In light of Planned Parenthood’s recent slew of facility closures, there are so many reasons to be full of hope! When we hear of these victories, our minds at once leap beyond the end of abortion as a business to imagine the end of abortion as a practice. These brief visions of a final victory help us to refocus our efforts with optimism and determination.
But I also find that a foretaste of success can provide a healthy gut check. If I woke up tomorrow and discovered that abortion had been abolished, would I be at peace knowing I did all that was within my power to help bring about such a victory? Or would I feel that I had held back and not given all that I could have? Would I recognize that I had been “hot,” or rather suspect that I was somewhat “lukewarm”? For myself, I often feel lukewarm. But I know there are many reading this who would be at peace. There are many who bravely, and without reserve, play the part God has assigned to them in this fight for the unborn.
As we see signs that there is indeed light at the end of the tunnel, even if still a long way off, let us be inspired to fight for life all the harder! If you feel called to do more, please continue to come and pray at Planned Parenthood throughout the year. It has been proven time and again that a simple, prayerful presence consistently saves babies’ lives! A baby’s life may be saved if you show up or lost if you don’t!
-Andrew
SIDEWALK REPORTS
7:30-9 AM +++ Tracy and Bill
TRACY: Well, here we are in Spring and it was FREEZING this morning! Funny thing, the tiny white petals from the local trees’ many blossoms were being blown off by the very blustery wind. Fake flurries! Poor Anthony was a bit too chilled, so Bill wrapped a car blanket around him. (We ALL felt warmer, then!)
No extra people were with us this morning and our dynamo, Jackie, is temporarily off duty until a few more weeks. It was just Bill, Anthony and me on watch for the early shift. Three couples entered, none taking any literature. I kept getting thrown off in my vigil due to the fact that the convention center was hosting an event for grad students. So many young couples were passing by PP this morning! Ack! My radar would pick up on them, only to have them pass through on their way to get a hot beverage at Crazy Mocha! After a while, I’d notice a red lanyard/name tag around their necks and my alarm would subside!
9-11 AM +++ Beth and Linda
BETH: Windy, cold and busy morning. Just Randy, Linda and I praying for an end to abortion.
The picture above is one of 5 security cameras PP has focused on us. It’s been hanging by the entrance looking sad and broken for years now. Dirty building for such a dirty business.
11 AM-1 PM +++ Sheila and Rose
SHEILA: There’s nothing to report, except to say that I’m looking forward to warmer days on the sidewalk!!
1-3 PM +++ Sandy, Peggy, Kim, and Mike
SANDY: As you can tell by the clothing it was a windy, blustery day in front of PP today. Thank you to Kim & Mike who have faithfully, prayerfully, wholeheartedly served every Tuesday of this campaign- driving in from Greene County. They are an inspiration for Peggy and me- and to many others who pass on the sidewalk I like to take aspects of nature and see God’s presence there. For instance, with as cold as it was, we really appreciated those minutes when the sun would pop out for a few minutes and we’d look up and try to absorb some of the heat. I would pray – thank you, Jesus, for being the light of the world. Help us to be filled with your light and shine in whatever way you call us to- remove the chill and coldness of heart of any who come by and instead burn with your love. I also always try to remember the wind as the breath of God and how on Pentecost there was “a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind” It seemed apparent today that the Spirit was giving divine appointments, even though we cannot report a save. Let me elaborate- Of the 4 of us there, a woman who spoke Spanish approached Peggy- who is the one among us who speaks Spanish. Even though she was only needing help with directions, it showed we care.- and Peggy also was approached by one of our regular sidewalk visitors, John, and graciously wrapped his scarf around him and then was able to offer her gloves to our sidewalk friend Laura. Another young woman approached her to thank her for what we’re doing and mentioned that she has 2 sons and was discouraged with the challenges of raising them. Peggy encouraged her to pray for them- something which seemed foreign to her. I encountered a young boy who vaping and he wanted me to accompany him to the vaping store. When I responded that I couldn’t do that and it was not a safe thing for him to be doing., I asked if he had a family and he pointed out his dad in the van. I had a heart wrenching conversation with the dad, being able to relate because of my own past experience with a son who displayed many of the same behaviors. I endied up praying with the dad- who afterwards laughed and said he actually is a pastor. We never know who or what will will encounter on the sidewalk, but we need to remain open, prayerful and guided by the Spirit.
3-5 PM +++ Virginia, Bill, and John
JOHN: Unfortunately, it was a very active day. A lot of women came out today. Bill had a conversation with someone who felt God did not want us involved in other peoples decisions. He tried to convince her otherwise as it relates to abortion. It was very cold and windy. At least the sun was out. Let’s offer it up to Jesus for the protection of all life. Our Father…
VIRGINIA: This entire report could be an essay on the VERY cold windy (at times) weather this Tuesday during the 3-5 time block.
Our shift usually begins with the students dismissal at 3:15 PM. Today a jacket was thrown curbside and the chase began, soon all the students headed for the buses.
A female passerby engaged in a 15-20 minute conversation with Bill, she claimed abortion was fine and perhaps mentioned in the Bible in a positive light. It appeared to be a calm discussion from afar.
There were young women leaving PP with brown paper bags, refusing any conversation or literature. And this is also (obviously) time for the employees departure. Foot traffic was fairly heavy, everyone walking quickly, probably to get to a warm destination.