by Lauren Muzyka
Verse(s): “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” — Isaiah 55:12
Reflection: As I arrived in California to prepare for a Sidewalk Advocacy training, someone asked me what we were doing that Thursday morning. I remember saying, “I’m excited! We’re going our to sidewalk counsel tomorrow morning!”
Then, I paused. Yikes, why did I respond that way? After all, I knew that my least favorite place was an abortion facility.
I quickly clarified to someone, “No, I absolutely hate going to the abortion facility …but it does bring me great joy to serve the people there.” Yes, it’s a JOY to do God’s work, to give them hope, to point them in the right direction, knowing that all His roads lead to life abundant!
And though we are going to the foot of the Cross every time we head out to the abortion facility, do we realize that our love, peace and joy is the net by which we catch souls (ref. Mother Teresa)? That doesn’t mean we’re bouncing up and down with giddiness as we hand someone a pamphlet to the local pregnancy center, but it does mean that we begin and end with a smile, letting that person know that they are loved by us and by God Himself. That, in and of itself, should bring us great joy!
Call to Action: Mother Teresa once said, “Peace begins with smile.” Do you exude the joy of the Lord in your being, proclaiming His holy ways?
Try to remember to smile at all you pass today in the checkout line, the grocery store, the gas station, and the post office. A kind nod or hello or simple word may just be enough to brighten someone’s day!
Remember that pro-life ministry begins with treating all you come across as a child made by a loving Creator; your simple smile can be the thing that turns someone’s heart to the kind, loving ways of their Father in Heaven.