by Lauren Muzyka, Executive Director, Sidewalk Advocates for Life
Verses: “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.” — John 15:16-17
Reflection: Many debate in the pro-life movement about the best tactic for ending abortion: Is it more political prowess? Media connections? The greatest advertising campaign or even, pooling the greatest amount of money or resources?
While these things can aid the battle for life, we must recognize that Jesus has already answered this question: it is LOVE. Love is what lead Christ to the cross to redeem all sin and death, and Love raised Him from the dead. Love is what heals relationships, transforms broken hearts and gives us the ability to persevere and do what’s right.
At the end of the day, the abortion decision rests with a mother — we recognize that she doesn’t have a moral right to take the life of her preborn child, but unfortunately, she does have the legal option to do so. Maybe the boyfriend left her, the family is pressuring her and she sees all of her future plans crumbling before her eyes; ironically, she may feel she has NO choice. The world keeps telling her that for $500, her biggest problem will be solved.
When we head out to the sidewalk to pray and love these mothers through faith-in-action, miracles can happen. In all of my time as a sidewalk counselor, I have never seen a mother change her mind because of a mere political or philosophical argument. But I can tell you about the countless number of times I’ve witnessed lives saved and hearts transformed because a peaceful person on the sidewalk was willing to pray and offer love and assistance without judgment to that mother-in-crisis.
We are called to bring His love and light out to the sidewalk, knowing that He can work miracles through us, if we let Him.
Faith Challenge: Grab a friend and go out to an abortion facility this week and peacefully pray, even if just for 15 minutes. Consider getting trained as a Sidewalk Advocate! See sidewalkadvocates.org/