Conceived in rape Dr. Tessitore

Patti Smith

Patti is an adoptee who was conceived in rape. She is a worship leader from Huntington, California and is
available for speaking -- pattismith55@yahoo.com

I believe that God has called you here today -- you are meant to be here, and I would even go on to say that I believe
God has created you and sent you into fearfully and wonderfully made, and that before you were formed in your mother’s
womb, He knew you! You and I are infinitely valuable to Him – and He paid the infinite price.

Even many in the pro-life movement may say that abortion is wrong, but in the case of rape, maybe abortion is even justified -- as if that child is of less value because of the way this precious child was conceived.   But I’m here today to tell you that every child is of infinite value to the Father . . . every child. Every child is created and sent into this world to glorify the Father. Every child!

By the world’s standards, maybe I should not be here. I am 54 and adopted. When I searched and met my birthmother 20 years ago, she told about the circumstances of my conception and birth.   I expected to hear a tragic love story, but instead I heard the shocking news that she had been raped and could not deal with keeping the child of a rapist, so she gave me up for adoption. She said that she knew that this man had also raped her roommate and two others. He never knew about me and she never saw him again. She didn’t go to the police -- it was the 50's and she was too ashamed.

My birthmother found herself pregnant and alone. This world would say that I was disposable, of little value. Even damaged goods – bad genes they might say.   But my mother knew in her heart that I was precious in His sight and that I was of infinite value. She gave me up in adoption to two loving parents and I was raised in a loving Christian home. At the age of 18, I came to know Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior.

I’m here today to declare to the world that I, you and every child are of infinite value and Jesus paid the infinite price on the cross for our salvation. I thank Him every day for the wonderful life I have had and that I was sent to tell others about how much He treasures every life, no matter what the circumstances of conception.   I want to make a difference in the world.   I want to say that even though the circumstances of my conception were in violence and hatred, I am not my father, nor am I my mother. I am me. I was created by a loving God and my life is so valuable. And so is the life of every baby conceived -- valuable and a gift from God.

Today, I am involved with His Nesting Place here where I live. It’s a Christian home for unwed mothers.   I lead worship music
from time to time as a guest, and have just begun sharing my story.   At times, it has seemed like if I tell anyone -- they just get so shocked, and it was uncomfortable for me, but now I am sharing. I want to speak more about my story and the value of life, and I want to make a difference in this world.

1993, with birthmom after our reunion
Patti Smith
pattismith55@yahoo.com