Be the Rake…
Sometimes we just need to be the rake. When we’re downtown we think it’s all up to us to immediately save the unborn babies. But that’s not always the case. So, we cannot become discouraged.
Sometimes he wants us to be the sower of His truth and love in our words, or maybe just our presence. His grace will transform us and flow through us and change hearts and minds. Or, maybe His seed hasn’t yet been planted, and He needs us instead to rake the soil, fertilize it with love to make it more receptive. As you know there are different types of soil downtown and we must try to prepare each one whether it be rocky, weed covered or fertile; or whether it be PP escorts and employees, abortion bound couples or passersby’s.
Once the soil is prepared and the seed is sown, like the farmer we need to be patient and must wait, we don’t know how or what makes it grow (well we do, God makes it grow) or when it will fully sprout. Maybe it grows really fast and sometimes slow. Just because we don’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not growing. For us, we just need to show up and sometimes throw the seeds, maybe water them or rake the soil. Then on some days we get to reap the harvest and help save a baby and souls. But it all starts with just showing up and doing our best.
BTW, maybe you have heard, sadly the harvest is abundant but the laborers are few. We’ve got the seeds and rakes. So, Come on down to the sidewalk whenever you can. Sow, rake or reap. Sign up or just show up but please come and let true joy, peace and happiness blossom in your heart. GBY Tim
Keep reading for today’s sidewalk stories…
Joe
(From Joe) – Nadine helped me set up this morning and we ministered to the passerbys, as PP was not killing babies this morning. We gave a # of brochures and paraphernalia to a young PROLIFE lady who said she was pregnant, after conversing with her, Nadine and I wondered if she was being truthful.
At 10 the holy parishioners from Divine Redeemer parish arrived and started praying the rosary, in the continuous rain, through the end of my shift, their devotion and positivity were very uplifting. Peace of the Lord be with all
Beth
Marie
(From Marie) No PP activity. One pedestrian joined in praying the Rosary.
Tom
Special thanks to Judy and Debbie who volunteered to share the sidewalk with me today… Their sharing of their time made it possible for us to not have to shut down early today! There was no real for traffic into or out of PP except for the security guard needing to take a few smoke breaks, so maybe their “business” was not happening today or else (hopefully!!) they are experiencing a downturn in their clients. There was also an interesting group of sidewalk regulars who hung out nearby but didn’t interfere with our prayers. One man in a business suit blurted out “Matthew 6:6” as he passed, and we decided we should remind him that our prayers are in line with “when two or more gather in His name…”. Otherwise a quiet, cold, blustery shift. Bless those who were there before and after us!
Cathy
(From Cathy) – Christ the King Parish was represented by Mary Catherine and Mary, Paulette, Lauren, Jack and myself. It was a quiet shift and we prayed the rosary. A woman who was sweeping up trash stopped and prayed a decade with us. She said she felt much better after that.
Beautiful reflection from Tim. Reminded me of words of Padre Pio: “Jesus and your soul must cultivate the vineyard together. It is for you to pick out and carry away the stones, to pull out the thorn bushes. It is the task of Jesus to sow, plant, cultivate, and water.” I think the abuse suffered by the 40DFL workers are the stones and thorns. When people see you respond with kindness, you are preparing the soil for Jesus to sow the seeds of conversion in their souls. It’s so gratifying to hear of a slow-traffic day at this horrible place. Thank you and God bless all who braved the rain and wind to witness for the precious lives of the pre-born.