Bristol Palin's Child

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin announced today that her 17-year-old daughter, Bristol, is five months pregnant and is planning to keep the baby and marry the father

"We have been blessed with five wonderful children who we love with all our heart and mean everything to us. Our beautiful daughter Bristol came to us with news that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned. We're proud of Bristol's decision to have her baby and even prouder to become grandparents. As Bristol faces the responsibilities of adulthood, she knows she has our unconditional love and support.

"Bristol and the young man she will marry are going to realize very quickly the difficulties of raising a child, which is why they will have the love and support of our entire family. We ask the media to respect our daughter and Levi's privacy as has always been the tradition of children of candidates."

What's unfortunate for Bristol and her baby is that they will have to deal with opportunist who will use the situation as political leverage against Sarah Palin. May God bless and protect Bristol and her child's father as they seek to do the right thing by taking responsibility for their actions in a politically hostile environment.

The Family Research Council's Tony Perkins commented,

"Unfortunately, teenage pregnancy has become all too common in today's society regardless of a family's economic or social status. It is problem that we remain committed to reducing through encouraging young people to practice abstinence.

"Fortunately, Bristol is following her mother and father's example of choosing life in the midst of a difficult situation. We are committed to praying for Bristol and her husband to be and the entire Palin family as they walk through a very private matter in the eyes of the public."

Wesley Smith contrasts the Palin's response with that of Barack Obama:

... look for there to be a sharp contrast drawn between the Palin family's loving acceptance of the new child, with Senator Barack Obama's statement that he wouldn't want his daughters "punished with a baby" if they made a "mistake."

As I ponder all of this, I think McCain/Palin versus Obama/Biden vividly reflects the cultural divisions that are tearing our society apart more starkly than any election in my memory.

Richard and K-Lo have similar thoughts. How a family handles difficult situations certainly reveals their moral character and the Palin's are not strangers to challenge. However, their actions reflect the core values upon which they live their lives. There should be no doubt that this family not only talks the talk but also walks the walk (Michelle Malkin).

There is no doubt that Bristol's baby is recognized to be a human being, not because she decided to keep her child, but rather because he or she is the creation of God, endowed with a intrinsic value and dignity from a transcendent source.

Barbabra writes with the insight and experience:

Consider being merciful in your judgment. Ask God to guide your thoughts.

We are sinners saved by grace. That means each one of us is closer to falling than many care to think. And pride goes before a fall - God will not allow believers to stay in our self-righteousness and judgment of others. He loves us too much.

Bottom line: now more than ever, McCain/Palin.

Thanks. Again, God be with Bristol and her baby.