Madonna, a middle child of seven, is like many other teens. She goes to school, plays basketball, and runs track. She dreams of becoming a lawyer one day. One of things that is most remarkable about Madonna, though, is that she is one of our youngest certified Sidewalk Advocates.
Initially, the idea of being on the sidewalk really scared her. “It was very intimidating having to go up to a random person in a car, talk about a controversial issue, and most likely … with someone … older than me.”
SAFL’s training helped assuage her nerves. She learned how to start a conversation, which made her more comfortable. The emphasis on prayer also “helped a lot and made (her) realize how important Christ is during sidewalk advocating.” She still gets nervous before going to the sidewalk and is sometimes frustrated by not knowing if a woman went through with her abortion or not.
In the face of that anxiety or frustration, Madonna reminds herself of the “difference (she) can make, changing a life, and saving one” (even if she doesn’t know it at the time). Prayer remains key to her commitment; she asks her family to pray for her and for the women she will encounter at the abortion facility, and she continues praying throughout her sidewalk shifts. “The amount of strength I get from the Lord while being on the sidewalk is amazing,” shared Madonna.
She is hopeful that her generation can have a positive impact by advocating for life and showing those who enter the abortion facility that we care. Madonna believes:
Women going into clinics need to see people their age on the sidewalk. The pro-life people of our generation need to stand up for what is right, and boldly, in order to show the rest of the generation the dangers and cruelty of abortion.
She encourages others who want to get involved in the pro-life movement to consider becoming a Sidewalk Advocate because even though it can be “scary,” changing or saving a life is “so worth all the fear, and it’s so rewarding.” Madonna explained that women need to know about the resources available now more than ever, because being in a post-Roe America sadly doesn’t end abortion completely. “We still have so much more work to do by changing hearts and minds, and sharing our love with these women,” said Madonna.
Being a Sidewalk Advocate has done more than equip Madonna to help pregnant moms. She reflected:
Sidewalk advoca(cy) has shown me a whole different way of loving others, even complete strangers … how much I need to turn to and rely on God. We really can’t do anything without the Lord’s help, and I’m so thankful that sidewalk advocating has led me to help realize this.
We at Sidewalk Advocates for Life are so grateful for Madonna’s “yes” to the Lord’s call, and the amazing witness she is to so many – not just on the sidewalk, but also throughout her community and beyond!
But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. – Jeremiah 1:7-8