Day 39 - I saw the most incredible picture this morning. It was the ultrasound of the baby who's mom chose life on Thursday. This little guy was 15 1/2 weeks along. In his ultrasound, you can clearly see his little hands together as if in prayer and his little head bowed over them. Perhaps he was saying "Thank you, mommy, for letting me live!" It's an amazing picture and I'll try to share it with you all in the next week or so. As we wrap up our 40 Days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion, know that your prayers and sacrifices did make a difference. A mom chose life yesterday and another did this morning. We praise God for these miracles and we know there are more coming.
Day 37 - Praise God for the mother who chose life for her child this morning. She was troubled when she and her dad showed up for their appointment and by the grace of God decided not to go through with it, sparing themselves a lifetime of pain and regret. Sadly, 15 other women did enter for abortions today. We pray for them and their families, for the escorts, the staff and abortionists at EMW. "Where sin abounds, God's grace abounds even more."
Day 36 - I had a lesson in humility this morning. God uses 40 Days in amazing ways to help us grow closer to Him. I made the assumption that everyone wants to know the truth - note to self - this is not the case! It was brought home to me that humans are weak and sinful creatures - we are all of us flawed, every one.
"The solution to what is wrong with the body of Christ is the outpouring of the of the Holy Spirit. God is at work to restore us once again to unity that has been fractured and ruined by sin. Unity cannot be negotiated. We can't have unity by our own resources or by being nice people. Unity is only achieved by dying to our sins and living for God, having spirits and mind renewed to understand God's plan for redemption." Fr. Francis Martin, The Life Changer: How You Can Experience Freedom, Power and Refreshment in the Holy Spirit, St. Bede Publ.
So, while it saddens us all to know that 14 women chose to abort this morning, remember that God has all of this in His Divine Providence. Remember that the misunderstanding and vitriol that the other side throws our way has a purpose - allow it to unfold in God's time. While the pro-abort side continues to choose to "Trust Women," keep your trust in the God who made you and loves you beyond measure. You will not be disappointed. Pray well!
Day 35 - 17 women entered the abortion center this morning. A few were giggling nervously, more than one covered her head when she entered. One woman shared that she brought her friend, who had been raped. She told the counselor it was too difficult to talk about, to please just go away and leave her alone. Rape is always, always a horrible crime against the dignity of women. Sadly, research bears out that women who suffer rape and chose to abort have a harder time dealing with the abortion than recovering from the rape. They, themselves, are the victims of the rape. They, in turn, victimize the unborn child with abortion. There are two victims, then - one still hurting and the other one, dead. We owe rape victims better than that. We owe unborn children - innocent children - better than that. We mourn with them all that they have suffered.
Day 32 - Please pray for the 9 women who chose to enter EMW this morning. Pray for their families, who will be forever changed. Pray for the increasing number of escorts who showed up to "help" these women into the clinic to end the lives of their unborn children - for the "regulars" and for all the newbies who seem to be under the impression that they are there protecting a woman's right to "choose." We beg them to think about how they should finish the sentence - "Choose" what? - If "choice" means the death of another human being - what hope is there for the world?
Day 31 -
Day 30 - Sometimes, I have to confess, when I get caught up in wondering if those last few hours on the schedule are going to get filled, I find myself thinking about the magnitude of the abortion crisis in our world and wonder if it's just too big for us to have much of an impact on. God always lets me know that He sees our every effort and hears our every prayer. People passing by offer encouragement. Sometimes, it's just a hushed "God bless you" or "Thank you" as they are walking by. Sometimes, a person makes an effort to come back and talk to the prayer group, telling them how they have been touched by the prayerful presence or how thankful they are that SOMEBODY is just standing there, calling attention to the ugly truths about abortion.
This morning, a woman walked past the entrance to EMW several times - she seemed conflicted about going in. I asked her if she wanted to talk with someone about her options, since she seemed to be leaning toward abortion. She very angrily told me that this was private business and we had no business interfering. Is abortion "private business" between a woman and her doctor? Who speaks for the third person who ought to have some say in whether he or she is allowed to live - the child in the womb of every woman who considers abortion? Now, I'm not a world traveler, but I've never met a single person who would willingly choose to die, for any reason. No, abortion is not "private thing." All of humanity is affected when the most innocent among us are sacrificed - it matters not the reason. Christ came that we might have LIFE and have it in joyful abundance. Set before us are life and death - the choice we make is our eternity. Who speaks for the unborn child? We do - may we never be silent on this issue! Pray today for the 13 women who entered EMW for abortions.
Day 29 - Thanks to all the prayer warriors from Trinity High, Assumption and Sacred Heart Academy for standing in prayer with us yesterday and today. We are praying for the 7 women who entered the abortion center this morning, for the escorts and staff at EMW.
Another woman shared her story with some prayer warriors yesterday afternoon - she too, was pressured to abort her child many years ago, but felt in her heart that it was the wrong thing to do. She walked over from a near by restaurant to thank the people who were there praying - she believes that prayer does make a difference. She has a beautiful daughter and granddaughter because she made a decision 19 years ago to choose life, in spite of the obstacles she was facing. Had she made a different choice, her family tree would have been irrevocably altered.
Day 28 - I want to share a story with you one of our evening prayer warriors shared with me last night. She and her prayer partner were praying when a van they had seen pass by only moments before, pulled to the curb. A woman got out and asked if she could speak to them for a moment. This is what she shared: "18 years ago, I moved to Louisville from another state. I didn't know anybody, but soon enough found myself with "a little problem." I went to the abortion clinic one morning to "take care of it." There was a woman standing in front of the building, praying when I got there. I was going to go inside but I was stopped by this lady, asking if she could pray with me. I just wanted you to know that my child is now 18 and a freshman at a local university."
This woman just wanted to say "Thank You" to all the people who stand in prayer in front of the abortion center here and everywhere. She wanted us to know that our prayers do make a difference. Please pray for the 12 women who entered this morning seeking a very permanent solution to a temporary "problem" by ending the lives of their babies. Pray that one day all people will understand that to love as Christ loves, we have to set ourselves aside for the sake of the other.
Day 21 - Please pray for the 13 women who entered EMW this morning. Pray that those who don't understand that the size of a person doesn't matter, nor does his or her location. At issue is whether or not, we as human beings, recognize the humanity in the least of our brothers and sisters - those children in the womb scheduled to be killed. "A person's a person, no matter how small." Dr. Seuss
Day 18 - It's hard to know what to say about the events of the morning. The clinic escorts were out in numbers - standing against life and the opportunity for life. How very small and sad that world must be. A small but vocal group mocked God, singing Christian hymns and other songs so that those wishing to pray together would have a hard time hearing one another. It made things difficult, but certainly not impossible, because we know that ALL things are possible with God - even the conversion of heart of those in the pro-death arena. Their voices raised in praise of the Lord of Life would have been so beautiful. A few escorts continue to break the rules which they insist be enforced for those who come to pray - all to "protect" a woman's right to "choose?" I wonder sometimes if that is truly the motive. I guess it is no surprise that those who serve false gods would resort to uncharitable behavior to achieve their ends - and sadly, the height of their accomplishment is another dead child - 12 dead children, if one is counting. May God have mercy on us.
Day 17 - I received a copy of this email sent by a person who had never come to pray at the abortion center before. I share it with you in hope that you'll be encourage in your work for the unborn. Please pray for the 15 women who entered EMW this morning.
Dear Friends,
Last week, I was given the opportunity to stand in favor of life at an abortion clinic in downtown Louisville as part of the '40 Days for Life' campaign. I was there to stand quietly on the sidewalk in front of the clinic to pray and offer hope to any who sought help. The clinic was prepared for the opposition. They had 8 - 10 "clinic escorts" out front to "protect" their clients from our quiet presence.
Day 15 - I arrived at the site this morning in the dark to find crime scene tape around the pillars in front of the abortion center. I don't know who put it there, but thought it somehow fitting, considering what happens inside those walls. Nine women entered this morning for abortions. Nine children died - certainly a crime - against humanity - that these precious little ones did not have the chance to be born, to be a blessing to their families. One of the center's workers came out later with a huge pair of scissors to cut the tape down. It was chilling to look at those scissors, knowing that the children in the wombs would know horrific death within a short period of time. We pray for everyone who facilitates abortion, as Jesus prayed... Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do. Pray to end abortion!!!
Day 14 - 13 women went in for abortions this morning. Please pray for them, for their unborn children who will never know their mother's love, for the fathers and families who are forever changed by this decision. Please continue to pray for the people who come out each morning in opposition to the God of Love and Mercy, in whom ALL things ARE possible. Pray for those who work in the abortion mill - that their hearts will be turned toward the God of Life, in whose image we all are made.
"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15
Day 10 - It was a pretty windy, rainy morning at the mill today. So discouraging to see 16 women going in to abort their children. So en couraging to see increased numbers of prayer partners who came out to witness to life on such a soggy day. Southern Baptist Seminary, Holy Angels and Third Street Baptist church were represented - people who just had it on their hearts to come and pray for the unborn. Much rejoicing on the street when TWO of the women who were seeking abortions, changed their minds and walked with counselors to AWC. Prayer matters. Changing our hearts toward God matters. Standing in the gap matters. Because LIFE matters!!
Day 8 - Give thanks for the two women who changed their minds today.
Day 7 - Please pray for the ten women who aborted their children this morning. On the National front - we are celebrating 36 children saved from abortion around the country. A second abortion center nurse has quit her job. There is much to be thankful for!
Day 5 - Sometimes the quiet at the mill is surreal on a Sunday morning. Thank you to the good people from Valley View who heeded the words of their pastor to live in courage and to stand in witness to life.
Day 4. Please pray for the 14 women who went into the clinic this morning - and for their families. Pray for the clinic workers and the escorts who are blind to the reality of what their actions facilitate - the death of a precious human being.
BIG THANK YOU to the men from Owensboro Right to Life who got up at 4 am to drive to Louisville to pray with us today. Also, Thank you to the families and students at Holy Angels School for standing with us.
PLEASE PRAY for a woman who left the mill this morning. She has many obstacles standing in the way of choosing life for her baby and feels very alone - intercede for her before God, asking that the counselors at AWC can provide meaningful help to her and that she can choose life for her child.
Day 3 - 20 women today. The sadness can be overwhelming. But the prayers being offered today are powerful in God's eyes. He asks for our faithfulness; we leave the success to Him. Good news from the National front was shared by David Bereit, National Director of 40 Days for Life yesterday. The first abortion mill worker quit! He said that he had "endured" four 40 Days for Life campaigns and he just couldn't continue to work at the abortuary. He left the killing center and thanked the 40 days prayer volunteers who were there. We never know how our prayers will be answered. So please keep praying and fasting for an end to abortion.
I had a conversation today with someone who believes in a woman's right to choose, because, after all, abortion is a safe, legal medical procedure. The following questions came to my mind:
A woman's right to choose what? Please finish the sentence - a woman's right to choose death for her child. "Thou shall not kill."
Abortion is safe? Safe for whom? Not the child, for certain. And not for the woman - hundreds have died from the procedure, many, many more have lost their fertility and have suffered terribly in other ways, both spiritually, mentally and physically.
Legal?- so was slavery. So was "separate but equal." So was killing 6 million Jews during World War 11. People have an obligation to oppose flawed laws.
Medical procedure? I always thought doctors wanted to help people, to take away their hurts and cure their ailments. Pregnancy is not a disease - it may be untimely and not planned, but in what other area of our lives do we kill when life doesn't work out as planned. The purpose of medicine is to heal. It is not the practice of medicine to take life, but to preserve it. Abortion is not a medical procedure. It is the physical dismemberment of a living, growing human being. It is the abuse of medicine.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help - thank you for your support today!
Day 2 - 14 women chose to have the lives of their children ended today. In the face of that sadness, it was so encouraging to bring David Bereit to the vigil site this afternoon and see the faithful prayer being offered for the souls of these mother's and for those working to keep abortion legal. I'm always amazed at God's hand on 40 Days - we sometimes have to make a lot of phone calls to fill our vigil schedule with two people, yet when I stop by the site at odd times during the day, there are always more people praying. God is good. He has a plan - and it is for good.
Thank you to the members of St. Aloysius for standing in the gap with us today! It was a rainy, nasty day and your sacrifice for the little ones will not go unnoticed.
Day 1 - 9 women went into the abortion mill this morning. The escorts were there going about their grizzly business of making sure that these women did not really have a choice - there is so much help available for these mothers! We pray that expectant mothers will come to know that children are always a gift. The timing of their pregnancies might not always be what they would want, but love demands that we put ourselves aside for others. Thank you to all the St. Patrick Believers who stood with us in the rain to pray that love will find a way one day and end the scourge of abortion.
Day 37 - Praise God for the mother who chose life for her child this morning. She was troubled when she and her dad showed up for their appointment and by the grace of God decided not to go through with it, sparing themselves a lifetime of pain and regret. Sadly, 15 other women did enter for abortions today. We pray for them and their families, for the escorts, the staff and abortionists at EMW. "Where sin abounds, God's grace abounds even more."
Day 36 - I had a lesson in humility this morning. God uses 40 Days in amazing ways to help us grow closer to Him. I made the assumption that everyone wants to know the truth - note to self - this is not the case! It was brought home to me that humans are weak and sinful creatures - we are all of us flawed, every one.
"The solution to what is wrong with the body of Christ is the outpouring of the of the Holy Spirit. God is at work to restore us once again to unity that has been fractured and ruined by sin. Unity cannot be negotiated. We can't have unity by our own resources or by being nice people. Unity is only achieved by dying to our sins and living for God, having spirits and mind renewed to understand God's plan for redemption." Fr. Francis Martin, The Life Changer: How You Can Experience Freedom, Power and Refreshment in the Holy Spirit, St. Bede Publ.
So, while it saddens us all to know that 14 women chose to abort this morning, remember that God has all of this in His Divine Providence. Remember that the misunderstanding and vitriol that the other side throws our way has a purpose - allow it to unfold in God's time. While the pro-abort side continues to choose to "Trust Women," keep your trust in the God who made you and loves you beyond measure. You will not be disappointed. Pray well!
Day 35 - 17 women entered the abortion center this morning. A few were giggling nervously, more than one covered her head when she entered. One woman shared that she brought her friend, who had been raped. She told the counselor it was too difficult to talk about, to please just go away and leave her alone. Rape is always, always a horrible crime against the dignity of women. Sadly, research bears out that women who suffer rape and chose to abort have a harder time dealing with the abortion than recovering from the rape. They, themselves, are the victims of the rape. They, in turn, victimize the unborn child with abortion. There are two victims, then - one still hurting and the other one, dead. We owe rape victims better than that. We owe unborn children - innocent children - better than that. We mourn with them all that they have suffered.
Day 32 - Please pray for the 9 women who chose to enter EMW this morning. Pray for their families, who will be forever changed. Pray for the increasing number of escorts who showed up to "help" these women into the clinic to end the lives of their unborn children - for the "regulars" and for all the newbies who seem to be under the impression that they are there protecting a woman's right to "choose." We beg them to think about how they should finish the sentence - "Choose" what? - If "choice" means the death of another human being - what hope is there for the world?
Day 31 -
I received this email from a person who was hesitant to pray with us - not that she didn't see the need, but the fear of the unknown sometimes holds us back. Let's call her "Grace." Grace finally agreed to come with members of her parish, but when she was called to help fill a hole in the schedule, she hesitantly said yes, fearful because she would not know anyone or "what to do." In her own words, "I was nervous wondering what I had signed myself up for this time. I don't even use bumper stickers to make a statement. "
When Grace arrived, another 40 Days prayer warrior was there - a man, who carries the pain of a decision he made so long ago in his heart. He comes often to pray and counsel, sharing his story with other men facing what he faced many years ago. Grace quietly began to pray her rosary, and getting into the spirit of things, slung our 40 Days signs over her shoulders.
She listened to her prayer partner talk with a dad, whose wife was inside aborting their baby because of "multiple birth defects." She listened to her partner's compassionate response when someone confronted them about 'demonstrating,' wanting to know "what good comes out of this?" The Holy Spirit was working in Grace's heart. Wanting to know more, she decided to walk to A Woman's Choice when her shift was up to see what help was available to the abortion minded.
Grace and another prayer warrior walked over to the AWC. Their progress was halted by a young couple, upset and arguing on the corner. The boyfriend pointed to Grace's pro-life signs and said, 'you all need to talk to her, she wants to have an abortion!' The woman has a 5 month old, had just learned she was a month pregnant and in her fragile, overwhelmed state of exhaustion just couldn't fathom having another baby. Both women froze, praying for the right words. God provided. With no training in sidewalk counseling or crisis counseling, but a heart for God and His Truth, they offered truth, hope and resources to this mom, who was so sure that the solution to her problem was to end her pregnancy. They accepted her anger and frustration, understanding with mother's hearts, her fears. Grace saw the Holy Spirit work "right in front of my eyes." The young mother began to cry, hugs ensued and thanks. Grace quietly challenged the young man to think about his responsibilities as a father to these two precious children. He nodded and they left, no longer fighting with one another. Of course, the hard work still remains. But we are praying for this couple, especially the mom.
While this isn't a typical day in the life of 40 Days in Louisville, it is typical of how the spirit of God flows through us when we say "yes, use me Lord, however you see fit." We don't all see the turnarounds, we don't know how many just pass the abortion mill by, we don't know how God is working on the hearts of the EMW staff - but we do know that God's hand is on 40 Days for Life. In "Grace's" words, "I realize that everyone does not have such opportunities presented to them, however, the power of just praying makes things like this happen. Keep praying!"
Pray for the 25 women who went into the abortion mill this morning - for their healing and for conversion of their hearts back to a God who loves them so much, he sent HIS only son to die on a cross for them. Pray for the clinic escorts and the staff of EMW.
Day 30 - Sometimes, I have to confess, when I get caught up in wondering if those last few hours on the schedule are going to get filled, I find myself thinking about the magnitude of the abortion crisis in our world and wonder if it's just too big for us to have much of an impact on. God always lets me know that He sees our every effort and hears our every prayer. People passing by offer encouragement. Sometimes, it's just a hushed "God bless you" or "Thank you" as they are walking by. Sometimes, a person makes an effort to come back and talk to the prayer group, telling them how they have been touched by the prayerful presence or how thankful they are that SOMEBODY is just standing there, calling attention to the ugly truths about abortion.
This morning, a woman walked past the entrance to EMW several times - she seemed conflicted about going in. I asked her if she wanted to talk with someone about her options, since she seemed to be leaning toward abortion. She very angrily told me that this was private business and we had no business interfering. Is abortion "private business" between a woman and her doctor? Who speaks for the third person who ought to have some say in whether he or she is allowed to live - the child in the womb of every woman who considers abortion? Now, I'm not a world traveler, but I've never met a single person who would willingly choose to die, for any reason. No, abortion is not "private thing." All of humanity is affected when the most innocent among us are sacrificed - it matters not the reason. Christ came that we might have LIFE and have it in joyful abundance. Set before us are life and death - the choice we make is our eternity. Who speaks for the unborn child? We do - may we never be silent on this issue! Pray today for the 13 women who entered EMW for abortions.
Day 29 - Thanks to all the prayer warriors from Trinity High, Assumption and Sacred Heart Academy for standing in prayer with us yesterday and today. We are praying for the 7 women who entered the abortion center this morning, for the escorts and staff at EMW.
Another woman shared her story with some prayer warriors yesterday afternoon - she too, was pressured to abort her child many years ago, but felt in her heart that it was the wrong thing to do. She walked over from a near by restaurant to thank the people who were there praying - she believes that prayer does make a difference. She has a beautiful daughter and granddaughter because she made a decision 19 years ago to choose life, in spite of the obstacles she was facing. Had she made a different choice, her family tree would have been irrevocably altered.
Day 28 - I want to share a story with you one of our evening prayer warriors shared with me last night. She and her prayer partner were praying when a van they had seen pass by only moments before, pulled to the curb. A woman got out and asked if she could speak to them for a moment. This is what she shared: "18 years ago, I moved to Louisville from another state. I didn't know anybody, but soon enough found myself with "a little problem." I went to the abortion clinic one morning to "take care of it." There was a woman standing in front of the building, praying when I got there. I was going to go inside but I was stopped by this lady, asking if she could pray with me. I just wanted you to know that my child is now 18 and a freshman at a local university."
This woman just wanted to say "Thank You" to all the people who stand in prayer in front of the abortion center here and everywhere. She wanted us to know that our prayers do make a difference. Please pray for the 12 women who entered this morning seeking a very permanent solution to a temporary "problem" by ending the lives of their babies. Pray that one day all people will understand that to love as Christ loves, we have to set ourselves aside for the sake of the other.
Day 21 - Please pray for the 13 women who entered EMW this morning. Pray that those who don't understand that the size of a person doesn't matter, nor does his or her location. At issue is whether or not, we as human beings, recognize the humanity in the least of our brothers and sisters - those children in the womb scheduled to be killed. "A person's a person, no matter how small." Dr. Seuss
Day 18 - It's hard to know what to say about the events of the morning. The clinic escorts were out in numbers - standing against life and the opportunity for life. How very small and sad that world must be. A small but vocal group mocked God, singing Christian hymns and other songs so that those wishing to pray together would have a hard time hearing one another. It made things difficult, but certainly not impossible, because we know that ALL things are possible with God - even the conversion of heart of those in the pro-death arena. Their voices raised in praise of the Lord of Life would have been so beautiful. A few escorts continue to break the rules which they insist be enforced for those who come to pray - all to "protect" a woman's right to "choose?" I wonder sometimes if that is truly the motive. I guess it is no surprise that those who serve false gods would resort to uncharitable behavior to achieve their ends - and sadly, the height of their accomplishment is another dead child - 12 dead children, if one is counting. May God have mercy on us.
Day 17 - I received a copy of this email sent by a person who had never come to pray at the abortion center before. I share it with you in hope that you'll be encourage in your work for the unborn. Please pray for the 15 women who entered EMW this morning.
Dear Friends,
Last week, I was given the opportunity to stand in favor of life at an abortion clinic in downtown Louisville as part of the '40 Days for Life' campaign. I was there to stand quietly on the sidewalk in front of the clinic to pray and offer hope to any who sought help. The clinic was prepared for the opposition. They had 8 - 10 "clinic escorts" out front to "protect" their clients from our quiet presence.
That morning, the pro-life side consisted of myself, two other ladies, a gentleman standing on a milk crate preaching from the Bible (not so quietly, I might add), a homeless gentleman, two or three young adults offering counseling to those who chose to talk, a few passers by with words of encouragement, and (of course) GOD! Many of the clients had a sense of guilt about them - about 12 women entered the clinic that morning. But the escorts had a sense of righteousness about them that was absolutely frightening.
There have been instances when an expectant mother has sought the help of one of the pro-life supporters in front of the clinic. I'm sorry to say that our presence didn't cause anyone to turn around and walk out of the clinic that morning. But, it may have caused some to drive by instead of stop, or to think about what they were about to do.
I feel like our presence was that of conscience. Left unchecked, we will lose this battle. We have to stand up for these babies and let their mothers know there is someone who cares.
God bless you,
A Friend of 40 Days for Life
(We know who wins the battle in the end!)
If you ever get the opportunity to stand in front of a clinic to support life, DO IT! It's the closest I've come to witness God and Satan go head-to-head.
A Friend of 40 Days for Life
(We know who wins the battle in the end!)
Day 15 - I arrived at the site this morning in the dark to find crime scene tape around the pillars in front of the abortion center. I don't know who put it there, but thought it somehow fitting, considering what happens inside those walls. Nine women entered this morning for abortions. Nine children died - certainly a crime - against humanity - that these precious little ones did not have the chance to be born, to be a blessing to their families. One of the center's workers came out later with a huge pair of scissors to cut the tape down. It was chilling to look at those scissors, knowing that the children in the wombs would know horrific death within a short period of time. We pray for everyone who facilitates abortion, as Jesus prayed... Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do. Pray to end abortion!!!
Day 14 - 13 women went in for abortions this morning. Please pray for them, for their unborn children who will never know their mother's love, for the fathers and families who are forever changed by this decision. Please continue to pray for the people who come out each morning in opposition to the God of Love and Mercy, in whom ALL things ARE possible. Pray for those who work in the abortion mill - that their hearts will be turned toward the God of Life, in whose image we all are made.
"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15
Day 10 - It was a pretty windy, rainy morning at the mill today. So discouraging to see 16 women going in to abort their children. So en couraging to see increased numbers of prayer partners who came out to witness to life on such a soggy day. Southern Baptist Seminary, Holy Angels and Third Street Baptist church were represented - people who just had it on their hearts to come and pray for the unborn. Much rejoicing on the street when TWO of the women who were seeking abortions, changed their minds and walked with counselors to AWC. Prayer matters. Changing our hearts toward God matters. Standing in the gap matters. Because LIFE matters!!
Day 8 - Give thanks for the two women who changed their minds today.
Day 7 - Please pray for the ten women who aborted their children this morning. On the National front - we are celebrating 36 children saved from abortion around the country. A second abortion center nurse has quit her job. There is much to be thankful for!
Day 5 - Sometimes the quiet at the mill is surreal on a Sunday morning. Thank you to the good people from Valley View who heeded the words of their pastor to live in courage and to stand in witness to life.
Day 4. Please pray for the 14 women who went into the clinic this morning - and for their families. Pray for the clinic workers and the escorts who are blind to the reality of what their actions facilitate - the death of a precious human being.
BIG THANK YOU to the men from Owensboro Right to Life who got up at 4 am to drive to Louisville to pray with us today. Also, Thank you to the families and students at Holy Angels School for standing with us.
PLEASE PRAY for a woman who left the mill this morning. She has many obstacles standing in the way of choosing life for her baby and feels very alone - intercede for her before God, asking that the counselors at AWC can provide meaningful help to her and that she can choose life for her child.
Day 3 - 20 women today. The sadness can be overwhelming. But the prayers being offered today are powerful in God's eyes. He asks for our faithfulness; we leave the success to Him. Good news from the National front was shared by David Bereit, National Director of 40 Days for Life yesterday. The first abortion mill worker quit! He said that he had "endured" four 40 Days for Life campaigns and he just couldn't continue to work at the abortuary. He left the killing center and thanked the 40 days prayer volunteers who were there. We never know how our prayers will be answered. So please keep praying and fasting for an end to abortion.
I had a conversation today with someone who believes in a woman's right to choose, because, after all, abortion is a safe, legal medical procedure. The following questions came to my mind:
A woman's right to choose what? Please finish the sentence - a woman's right to choose death for her child. "Thou shall not kill."
Abortion is safe? Safe for whom? Not the child, for certain. And not for the woman - hundreds have died from the procedure, many, many more have lost their fertility and have suffered terribly in other ways, both spiritually, mentally and physically.
Legal?- so was slavery. So was "separate but equal." So was killing 6 million Jews during World War 11. People have an obligation to oppose flawed laws.
Medical procedure? I always thought doctors wanted to help people, to take away their hurts and cure their ailments. Pregnancy is not a disease - it may be untimely and not planned, but in what other area of our lives do we kill when life doesn't work out as planned. The purpose of medicine is to heal. It is not the practice of medicine to take life, but to preserve it. Abortion is not a medical procedure. It is the physical dismemberment of a living, growing human being. It is the abuse of medicine.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help - thank you for your support today!
Day 2 - 14 women chose to have the lives of their children ended today. In the face of that sadness, it was so encouraging to bring David Bereit to the vigil site this afternoon and see the faithful prayer being offered for the souls of these mother's and for those working to keep abortion legal. I'm always amazed at God's hand on 40 Days - we sometimes have to make a lot of phone calls to fill our vigil schedule with two people, yet when I stop by the site at odd times during the day, there are always more people praying. God is good. He has a plan - and it is for good.
Thank you to the members of St. Aloysius for standing in the gap with us today! It was a rainy, nasty day and your sacrifice for the little ones will not go unnoticed.
Day 1 - 9 women went into the abortion mill this morning. The escorts were there going about their grizzly business of making sure that these women did not really have a choice - there is so much help available for these mothers! We pray that expectant mothers will come to know that children are always a gift. The timing of their pregnancies might not always be what they would want, but love demands that we put ourselves aside for others. Thank you to all the St. Patrick Believers who stood with us in the rain to pray that love will find a way one day and end the scourge of abortion.