SPEAKING OUT FOR LIFE

 

January is Respect Life Month.  It was in January 1973 that Roe v Wade passed and legalized abortion. We saw Roe v Wade overturned this past year, but the fight is not over. The legality of abortion is now up to each state. Until abortion is unthinkable and no longer legal, our voices will continue to be strong. 

 

To put abortion into perspective:

If you were silent one minute for each child killed by abortion, you would be silent for at least 114 years.

I usually attend and share my testimony at the March for Life in Washington D.C., the Walk for Life in San Francisco and smaller local events. I have conflicts this year, and it breaks my heart that I won't be able to participate. I love seeing and spending time with my Silent No More brothers and sisters and friends/mentors Father Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, Georgette Forney, President of Anglicans for Life, and Janet Morana, Executive Director of Priests for Life both co-founders of the Silent No More Awareness Campaign. 

 

As I reflect on the many marches and walks, my mind always wanders back to what happened while at West Coast Walk for Life a few years ago. After giving our testimonies at the pre-walk rally, my friend Leslie and I were asked if we would be willing to join in a panel discussion on Immaculate Heart Radio and talk about life before, but most importantly, after, our abortions. 

After the segment finished, a priest on the panel thanked us for having the courage to tell our stories in front of so many people, let alone to a national radio audience. Others have made similar comments, and some have even asked me if I get embarrassed because so many ugly excesses consume my past.  

 

I hate to burst anyone's bubble; I'm not courageous by any means. Through time I have grown accustomed to speaking in front of large audiences; however, for the first few years, I was a nervous wreck to the point of almost backing out. God, however, is quite persuasive. He has called me to share my story because, unfortunately, many women are like me. It's an opportunity to reach out to them and comfort them, knowing they are not alone and no matter how bad they think they are ... nothing is unforgivable in God's eyes. As far as being ashamed or embarrassed … Yes, I was - but I found the more I exposed my past, it became a blessing. As a caterpillar morphs into a beautiful butterfly, evil miraculously emerges as good.  

 

God uses my Silent No More sisters and brothers and me to share our experiences, speak out for life and be beacons of hope for those who have had or encouraged abortions - guiding them toward healing.

 

"So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God."

2 Timothy 1:8