever again. I did not know that then. Many of my friends who have had abortions have had children, but on that day with me, there were problems. You see the machine that scraped out my uterus also scraped so much that it left heavy scar tissue. This is called Asherman’s Syndrome. When an egg is fertilized, it wants to be implanted within the uterine lining. Well, my uterine wall is too scarred up.

I had a surgery done a while ago to confirm my suspicions of infertility. And that is what was diagnosed. Not only did I lose a child but I also lost the chance of ever becoming a mother.

Regret is an emotion I will have to live with for the rest of my life. I have had help. A group called Healing Encouragement for Abortion Related Trauma (HEART) has helped me with my emotional, spiritual and physical pain that I have had to come to terms with. This group is also called PACE (Post Abortion Counseling and Education).

I encourage any of you that are pregnant, please stop and think. This is not a time to panic. You do have time. Find people to help you. They are out there. If you want to have a child like I wanted to have my child don’t let those negative influences get to you. Find a way to solve and not live a lifetime of regret.

If you are a woman who has had an abortion I strongly encourage you to seek out post-abortion counseling. Even if you think that you are “fine”. Even if you have said to God, “Please forgive me.” and He has. Great. But remember this: forgiveness and healing are two separate words. Forgiveness is immediate but healing takes a lifetime.

Thanks for reading this.

With blessings and love on this journey we call “life”

Sheryl | sheryldea1@juno.com


Dearest Sheryl,

I had to step away from my desk before replying because I weep for you. My heart so breaks for you … but I was also riveted because – your story is a little similar to mine. All the way from the first line – year, month, and age. Here is my story:

http://www.standupgirl.com/beckys-story-video.html

I now teach the PACE study at my church in southern California and I refer many women on this site to a place where they are able to find the same study and healing also. Now known as “Forgiven and Set Free”.

However – I don’t believe I have ever spoken to a woman that is in the same place I am today. May I share with you my dear friend Sheryl – that though the Lord has not chosen to give us a child today – It truly is His choice.

The fact that you or I do not have children today adds to our testimony’s but it is not impossible for Him to bless us with a baby one day adding to our testimonies (He gives us beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning). I often think of it this way … though I am living with the choices that I made, and my heart so yearns to have a baby today, if my empty arms saves a baby’s life, it’s OK.

Even though we have never met and this is a short, first-time correspondence between the two of us – I feel like I know you.

I will pray for you, Sheryl. May God give you His comfort and His peace along your pilgrim’s journey.

Luv -Lisa

Becky and Lisa | dearbecky@standupgirl.com