In Honor of Sanctity of Life Week

It would seem that with the advance and accessibility of contraceptives, coupled with public schools offering sex education to students, that abortion would largely be a thing of the past. This is not the case unfortunately. Statistics just revealed that New York City has an alarming abortion rate-41 percent of human life conceived in NYC is terminated through means of abortion. http://www.aolnews.com/2011/01/07/41-percent-of-pregnancies-in-nyc-are-aborted/

I do not intend to judge those who have opted for abortion nor turn this blog into a political platform. I believe the loss of any life is tragic and it is important to take a moment to recognize this sad reality that plagues our country. No matter which side one finds themselves on, I think we can all agree that it is a sad thing to end a life before it has the opportunity to reach its full potential. That each human is uniquely woven into a creation that is amazing and the termination of that life is no doubt a painful decision by the women who choose that path.

To judge such women, I feel, is also a great crime. In Shane Claiborne's book, Irresistible Revolution, he brings up a good point with this issue saying that if one were to judge a woman who is getting an abortion, telling her not to, they should be willing to help her through that pregnancy financially and emotionally and help secure a future for her and that child. See, it's easy to judge someone, until you walk in their shoes. It's easy to tell someone not to have an abortion and then walk away, leaving a homeless teen suffering on the streets alone with a life now totally depending on her. We just never know a person's circumstances. I'm not saying every mother who makes the choice of having an abortion faces such dire consequences, but many do. Perhaps not homelessness, but many are stuck in abusive relationships, poverty, etc.

I remember driving by a Planned Parenthood where there was a protest going on against abortions. I felt saddened at the thought of abortions happening, and even angry but at the same time I also felt angry at those protesters. For sometimes it is easier to judge a situation and harder to help solve it. Let's be problem solvers not problem agitators. Let's extend ourselves with compassion to others, building a bridge to understanding and a bridge towards solutions.

Below is a video that I found a beautiful and touching tribute to the sanctity of life, complete with meaningful scripture verses. I hope you enjoy it.

Heavenly Father,

We grieve at the fact that Your Will for the life which springs up in the wombs of Your children is prevented from reaching fruition due to the tragic act of abortion. We know that all of life is sacred, woven by Your love and grace, planned out before the foundation of the world was laid out, and pray that Your light penetrates through our culture of darkness, bringing about a new awareness of the sanctity of life.

We pray for all those parents who have decided to end their pregnancies. Bind their broken hearts, heal their wounds and bring them freedom and restoration as they turn their hearts towards You. Penetrate the hearts of those who judge such parents with compassion and understanding.  We pray that You give them the desire to reach out in love, rather than condemnation. To find solutions to those who have difficult decisions to face regarding their pregnancies.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever.

Amen.