The Power of Compassion

We are now at day 30! I'm so grateful to see our community come together in a bigger way this year.  

3 years ago we started with the goal of having people pray and stand in peaceful witness 3 days of the week, during 40 Days. The next year our goal was to cover every week day, except weekends. This year, we've been pretty close to having every hour from 9-6 every day covered. So thankful for the 14 churches/parishes that have officially stepped up, as well as the Centralia College Students for Life club that have faithfully dedicated their time and prayer to this! Keep up the great work everyone! 

On Tuesday, I was watching from the windows at Possibilities. There was a large group consisting of 5 different families from a new church that got involved this year - Centralia Bible Baptist. At one point a car pulled into the Planned Parenthood parking lot, and a young man got out. I asked Apryl, one of the vigil volunteers later, if she could share what happened. She wrote: 

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The young man drove up and pulled into the PP parking lot. He stood outside of his car and seemed to be going back and forth with the young gal in his car who seemed to be embarrassed and was slouching down.  I caught wind of him saying, "I just have something to say." 

I looked over and said, "Hello!" He said, "I have something to debate." I said, "Come on over and talk to us.  No problem." 

He proceeded to tell me and one of my friends that he thought women should have a choice.  That there were special circumstances where abortion was best and it should be the right of the woman.  

I asked him to go on.  "What circumstances are you thinking of?"

He brought up:  rape.  He said no woman should have to go through the reminder of all that.

We had a conversation about conception being a miracle and that God must have a plan for the child conceived there.  That God can bring beauty out of ashes.

That is when he said he was a child of rape.  His mom was 15 when she birthed him.He said his mother struggled to love him while he was growing up. He asked what I would do if my daughter was in that situation?   

I told him I would cry my eyes out and hug her.  I would let her know we would help her or if she chose adoption there would be plenty of couples ready to adopt. 

We told him with all compassion how sad we were for his mom's tragic experience and for the love she was unable to muster up.  We told him how he wasn't to blame for the wicked way he was conceived. 

We talked about the baby being a miracle in the midst of the mess saying, "If your mom would've aborted you, you wouldn't be here to love others. You wouldn't be here challenging others to think and care.  You wouldn't be here, as God ordained. You have a hope and a future! And so should those other babies conceived in less-than-ideal situations."

"Touche," he said smiling and bowing his head.  When he did walk away, another friend was able to hand him an invitation to church. 

It was a blessing to be able to share with this young man God's Truth. His mind was changed about abortion, but more touching was to see that his existence was affirmed and he saw a glimpse of his value to God.

--

Wow! I'm so thankful Apryl and her friend were there to show this man such compassion, to affirm his value and to share truth with him. What a beautiful opportunity this was! 

You never know when God will use in a special way to share His love and truth with others! 

I also wanted to share a quote with you all that has been on my mind. My church is currently going through Care Net's curriculum called Making Life Disciples. This curriculum is a series of videos with a workbook and its focus is to train the church to effectively care for mothers facing unplanned pregnancies. (I highly recommend it!)  Our last session was focused on connection, communication and counseling skills.  One of the points discussed was how important empathetic listening is. The biggest communication problem I can have when talking to people on the sidewalk is that I sometimes do not listen to understand. But instead I listen to reply.  

This quote really hit me when it was mentioned in the last session. 

"Nobody cares how much you know until you show them how much you care." - Theodore Roosevelt 

Wow! So true!! As we engage with those God brings to the sidewalk, or even with strangers, family and friends on this issue - may we seek first to understand the hearts of those we speak with. I've discovered with the most recent conversation on the sidewalk I had, when people know how much you care, they WANT to know how much you know on this issue.  And they end up asking YOU what you think. Pretty cool beans! 

Keep up the great work!  I just looked up the international tally for the amount of lives who have been saved since the start of this spring 40 Days campaign. 

328 ladies have turned away from their scheduled abortions that they know of so far! Yes!!

If you haven't signed up for a time yet, we can use you on the sidewalk Friday afternoons from 2-5, Thursday evenings at 4-6, and next Tuesday at 12 and 1 pm. You can sign up online at: 40 Days for Life Centralia. Or just come when you can! 

A Sweet Interaction

We're at day 25 of 40 Days for Life! Can't believe it's more than halfway done already.

I wanted to share a quick story that my brother Kyle relayed to me. Kyle was at PP with more of our Shoestring Valley Community Church family in the morning. At one point a young lady walked across the street from where Possibilities is.

She started giving hand shakes and "thank you's" to the folks on the sidewalk and everyone was kindly responding "thank you" to her. By the time she got to the last person, Sandra, she had tears in her eyes. Sandra wrote me later and said, "She had tears flowing and I just had to huge her. Gave her a real solid hug, and told her that God loves her so much." Sandra just held her for a bit, gave a rub and pat and released the embrace. The girl wiped away a tear and said that this was her first visit to Possibilities and she walked back across the street to Possibilities. Sandra told me she vowed to pray for her for the next 9 months. So awesome!

I'm so thankful Sandra was there to be Christ's love to her in that moment. Kyle said there couldn't have been a better person at that moment to love on her than sweet Sandra. I couldn't agree more. :-)

Not only is our presence a peaceful reminder of what happens at PP to those driving by, not only does it empower some mothers to turn away and choose life, but it also gives us such raw encounters with someone in need. Whether that need is an understanding and listening ear, or a need for answers and truth spoken in love, or a simple hug. Thank you for being there! As a national organization 40 Days for Life knows of 263 mothers who have turned away from their scheduled abortions and chosen life in the last 25 days. Praise God! Pray for them and their journey through the difficulties they face that caused them to seek abortion. I'm sure the road will not be easy, but it will be so rewarding one day. 

The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask

I've been doing some study on the question, "why would a good God allow evil and suffering in the world." During the conversation I had with 2 ladies on the sidewalk at PP this question was brought up. I didn't really know how to answer that, and want to be better prepared in the future. Wanted to share some thoughts from the book, The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask by Mark Mittelberg. Mark did an excellent job on this, and teaches us how to respond with the sensitivity and compassion people who ask this question are searching for. I hope it will be helpful to you! 

Encouraging Testimony

Daniel Brummer, who spends time at PP with his wife Josee on Saturdays sent me this story of a conversation he had at PP! I hope it encourages you all as it did me! He writes,

“I just wanted to share with you an amazing experience/testimony that we got just now! This elderly lady parked her car and came to talk to us on the side walk. She told us she was 15 years old when she first got pregnant. She wanted to get an abortion, but because of “people like us” she decided to choose life. She went on to tell us that was the only child she had because she was unable to have anymore children. She then told us that she was actually on her way to her grandsons ball game and that being a mom and grandma is the best thing in the world and if it wasn’t for “people like us” she wouldn’t never got to experience all of this! Needless to say, she was crying and we were all in tears too!”

Praise God! Our presence is powerful. Keep up the great work everyone.

Week 2!

As week number 2 during 40 Days for Life is finished, I wanted to share a little update!

I've heard tidbits here and there from vigil participants that their times on the sidewalk have been going very well and smoothly. It seems this year the reactions from drivers have been more positive and encouraging than anything else. I think with the addition of the other 2 signs that offer help to pregnant women, and counseling for those hurt by abortion, it better communicates our love for people and desire to help them. I think it makes it harder for people to be upset with us. :-) 

I've heard of and witnessed several good interactions and conversations. And I haven't heard of any more counter protesters since the 3 that came out last week. 

One interaction that was shared with me was especially encouraging. This conversation occurred last Saturday afternoon, when Dana and her daughter-in-law Katie were out there. I love both of these women, and their tender hearts for the women affected by abortion in Lewis County. 

Dana writes, "We've had such an amazing time so far standing at PP on Saturdays! Katie and I talked for 45 minutes with a young gal; the Lord was so present and we were grateful. The gal said she was just driving by & couldn't keep driving and felt she had to stop. So she pulled into the parking lot at PP. She left her van running with an adult in the front seat and two children in the back waiting the whole 45 minutes. 

The girl was extremely polite, knowledgeable and intelligent. She grew up in a conservative Christian family who she claims was very closed minded. She had done extensive research on the issue of abortion, even read the entire New York bill! Her main points were that women have the right to their own bodies, men shouldn't be involved (in making these decisions or laws about abortion), and that we need more healthcare and education to solve problems instead of making abortion illegal. Katie and I were able to bring up several points of truth." 

I'll interject here that Katie is actually 9 months pregnant and about to pop any day, so during the conversation, Dana told me she kept lovingly referring to the baby as separate from her, even with tears streaming down her face. 

Dana continued to write, "The gal finally opened up, with tears streaming down her face, saying she was raped and kept her daughter (who was there in the car, and looked to be about 9 years old). When she opened up about her rape we expressed our compassion, and at the end we got her email to keep in touch" 

I'm so thankful God gave them this opportunity to lovingly converse with her, sharing truth and compassion. Later on they had an interesting discussion about the Bible. They were able to share they believe the Lord speaks truth through His Word the Bible. The gal repeatedly said God gave Cain free will to slay Able which proves that God doesn't force anyone. So since God gave free will to humans then no human laws should take their free will. Therefore abortion should remain legal. Her logic said Cain had to answer to God for the blood on his hands. 

Dana and Katie continued to listen and love her. Dana later wrote, "We thought it would be good to express more empathy and compassion and keep it short at first. Katie and I were saying how it would be nice to email, with better time to think between exchanges." 

Reading this brought tears to my eyes. So proud of them and their hearts of love and compassion. There is a quote that has been on my mind and heart in recent weeks, and these girls nailed it. It goes like this. 

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou 

Thank you Dana and Katie for your example of listening and loving well. May this be the heart of every interaction we have out there! And I must say, I'm continually so touched by the love and compassion each of you have out there. It's so beautiful to see people in our community being loved on by you all with every little interaction. Keep up the great work! 

In other news, I was blessed this week with several emails and phone calls out of the blue from a couple new participants and churches wanting to mobilize. I've been so swamped this year, unable to reach out as much as I have in the past, so many of the volunteers have taken up my slack and been reaching out to their circles of influence. SO thankful for how God is working in and through you all, and continuing to grow this effort. To Him be the glory, and may He do great things through our presence and our prayers! 

As for coverage, if you have not signed up already, we can use help Tuesday mornings, Thursday afternoons at 4 and 5, Friday afternoons at 2,3 and 4, and Sunday afternoons at 3,4 and 5.  Folks are signing up online so those slots may change weekly. So check the online calendar here when you're able! 40 Days for Life - Centralia

Thank you all! May God continue to work in and through your presence and prayers. 

"And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." - Matt 21:22

Week 1!

Hard to believe it's already been a full week since the start of 40 Days! I'm so grateful for everyone who is participating this year, praying on the sidewalk and at home. I look so forward to seeing what God will continue to do in our community through your presence and prayers.

I wanted to share a couple verses that were meaningful to me this morning. I don't know if you all feel this way, but when I am out on the sidewalk, the angry shouts can be quite difficult to cope with. I've wondered,"what causes so much anger?" I'm sure the answers and reasons are endless. These verses really stuck out to me this morning. . . perfect timing!

"God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way." Mtt 5:11-12 NLT

I found that last part of the verse especially encouraging. That this is how it has always been. When Christians do what Christians are meant to do, there will always be those who disagree with, mock and scorn us.

Perhaps they feel judged by us. Even though that is not our heart or intention to cause this feeling, that's often what happens when sin is exposed. I know when a sin in my life is exposed even lovingly by someone else, it sure doesn't make me feel good! I may even feel judged or condemned by the person who loves me enough to expose my sin. But, it's for my best. In the same way, it sure doesn't feel good on either side to expose abortion and bring it to light, but it's for the ultimate good of those who support it and those who seek it. And it must be done for the sake of the unborn.

May we win their hearts by responding in love, patience and mercy towards them!

Since yesterday afternoon we have been joined by a few counter protesters. Two ladies came out with their own handmade signs yesterday, and at least 1 lady came today.

When I first saw the two ladies that came out yesterday, I saw my dad was conversing with them. He was able to talk with them for 15 minutes or so before he had to leave for my brother's basketball practice. He kindly introduced himself, heard their reasons for why they support abortion, and asked some clarifying questions. However, one of the ladies was quite hostile towards him so it was a bit hard to engage.

Later that evening after work, I went over to talk to them and hear their stories.  I thanked them for being there and exercising their right to free speech. I asked them why they were there and why they support abortion. Both listed their reasons mostly relating to their personal health. Angie* had a genetic disorder that would cause the baby to be born with defects. Ellie* had struggled with horrible OCD since she was 15. (Not just a need for orderliness. Her OCD includes intrusive thoughts of personal harm/suicide or potential harm to others around her.) Both women experienced abortion personally with no regrets (they claimed). They felt it was better to stop the pregnancies early, before letting their babies be born into a possibly harmful home, or with poor quality of life. (*names changed for privacy)

I mostly listened and asked questions, trying to understand exactly where they were coming from.I expressed sympathy for their health struggles, and that they experienced abortion. I wanted to feel out if they could take some questions and push-back. Since they were upfront about experiencing abortion, I didn't want to add insult to injury. However, as they talked it was obvious they had no regrets (at least that they let on) and were advocating for late term abortions and advocating that the unborn are not sentient, or self-aware so therefore are not persons. (It was funny while discussing one point that I can't remember now one of the ladies said, "that's exactly what that man said earlier. . . are you reading the same pamphlets? I had to bite my tongue from laughing and played dumb!)

I was able to engage on several issues with them. I started by asking if they thought there should ever be a line drawn for abortion, or if they would support abortion up until birth. Angie said that late term abortions should be legal in cases when the mother's life is in danger. I responded, "I agree there are many serious health issues a pregnant mother could have that would constitute a need to end the pregnancy. However, with all the research I have done on this, I am confident there is no medical reason to intentionally kill the baby to save the mother's life." Angie asked, "what if a woman is experiencing horrible pre-clampsia or perhaps she has cancer. Do you expect her to suffer and possibly die for the sake of the fetus?" I responded,"I actually agree with you that in those cases an early delivery might be needed. However, listening to testimonies of former late term abortion doctors and high-risk OB GYNS, they all agree there is NOT ONE medical reason to intentionally kill the baby before it is born. In some cases like this though, the baby HAS to be delivered early. In those cases, the woman would undergo a C-Section to remove the baby alive and give it the best chance at life. No matter what, the mother will need to deliver, and since late term abortion takes 24-46 hours to prepare the cervix, abortion could actually cause more harm to the mother in extreme cases."

Angie, at this point turned her back to me and did this often throughout our conversation. Her friend Ellie brought up again that it would be better to stop the pregnancy than allow a baby to be born in an abusive family/situation. I empathized, saying no child deserves that and it is a very real problem in our society. She shared of her family growing up, and of families she knew that abused their children. I shared about my adopted siblings and how their lives started in not ideal circumstances, and the joy and quality of life they have now. To make a long story short, I continued to empathize, but then asked, "suppose you discover your neighbor is abusing her two-year old, what would you do? Would you stop the abuse, or put the two-year old out of her misery? Of course you would stop the abuse right? In the same way the baby is already in the world, in the womb, the answer isn't to kill the baby, but to stop the abuse. Right?"

Angie, came back around and brought up the point of sentience, or self-awareness. I asked gently, "so self-awareness determines if you are human being worthy of rights? How much self-awareness?" She thought for a second and then said, "well yes, when someone does not have brain activity, they are considered dead, so if a fetus doesn't have brain activity it's not an alive person."
I responded, "Well, when someone is brain dead usually it means they are at the end of life. The embryo is at a different stage of development, it doesn't need a brain at that point to be alive. All it needs is time to develop." I then walked her through the science of embryology, that at the moment of conception the embryo is a distinct, living and whole human being, driving it's own development. That the four differences (size, level of development, environment, and dependency) from the embryo she used to be, and the adult she is now, don't justify killing her at that earliest stage of her development. Somewhere in there I shared my story of being a quadruplet, doctors telling my parents to abort two of the "pregnancies", their defense of our lives and how each of us are here alive and well now. (Amazingly these ladies were open to listening to me share so much. They were really quite pleasant to talk to.)

Sadly, Ellie responded saying she would not blame her mother if she had had an abortion with her. Even stating she wished at times she wasn't alive. Goodness. So heartbreaking. At this point the conversation changed to talking about Christianity. I was able to share a little of the hope I have in Christ, the hope that even when life is hard and horrible things happen, that God is still good, loving and faithful. That is the hope that we have as Christians that God is with us through suffering, and that one day all suffering will one day be no more in heaven. She could not wrap her head around why an all-powerful, all-loving God would not intervene when horrible things happen. I don't blame her, and I'm still learning how to respond to that one. All I could say was how original sin brought in the suffering, pain and death, but that His character is still the same: just, good, loving, merciful, faithful.

Before I knew it an hour had passed, and the other participants had left. The ladies were obviously very cold physically, so I thanked them for talking, listening and sharing their stories with me. I wished them well, told them to get warm and we walked to our cars.

Ellie (the girl who has OCD) genuinely seemed to be searching. She never turned her back to me, and stayed engaged through the entire conversation. I'm praying perhaps some seeds were planted in her heart. So heartbreaking to see the hopelessness she has. Be praying for them!

Today (Tuesday) I heard there was at least 1 counter protester there for a few hours. I didn't see her, and was not able to talk with her. But I'm thankful there were some lovely folks there most of the day! Thank you friends!

As for coverage this week - I recently had the shocking realization ;-) that I didn't assign a church to Friday afternoons! Not sure how that slipped past my notice. So if you are reading this and are able to come out sometime between 1:30-6:00 pm feel free to do so. Other than that though, 12 other churches are coming together to fill the hours on the sidewalk they have been assigned to so I think we should be mostly ok.

I think that's all for now! Thank you all so much. May God continue to strengthen and embolden you all. As you pray this week, please keep these ladies in your prayers!

Neat Story

I recently was sent this story by Denny Taylor who frequently stands outside PP. During his time on the sidewalk this interaction occurred. Thought it was neat to see how perfect the timing was of these encounters . . . and it is also helpful in understanding more about PP. Here's the story! 

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"My friend and I were praying in front of Planned Parenthood on a cold February
afternoon when a young mother pushing a stroller came by and stopped. She said she was so
glad to see us there and appreciated what we were doing. As we talked, we learned her little
girl's name was *Katy and her name was *Grace. Katy had the most beautiful blue eyes and
was 10 months old that day.

Grace said she was on her way across the street to Possibilities Women's Center to
get a larger coat for Katy who had outgrown her other one. She loved Possibilities and the
people there who had helped her so much. Grace shared that she had gone through eight
miscarriages and even Katy's twin had been miscarried. She was so thankful to have Katy in
her life.

Talking further I asked Grace if she had ever been in the Planned Parenthood office
behind us. She replied yes, when she was 20 weeks along with Katy. Grace had gone in for
an ultrasound to see how the pregnancy was progressing. She said the PP people
recommended an abortion even after the ultrasound showed a healthy baby and normal
pregnancy. She suspected it was simply a matter of them making money from an abortion.
They didn't appear to care at all that the pregnancy was normal and healthy. Grace was
horrified and told them she is keeping her baby and walked out. She said PP called her
several times pressuring her to make an appointment for an abortion. She refused and gave
birth to a healthy, beautiful Katy not long after that.

Just minutes after Grace shared her story with us, a red van pulled up to the
stoplight just a few yards from where we stood. A woman rolled down her window and began yelling at my friend and I. She swore repeatedly, calling us names and saying that “they” (pointing to PP behind us) don't refer for abortions and they are good people.

Usually when people get verbally violent I simply remain quiet and pray for them
since it is obvious they are “giving out” and not receiving. But, this time I could not remain
silent because I felt God had orchestrated this meeting with Grace and Katy to silence this
misinformed rage.

When there was a pause in the name-calling, I said...”Excuse me, but this Mom right
here went into PP when this beautiful girl (I pointed to Katy) was 20 weeks along in her womb and THEY recommended and pressured her to get an abortion. Mom refused and so this precious 10 month old girl is here with us!”
The woman mumbled something about girls being magic and then she drove off – end
of discussion; but hopefully not the end of what the Holy Spirit wants to do in her heart.
--

Often I hear what that lady in the van shouted. That PP is a good organization that provides needed medical services. PP has worked so hard to make themselves look good in the public eye. It took a lot of painful researching and time for this truth of what PP really is to become acceptable to me. However, abortion is truly their main mission - and this fact was stated by PP's CEO Leana Wen this January.

I was thinking of how important organizations like Live Action and the Center for Medical Progress have been in exposing the wrongdoing of Planned Parenthood. The truth that PP enables sex-trafficking with minors, sex-selective abortions and selling of fetal body parts to name a few. As difficult as it to reveal these sickening truths, they have faithfully done what Ephesians 5:11 says, to "have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them."

From the testimonies I've heard of former Planned Parenthood directors and staff, they truly went into the jobs that they did because of their desire to help women in crisis. They would see women come in, afraid and desperate, and would see the relief on their patients faces afterwards. They have no understanding of God, they have no understanding of the value of human life at that earliest stage of development.

Until God removes the blinders so they can see the wrong they are committing, they truly believe they are helping women (minus those who simply want to attain that Lamborghini.) 

I've always wrestled with this. Wondering HOW and WHY someone could work in a place like PP and not realize what they are doing.  But I understand a bit more now, thanks to so many former abortion workers who have shared their stories. I don't write the facts to understate the wrong that is done by PP workers, but simply to try to understand where they are coming from. To understand what drives them to do what they do. While we must expose and oppose the wrongdoing they commit -  we do love the workers. They are not our enemies, but are captives of the enemy. We pray that their eyes will be opened to the horrible tragedy of abortion and the fact that the women they so desire to help, are not being helped by abortion. May they see that women deserve better than abortion. And may they see the humanity of the victims of the procedures they perform.