Standing in the Rain
When the storm clouds of life gather, the light of hope
grows dim, and the darkness of despair rolls in. For the past two days, I have joined my
daughter and others to stand in the rain on behalf of hope. When some people hear the term “Pro Life”
many negative images come to mind, some that are probably justified. My purpose is neither to defend nor condemn
others’ motives or approaches . . . but I hope you’ll give a hearing to the motive
and approach of the people you’ll see on the corner of Main & Yew in
Centralia over the next 40 days.
The signs we hold will say one thing “Pray to End Abortion”,
and that’s the core of our motive and approach.
We want to see abortion ended. And
we’re praying and showing up because we believe abortion not only kills innocent
babies, but also hurts vulnerable women.
If you are “Pro Choice” I know you’re already in battle mode,
but before you begin firing, I hope we can talk. What I believe you to be saying is something
like what was shouted out the window of a passing vehicle yesterday, “It a
woman’s body so #!!?#&!”. You are
deeply offended by the idea that someone thinks they have the right to tell you
(or a woman you love) what you can or can’t do with your own body, right?
You believe this is about women’s rights; but would you be
willing to consider that it may be about human rights? All humans’ rights, those of women, men and
children . . . even very tiny ones. In a
civilized society, no individual has absolute rights. My right to build a road ends where your property
line begins; your right to swing your fist ends where my nose begins. In the “fist” example, you might say one
individual’s right over their body ends where another individual’s body
begins.
So let me ask you, when did you get your body? Whether you believe in a Creator or not, the
science of embryology has proven that at the moment of conception a new,
genetically unique, and fully human individual is brought to life. In other words, you were you before you were
born. You were you, and your body was
yours, at conception. Through the
beautiful design of gestation, women fill the irreplaceable role of “carrying”
that new life, until the time of birth.
There is little that can compare to the privilege & responsibility
that comes with this “carrying”; and we men have typically done a poor job of
honoring the women who do this. But make
no mistake, the body that develops within a woman during gestation is not hers. Her right to choose must be evaluated alongside
of her baby’s right to live.
A women confronting an unplanned pregnancy, maybe even a woman
reading this now, is very vulnerable to the idea that what has begun to grow
within her is sub-human. . . and thus disposable. This untruth, fueled by her despair, often
leads to a terrible decision that will only prolong and deepen her pain. So we stand in the rain, praying for the
chance to bring truth, hope and help to any woman impacted by the tragedy of
abortion . . . hoping to help some to become their baby’s heroic defender, for
life! I’m so glad my adopted son &
daughter’s mom chose to be their hero; I really can’t imagine what our family
would be without them.
Want to talk? We’re
not standing there to condemn you, but to help you find the support, hope and
options you need at this difficult time.
Want to join us? Take a look at
our guidelines and commitments at https://40daysforlife.com/local-campaigns/centralia/
and sign-up to stand with us for the vulnerable women and babies in our
community.
(Ted Bowes)
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