This morning
I went to an abortion clinic. I grew up believing that I’d never be in a
situation that would force me to visit this type of clinic. So, a few months ago, when a wonderful friend
of mine invited me to go with her once a month to pray for the women visiting
the clinic I didn’t have a strong desire to go with her. In fact, I turned her down for several
months. Don’t get me wrong I am
pro-life. I believe that children are a
gift from God. I believe they are human beings from the moment they are
conceived, no matter how they are conceived.
But like most human beings, I’m terribly selfish. I had a million excuses of why I couldn’t go
with my friend; it was too early (and I needed my sleep!); it’s too cold (I
despise winter!); my friend was already going there and doing it (what did they
need me for?); etc. etc.
However, my
excuses stopped when God gently reminded me that I am the children’s
pastor. If I am not the largest advocate
for children in my circle of influence then who would be? If I say that I love
children (and believe me, I do!) then how could I not get involved with the
ministry trying to prevent the loss of children? I agreed with the Lord’s gentle reminder and
told my friend I’d be coming along this month.
I know well the
arguments for pro-choice; if a family isn’t financially able to bear the burden
they shouldn’t; if a woman was raped why would she want a reminder of that
every day?; if the baby is going to grow up un-cared for or physically/mentally
handicapped why not spare it that pain?.
Rather than giving facts and figures as answers to these arguments, I’d
rather just answer with this: there is hope.
A stream of women drove past me today while I stood on the corner
praying and weeping. I couldn’t help
wonder what each lady’s circumstances were.
There were some driven by their father or their mother. Some were driven
by their husband or boyfriend. And some simply drove in by themselves. While
we watched each woman enter the clinic, we didn’t shout condemnation or
judgment but only, “You have a choice. We’d love to talk with you. We love you
no matter what.” Most ignored us; some
became irate. Out of the twenty women
who walked in, we only witnessed one couple who changed their minds. We celebrated with them.
You might be like me. You might believe that
abortion is wrong. You might believe that anything with a beating heart is a
live-being whether they happen to live inside a womb made just for them or
outside the womb in a house. You might
believe that something should be done.
You might believe that the laws should be changed. You might believe that if there were just
somebody to intercept these women and tell them that there is hope, tell them
they are loved, tell them that you will help them through a difficult season;
that then the act of abortion may well be legal, but they just won’t be
necessary anymore. But like me, you
might not have done anything about it, putting it off onto the actions of
others.
Why do I
tell you all of this? Because children, born and un-born, matter! Because
after putting faces to the endless statistics I’ve read over the years, my
perspective has changed. Because I sat
by for way too long with personal excuses for not getting involved and with
judgment for those who thought their only choice was to visit an abortion clinic. As Christians, we have to stand in the gap! We
have to make ourselves available to those who are contemplating abortion or are
post-abortion with a message of love and hope.
I’ve heard from many that the condemnation, shame, and guilt of
post-abortion is what is hardest to live with.
Congress will never make the laws necessary to make this nation one
that is Christian, especially on their own. It is up to us as individuals and as churches to step in
where Congress and democracy fall short.
Here are a
few ideas for how to get involved wherever you are:
·
Get
a group of friends together and go to your local abortion clinic to reach out
to the women there peacefully and to pray.
Make sure to check your state’s laws about boundary lines and remember always
preach hope in Jesus rather than hate.
·
Volunteer your time or donate your money to a pro-choice clinic. Women who are debating whether or not to have
an abortion need warm, friendly people to sit and talk with.
·
If
you’re blessed financially, consider donating to those who help counsel women
on their choices regarding pregnancy and life.
o
Go
big with donations of diapers and general starter-baby supplies that most first
time moms don’t have (cream, clothes, formula, bottles, etc)
·
If
you have a friend who has had an abortion, talk with them and let them know
that you love them. Most women hide this part of their lives, and the pain
kills them inside almost daily.
·
Write
to your congressmen and women. Don’t
wait for congress to change the laws to fit your religious beliefs. They won’t
do it on their own. We do have a voice and we must unite! This is more important than getting Phil Robertson back on to his TV show!
·
Comment
and add your own ideas! The unborn children of the world thank you.
