March 6, 2009
I noticed as I was holding my I regret my abortion sign what could have been a couple of possible turn around. I also received a mixture of reactions from the steady stream of passerby, mostly favorable.
I should add that if you had not received this news from in the past I have had a couple of young women who opened up to me about their previous abortions, and when I shared with them, about my regrets and empathy for their pain, they moved into a more trusting stance, and cried asking me if they thought God could and would ever forgive them, and to which I shared yes, of course, as He could see a deeply sorrowed heart, and that if they asked and turned around in the future, He would be very Heartened and also wanted to help them. I added there were places of support, i.e. Rachel's Vineyard, as well as the many pregnancy crisis support avenues, and the Help number.
One time I spoke with a young man who was the boyfriend of a young woman and as she held their young 2 year old (age approx.), I shared why I regretted it, and what seemed to catch their attention was the fact that I may have endangered my abilities to ever conceive again, and although she kept saying to him, "see...I told you so", and he admitted to me that she had already had 4 abortions, (she looked about 20 years old), he believed God had put me there, that day so they knew they should not go through with it.
At that point the young girl who was still holding her little girl, called over either her mother or his , who was parked over across the street at Queen, and she seemed to have a really bad influence on the whole turnout, as when she came over, I heard her say to them "Why are you talking with ....ing her!, and she grabbed the crying child and crossed back over to the other side where 240 Sparks is. and the young woman went back in.
I was finding I had a real impact when I was walking in front of the clinic before the vigil began, and I noted that yes, the people who worked at the Mill, were keeping an eye on me, trying to imply that I was blocking the way, a couple of times, even though I made sure I was courteous, to all and watched my step, so they could not say that. I even waited for people le speak to me, and when they did, with those tow women just in front of the clinic, I noticed a man or woman coming out of the clinic asking them if I was bothering them, to which they said no. They approached me and asked.
So, all in all I do notice a LOT of people taking the time to stop and look at my sign, and it is hard to say who may just change their mind, but, as I said, I did notice a couple of women who were with guys, stop after seeing me and turn the other way, and not return.
Also, today , the comment, from one young woman as she entered 240 Sparks "Get a job" was one I've heard before, and it was about the extent of any flippant remarks made in passing to me. Most are favorable and lots of smiles towards me, thumbs up, looks of understanding and encouragement, and comments as well, thanking me, for being there.
I only wish there were more people holding up "I regret my abortion, and/or lost Fatherhood signs, it really makes a difference. So, I will keep on praying , and in God's time, I hope there will be.
I should add that if you had not received this news from in the past I have had a couple of young women who opened up to me about their previous abortions, and when I shared with them, about my regrets and empathy for their pain, they moved into a more trusting stance, and cried asking me if they thought God could and would ever forgive them, and to which I shared yes, of course, as He could see a deeply sorrowed heart, and that if they asked and turned around in the future, He would be very Heartened and also wanted to help them. I added there were places of support, i.e. Rachel's Vineyard, as well as the many pregnancy crisis support avenues, and the Help number.
One time I spoke with a young man who was the boyfriend of a young woman and as she held their young 2 year old (age approx.), I shared why I regretted it, and what seemed to catch their attention was the fact that I may have endangered my abilities to ever conceive again, and although she kept saying to him, "see...I told you so", and he admitted to me that she had already had 4 abortions, (she looked about 20 years old), he believed God had put me there, that day so they knew they should not go through with it.
At that point the young girl who was still holding her little girl, called over either her mother or his , who was parked over across the street at Queen, and she seemed to have a really bad influence on the whole turnout, as when she came over, I heard her say to them "Why are you talking with ....ing her!, and she grabbed the crying child and crossed back over to the other side where 240 Sparks is. and the young woman went back in.
I was finding I had a real impact when I was walking in front of the clinic before the vigil began, and I noted that yes, the people who worked at the Mill, were keeping an eye on me, trying to imply that I was blocking the way, a couple of times, even though I made sure I was courteous, to all and watched my step, so they could not say that. I even waited for people le speak to me, and when they did, with those tow women just in front of the clinic, I noticed a man or woman coming out of the clinic asking them if I was bothering them, to which they said no. They approached me and asked.
So, all in all I do notice a LOT of people taking the time to stop and look at my sign, and it is hard to say who may just change their mind, but, as I said, I did notice a couple of women who were with guys, stop after seeing me and turn the other way, and not return.
Also, today , the comment, from one young woman as she entered 240 Sparks "Get a job" was one I've heard before, and it was about the extent of any flippant remarks made in passing to me. Most are favorable and lots of smiles towards me, thumbs up, looks of understanding and encouragement, and comments as well, thanking me, for being there.
I only wish there were more people holding up "I regret my abortion, and/or lost Fatherhood signs, it really makes a difference. So, I will keep on praying , and in God's time, I hope there will be.