Special Message from Sidewalk Advocates for Life Vice President Nate Robertson
We get asked all the time: “Can men be just as effective on the sidewalk? Can we have just as much of a chance of reaching mothers and helping save preborn children?” Our answer to this is resoundingly, “YES!’”
Our voice in the effort to save lives and end abortion is critically important. As men, we can have an equally powerful connection with each other, motivating a boyfriend or husband to become an advocate for his girlfriend or wife and their preborn child. It is also true that many women are drawn to the strength of a kind man who has hope for her situation and real resources available. The stories from the men who are currently serving as Sidewalk Advocates — even leading some of our teams — make this clear:
I was part of the prayer team and felt that I could take one more step into helping these women get the right information, so they can make the right decision when it comes to the lives of their babies. … I believe we need more men out in the front of the battle, and I wanted to do my part and be one of them!
Many of the mothers I talk to thank me for being compassionate and not harassing them. There is a lot of suffering and hurt going on in those women’s lives, so it is critical to be intentional with your words and body language. Pray with them. Just by listening we can help heal them.
For every negative reaction, I bet we’ll get 8-10 positive reactions. We are changing people’s perceptions … we’re not protestors, we’re not screaming, we’re not condemning, we’re not judging — we’re here to love and help people.
One young mother I encountered and shared resources with said to me, “Thank you for being here.” I called her 30 minutes later, wondering if she made it to the pregnancy center. She told me she made it and then said, “Thank you. I’m glad you were there. I love you!’”
These are just a few examples of the tremendous impact men are making on the sidewalk when they reach out with Christ’s love to help abortion-vulnerable mothers and fathers. No matter who you are, God can work through you to save lives. When you are equipped with knowledge of resources and options, you can be effective. We all have strengths we bring to the sidewalk.
Based on her 20+ years on the sidewalk, SAFL founder, President & CEO Lauren Muzyka echoes this sentiment:
I have worked alongside amazing men who really love children and family, and they really want to make a difference. Sure, women have a natural camaraderie with women. But we often discover that the women who are entering abortion facilities have a boyfriend, dad, brother, grandfather who has not been there for them. Having a man there who cares about them, lovingly invites them into conversation, provides them with real help and hope — that can be a game-changer.
Men, don’t let people tell you that this is just a women’s issue. Every child we’ve ever met has both a mother and a father. Men matter. Your voice matters in this battle. We need you.
If you have a tug on your heart to get to the sidewalk, we would love to serve you. Visit sidewalkadvocates.org/volunteer and join the multitudes of men who have said, “yes” to the call to save lives with the help of our training, tools and support!
If you would like to learn about Nate’s call to the sidewalk the fateful night he walked past an abortion facility after dinner with his family — check out our “Ordinary Heroes” video here.