In my last blog, I wrote about a fund raiser we were part of for a local pro-life ministry called Care Net, This, and another fund raiser for Abba ministry in Portland, are annual parts of our performing schedule, and we're proud to do what we can to support these ministries who work to help moms in crisis pregnancies both during pregnancy and afterwards. Abortion is a hot button issue to say the least, and not one we take lightly. Here are some things that come to mind when I think about it;
> Sue and I spent six years dealing with infertility, and we still have clear memories of the tears each month when we realized we would not be having a child. While God knew more than the doctors, and we have three daughters now, we would have happily opened our home to any 'unwanted' child during that time.
> Since we have three daughters, I need to be fair and say I don't know what we'd do if any of them were in an unwanted pregnancy. I know I'd like to think we'd encourage them to have the child and lay down our lives for them in any way possible, but, not having been there, I can't pretend that I know for sure.
> Recent scientific findings regarding DNA and cell theory make it clear that, from the very first moments after conception, a baby is highly complex, although very small.
> In large part due to the findings above, Americans are becoming more pro life. This is as much a secular shift as religious.
> Scripture oftens talks about unborn babies with distinct personalities, that God knewpeople before they were born and had a plan for them from conception: Jacob, Esau, Jeremiah, David, Esther, Jesus, John the Baptist, and more.
> At least 95% of US abortions are for convienence, not as a result of rape, incest or for the health of the mother.
> Consistently, the most pro-choice people in the US are young (18 - 30 year old) men.
> Early feminists were usually against abortion. Susan B. Anthony called abortion "infanticide", "the most monstrous crime" and "evil". Elizabeth Cady Stanton said it was "revolting outrages against the laws of nature and our common humanity". Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell said, "The gross perversions and destruction... by the abortionist filled me with indignation and awakened active antagonism."
> The goal of pro-life movememt needs to be more than banning abortion. It must also mean being ready for an influx of babies with HIV, fetal alcohol syndrome, Down Syndrome and more. That's why Care Net is such a wonderful ministry.
> 20 out of 28 years with pro-life Presidents did little or nothing about changing abortion rates. In fact, President Reagan is said to have called Jerry Falwell and told him, "You'll have to trust me on this one" when he appointed Sandra Day O'Conner to the supreme court.
> President Clinton talked of making abortion "safe, legal and rare" and essentially ignored the issue entirely.
> As I read the New Testament, especially the Sermon on the Mount, I need to at least ask the question, "Does pro-life stop with abortion and euthanasia, or does it also encompass war and the death penalty?"
> I am convinced that saving the lives of the unborn will happen when we get serious about: teaching young men to respect women, helping women in crisis pregnancies with everything from counseling to health care to finances, helping them after the child is born if they choose to keep the child, and promoting adoption and foster parenting.
> The above is a lot more work than simply casting a vote every four years hoping that politicians will do it for us.
> most importantly, the grace of God through His Son, Jesus covers all sin, and is equally available to abortion doctors, irresponsible 'fathers', women who have chosen abortion, and parents who have advised their daughters to abort as it is to anyone else. Surely, I need to cling to grace as much as anyone.