Day 34 - sharing your testimony

Any of us who are believers have a prolife testimony. A story that tells of a Mighty God who has created each one of us for a purpose and a plan.
This past week, when i was vigilling with a good friend, we both carried signs that told a little bit of our stories - in just a few words.
If you'd like to read more of Fawne's story - especially about her sweet son Wyatt, click HERE.
If you'd like to read more of my story - especially about my surprise pregnancy as an unmarried 19 year old, click HERE.
i really think... that there is beauty in telling our stories and declaring the faithfulness of a loving Creator - who is the giver and taker of life.

Will you ask Him to show you your prolife story?  And then share it with a world who so desperately needs to hear it?

Day 29 - facing adversity

A repost from a previous vigil - written by  Jojo Ruba from Faith Beyond Belief .

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There are three lessons Christians need to remember about adversity.

1. We need to expect adversity. As Christians who are representing a good God to a willfully evil world, we’re not going to be popular. Christians sometimes think our job is to help people feel better but our job is to help people be better.

There was a time when the church was very powerful--in the time when the early Christians rejoiced at being deemed worthy to suffer for what they believed. In those days the church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society. Whenever the early Christians entered a town, the people in power became disturbed and immediately sought to convict the Christians for being "disturbers of the peace" and "outside agitators."' But the Christians pressed on, in the conviction that they were "a colony of heaven," called to obey God rather than man. Small in number, they were big in commitment. They were too God-intoxicated to be "astronomically intimidated." By their effort and example they brought an end to such ancient evils as infanticide and gladiatorial contests. Things are different now. So often the contemporary church is a weak, ineffectual voice with an uncertain sound. So often it is an archdefender of the status quo. Far from being disturbed by the presence of the church, the power structure of the average community is consoled by the church's silent--and often even vocal--sanction of things as they are.
Martin Luther King Jr., Letter from a Birmingham Jail.

2. Adversity should not come because of bad character but because of good character. There is no command that says though shall be nice but we are to love. True love means we speak truth and are willing to offend.Don’t we do that with those who we love the most?

3. Facing adversity is a privilege. God only brings adversity to those who can handle it and those who He wants to use to show His power:

“In selecting his witnesses, God looks for loyalty. Some of Daniel’s friends didn’t make it. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were chosen out of a group (Daniel 1:6). The other ten or twenty do not appear on God’s lists. They sink into self-chosen anonymity. They have allowed the world to decide their lifestyle and to set their standards of right and wrong. They have willed to sacrifice their distinctive marks because they can’t bear to be different from the word.

The lion’s den is not for them. The lion’s den is only for those with lion’s den loyalty. We need to ask ourselves, Am I living with the world or as its victim? Am I unnamed on God’s lists, or am I willing to be his chosen representative in some dark place?”
R. Arthur Matthews, Born for Battle

Day 28 - one voice

Elizabeth Rundle Charles:

If I profess with the loudest voice and the clearest exposition, every portion of the truth of God except precisely that little point which the world and the devil are at that moment attacking, I am not confessing Christ, however boldly I may be professing Christianity. Where the battle rages, the loyalty of the soldier is proved; and to be steady on all the battlefield besides is mere flight and disgrace to him if he flinches at that one point."


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Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. John 16:22-23

Almighty Father, you are the author of life. It's easy to become discouraged as I see evil becoming commonplace around me. Remind me when discouragement takes over, that you have promised to give us what we ask in your name. That gives me, and those of us who serve you, the capacity to change the world and trust you with the results. Let me use that privilege in such a way that the world may see you glorified. Amen. (Prayer an excerpt from the book, 40 Days for Life, available on Amazon).

Day 26 - encouragement from the pulpit...

From a friend:

I had a 'great' time at the clinic on Friday. It was mucky and wet, but the sun was warm and shining down on us. It was such a busy spot and the clinic was a revolving door. There were few other older ladies there praying the rosary so I joined them.

Yesterday we were in the NW all day visiting friends and ended up going to St. Peter's for Mass. Fr. Jerome in his homily (which is always so powerful!) mentioned that as a country we are in the same company as China and North Korea when it comes to unrestricted abortion. We were so astounded! How can this be??!! Two countries known for their atrocious human rights and there we are, right along side them. It was really an eye opener. We know the laws are liberal here, but to hear it in those terms was tough.

Just an early morning thought!


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The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. - John 1:5

Father of mercy and grace, thank you for the gift of children. Grant that every fiber of my being may rejoice when i a new baby is born into the world. Help me to be, for those newborn, a light shining in the darkness, welcoming them as I would welcome you. For whenever a new baby is conceived, another life to bear your image and another voice to praise and worship you is beginning. Amen.
(Prayer an excerpt from the book, 40 Days for Life, available on Amazon).

Day 25 - bible and prayer

"What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid." Matthew 10:27-28

Lord, help me to be faithful and to overcome whatever challenges come my way as I seek to protect the well-being of God's people. I pray for your continued guidance and protection. May I be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in your word, knowing that my labour will not be in vain. Amen.

"This is what is written: The messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things." Luke 24:46-48

Dear Jesus, what can I say in response to your sacrifice on our behalf? The pain you bore, the anguish of spirit - and you did it all so that we could be reconciled to your father. Thank you for daily reminding me of this, of all the benefits I have in life - and the life to come - because of that sacrifice, and of my privilege to bear witness to the world of all that I have seen. Amen.

day 23 - joy & brokenness

by heather


My heart is joyful and yet broken at the same time. We are in the midst of 40 Days for Life. 40 Days for Life is a worldwide event where people pray, for 40 days, for the end of abortion. It is moving and powerful and wonderful stories of lives saved always come from these events.

And then there is this story  The story of a surrogate mom who was faced with the choice to flee her state or be forced into an abortion. I am thankful that the woman carrying this baby values life and was able to find wonderful parents for this child. I am broken at the choices of the biological parents.

Pray to end abortion. If you are close to a 40 Days for Life event, volunteer. If not, just pray. God is not held to our locations. Prayers from around the world can make an impact.

Day 22 - fearfully and wonderfully made

The last will be first,

and the first will be last.

Matthew 20:16

 

 

 

Oh Father, fill me anew with your Spirit. Renew my mind, strengthen me in righteousness, help me and all those who join in this battle for the unborn to be people of salt and light. May every human being, from conception to natural death, be treated with the respect due those made in your image. Amen.

 

 

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i opened up my instagram account this morning and was greeted with 2 separate posts from mamas with delicious three year old children. One was a dark haired boy - the other a honey blonde girlie. Both had Down Syndrome... Both mamas had posted to remind the world about National Spread the Word to End the Word Day...

i love advocate mamas.

And then the reading in our 40 Days for Life devotional was about people with special needs... and how God has used so many in such powerful ways.

We are all created for a purpose - with care and a plan.... Fearfully and wonderfully made.



Day 21 - precious life

Repost - from a previous vigil - which life is valuable?

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by becky


I grew up in a home where the value of life was taught and modeled every day. Such as caring for elderly grandparents, or giving a home to a pregnant teen, volunteering as a family in a pro-life demonstration, and my parents adopting my two sisters. I am thankful for all of this and how it has impacted my life.
I was 24-That's the day we were challenged about the value of life. We had been married for a few years and had a little girl who was 18 months. On May 28, 2005, our world changed. I gave birth to our second daughter- Kelly Hadassah. She was only 2 pounds and not breathing on her own. When she was three days old, the doctor came and explained to us that she had a chromosome disorder called trisomy 18 (also known as Edward's syndrome).

I remember my dear husband asking "this won't affect how you treat her will it?" The doctor responded by recommending that we take her off of life support right away. She will have no quality of life he said, won't walk or talk. But who are we to decide which life is valuable, which life is worthy of love and of fighting for? We strongly believe that God is the author of life, and the one who numbers our days. We did not feel that that was our decision to make.

We never thought that we would make good parents for a handicapped child. But here we were praying that ours would live. We found ourselves stopping to talk with other peoples' children with severe handicaps, smiling at them, hoping that someday, someone would do the same for our daughter.
And so began the ten weeks of our tiny little girls' life.  Each day we sat with her, holding her when we could, singing to her, praying for her, hoping and grieving each day. My mom made her special little doll clothes. She was the only NICU baby who wore dresses everyday! We found that as we treated her so special, doing all the things we would have done for a healthy baby, that the nurses also started to change how they treated her, doing special little things for her too.
We were not the only families with tiny sick babies there. I was amazed at how young some of the babies were who survived. Some were only 1 pound, and only 24 weeks. But they were very real. They had heart beats and fingernails, and NAMES! Here in this room the doctors and nurses did everything they could to save those little lives. On another floor of the hospital those same babies could be aborted as "tissue".
Please, remember that every life is unique and valued by God.

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To read more of Becky's incredible story, click HERE.

Day 20 - If You Don't Like Abortion

Half way through our spring vigil!

Here is a repost - thoughts on the phrase, "if you don't like abortion, don't have one..."

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i couldn't tell you how many times i have read that phrase from those who advocate unlimited access to abortions, "If you don't like abortion, don't have one..."
& i get what they're trying to say. 
i totally understand that an unplanned pregnancy can be a tender thing - full of shame and uncertainty.  Watching women going in & out of that abortion clinic has solidified this view for me.  These aren't liberated, confident women... these are fear-filled women; many of them are coerced - and i'm willing to bet that none of them feel like they have any "choice" in the matter. 
The reason i feel like i can't be silent about abortion isn't because i want a hand too, in manipulating these vulnerable women... it's because there is another life at stake.  There is a little one in danger of being torn from the safety of his mother's womb. 
A baby. 
To say that i should only consider my own children borne of my own body when i consider the world-wide epidemic of abortion, seems rather short sighted.  That's like saying that if i don't like child abuse, i shouldn't abuse my own children....
Should i not speak out on behalf of the little ones who are battered and wounded at the hands of their parents?  Or is it enough that i don't lay a hand on my own, since child abuse is such a personal matter, between a parent and child. 
Should we not seek to protect the vulnerable ones... both born, and unborn?  Whether they're ours, or not?
Standing at the abortion clinic and praying - is the most effective thing that we can do to change hearts and lives.  We often hold signs to remind those mama's of the tender life they carry - not in judgement - but in compassionate mercy. 
Hey, mama... you have other choices.  We love you - and are here because you and your little one are precious in His sight... i know it hurts to see us here.  i don't want to cause pain, but i do want to save you from the permanence of abortion... 

If you don't like abortion... join us & pray.

Day 19 - prayer for softness

On that day there will be neither sunlight nor cold, frosty darkness. It will be a unique day - a day known only to the Lord - with no distinction between day and night. When evening comes, there will be light. Zechariah 14:6-7


Lord God, help me to see you working in the midst of my earthly discomforts. Give me strength as I grow weary, because I know that persistent prayer can overcome any cold, heat or persecution. And may I trust you with all results, for you alone have the power to end abortion. Amen.  (prayer is an excerpt from the book, 40 Days for Life, available on Amazon).

Repost from a previous vigil - a prayer for softness...
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There are so many hurting people in this world.

i could probably just end this post with that stand alone thought, but i want to tell you one more thing.
This morning as we prayed, my daughter prayed for something i'm sure she's heard me pray for countless times: softness.
"Father, help me to be soft..."
The thought stayed with me as i carried on my day.
Early on this frigid afternoon as my friend and i prayed outside that clinic, another young mama stood on the sidewalk beside us. She had a tiny sign made out of construction paper - and on it was handwritten in purple marker, "Babies are precious gifts".
She held her rosary while her little sign flapped in the breeze.
i noticed - that she cried when the door opened and closed. Silent and tearful - kept on the other side of the street, longing - she told us - to run across the street, and hold those people in her arms. She felt so deeply - so badly -
so softly...
She laughed apologetically to us when we introduced ourselves, "i'm sorry, i didn't know i would be so deeply affected being here today. It's my first time coming here to pray..." & she wore her anguish like a thing of beauty.
Oh God... There are so many hurting people in this world. Help me to be soft...

Day 18 - You're blessed

We are hearing more and more stories from the sidewalk in front of the Kensington abortion clinic. We know God is hearing our prayers, and our community is coming to understand the function of that surgical facility where we gather to pray during 40 Days for Life.
Keep going, keep praying, keep sharing your stories!  We are so encouraged by all of you - and your peaceful, prayerful presence on that sidewalk.

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Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.  Matthew 5:11-12

Almighty Father, you allowed your Son to face persecution and ultimately death, and I know that no slave is above his master. Help me be a light in a culture that is trying so hard to forget about your love and sacrifice. I pray for all Christians around the world who are facing persecution for your sake today, no matter what the reason. May your name be glorified through their temporary humiliation. I ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. (prayer an excerpt from the book, 40 Days for Life, available on Amazon).

Day 17 - stepping out

by Carly

Today was a positive experience at the vigil. The sun was shining and warm and we more than 4 people, what a happy problem to solve! So we stood on Crowchild at my friends suggestion, I was nervous, but it was fine of course. A lady came over to thank us for our courage and shared her story of abotion at 16 and how it took decades and much healing from God to forgive herself and accept His forgiveness. It's encouragement and stories like this that strengthens my resolve to do what I can and not give up hope.

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Do you have a story to share from our vigil this year? It has been so good hearing good reports from so many of you... The weather has been fairly mild & the company of other prolifers on that street corner on 5th ave. is so warm and full of love. Consider joining us as our vigil nears it's half way mark!

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Father, thank you for blessing our Calgary vigil and for being faithful to meet with us - who are Yours - as we gather on that sidewalk and pray to see an end to abortion in our community.