by Lauren Muzyka, Executive Director, Sidewalk Advocates for Life
Verse(s): “Be thankful in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Reflection: One of the hardest things we face as Sidewalk Advocates (or sidewalk counselors) is the mother who — in desperate times — thinks abortion is her only option. When she’s being abused at home, threatened by an eviction notice, fallen on hard financial times, facing an uncertain future with school or dealing with the idea of becoming a single parent, suddenly circumstances seem overwhelming.
That’s why we as bearers of God’s hope and light seek to bridge the gap — to help her realize that it’s not the baby that’s the problem, it’s the situation she’s in. (Something Joanne Underwood of the CPLC of North Texas always says!) We seek to show her that a child is always a blessing and that problems are temporary. That’s why we seek to find out what brings her to the abortion facility, solve the problem and provide her on-going support. The answer is always to eliminate the crisis, not the child.
Once we show her how we can help her, her instinct is to become more maternal because of the truth already written on her heart. In fact, whether it be moments, weeks, months — or even years — later, a mother helped by peaceful sidewalk counseling will often share her incredible gratefulness that someone was there to help her rejoice in new life, in spite of her difficult circumstances.
Faith Challenge: Pray for all those in the midst of a crisis or unplanned pregnancy — that they will come to see their child as the blessing he or she is, even in difficult circumstances.
Pause to thank God for all Sidewalk Advocates and peaceful sidewalk counselors around the world who offer women-in-need great hope — and pray for all the clients they come in contact with!