Abortion. It’s everywhere right now, and honestly, even the word hurts my heart. But what scares me even more, is the harshness with which the word is tossed around. An arrow to pierce the already broken soul. Words shouted through the bull-horn of social media. Legality. Morality. Opinion. Truth. Both sides yelling at each other through their fingertips.
The sad fact of the matter is today’s social media posts will (most likely) only reach the eyes of a select few of those who already agree with you. So you might share your thoughts on Facebook so as to not be thought “silent” on the matter, but unfortunately, a Facebook rant has yet to change or soften a heart on either side. A Facebook post might take an ounce of courage for fear of offending your friend who might disagree with you, (but miraculously, somehow still sees your posts!) but the true courage lies in actions, not words. For goodness sake, especially not Facebook words.
Where are the quiet, humble, listening hearts? Let me venture to guess, they’re already out there. They’re at the pregnancy centers that are likely under-funded and under staffed. They’re pioneering movements like “Save the Storks” who need big donations to have a known presence in the city. True change comes from the ground up. When you actually know and care about the people who live life around you. When your church is known for being a refuge in life’s storms. When women know they can approach and ask for help without being attacked or shamed. I do believe that laws are important, but the legality of something doesn’t always change someones mind, especially when they’re desperate. A caring, kind word turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. A kind word in a time of need just might even save a life. If a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy looked at your Facebook wall, would they know you only for what you’re against? Or would they know where to find help and hope?
Human life should never be political. All life has intrinsic and immeasurable value, and if we ever hope to save the lives of the unborn, maybe we need to save the time we spend ranting at political officials and each other on Facebook, and be more involved in the lives of the unexpected mothers. Become foster parents. Learn to champion these women as mothers, whether or not they’re single. Fund adoptions when mother and baby cannot stay together. (I don’t know if you’ve heard, but it is insanely expensive to adopt–except from foster care.) Donate to, or volunteer with a local pregnancy center. Stop yelling at and mocking people for being on Welfare or Food Stamps. Step away from a political SIDE and towards people. Listen to their stories. Ask how you can actually help. And save your political rant for a phone call to your representatives (where it can actually do some good.)
Friends, what if our public words and outcries are the very catalyst that turns a woman away from the church in her time of need and into the arms of those who won’t judge her, and will affirm she’s doing the right thing by terminating an unplanned pregnancy?
Jesus does not have a political agenda. Christianity is not a political party. We should be caretakers, not Facebook political activists. Save your fingers from their angry outbursts (even if the anger is more than justified!). Learn to listen. Find ways to truly help. If you need help finding ideas on how to get involved, let me know. I don’t have all the answers by any means, but I’m willing to learn with you! As for our family, will be donating time and money to The Lincoln Pregnancy center, and I’m excited to learn more about the ways they serve UNL students in particular.
Let’s pray for the compassion to meet the women before their babies become another statistic. Let’s care about the life of the mother in order to save the child. Let’s care about the life of the mother, even if we couldn’t save the child. Her life is also worth saving. Her life is also worth loving.
“The hardhearted person lacks the capacity for genuine compassion … He gives dollar to a worthwhile charity, but he gives not of his spirit.” -Martin Luther King Jr.
And if by some miraculous chance you’re reading this and you’re expecting a baby and don’t know what to do or where to turn, let me know. There are so many options, and you don’t have to do this alone.
You are loved, and you are not alone.