Why would someone change their mind at the very last minute, as they are entering Planned Parenthood to abort their baby? It is discouraging for those of us who are praying in front of that place, and watching the couples entering. Why can’t they just stop…change their minds and choose life for their babies? It is discouraging and frustrating and disheartening. The sad truth is that, by the time a woman arrives at PP, she has already aborted her baby in her heart and mind. The fact that the actual medical procedure has not been done yet is just a loose end…one that she is very anxious and determined to tie up as quickly as possible.
But there is the occasional woman who is wavering in her decision…who just needs someone to affirm that she is able to choose life, and needs the emotional support and material help that we can offer her. We need to be there for those rare instances because even one life saved out of hundreds lost, still has immeasurable value and is deserving of our sacrifice on the sidewalk. I have always believed that God has very special plans for those He saves at the last minute.
Which leads me to the title of this post, “Only God…“. Because really, it is ONLY GOD who can save the life of a baby that is scheduled to die from abortion. We can be there with the most profound, heart-touching signs and words of help and love…but we cannot change anyone’s heart or mind. That does not get us off the hook, however. It doesn’t change the fact that every year 3,000 helpless preborn babies are killed by abortion at Planned Parenthood in Pittsburgh. If we are living during this time, in close proximity to this grave injustice, and we are physically able to go to witness and pray, but we don’t go at least occasionally, when we are able…when we stand before the Lord at the end of our lives, as Ricky used to say to Lucy, we are going to have some “splaining” to do!
So please help us to fill some holes in the up-coming week’s schedule if you can. I can’t promise that your heart won’t be broken, or that you see a miracle while you are there. But be there for those who are losing their lives without anyone honoring them. As we honor those who lost their lives for our freedom, on this Independence Day…be there to honor them as they lose theirs. I believe those little ones will look down from Heaven and will see that you gave up your time and comfort for them.
NEEDS FOR THIS WEEK AND NEXT:
This Tuesday, July 6th from 3:30-5:00 (Conrad alone)
This Friday, July 9th, Christine has no one to stand with her from 3:00-4:00.
The following Week, on Tuesday, July 13th, Conrad needs a partner from 3:30-5:00
Next Wednesday, July 14th, I need a partner from 7:30-9:30 and Elsie needs someone from 9:30-11:30.
Next Friday, July 16th, Cheryl needs a partner from 12:00-1:00 and Jeannie needs someone from 2:00-3:00.
Finally, Saturday, July 17th, Jason needs a partner from 2:00-3:00.
If you can help with any of those times, please email Jen at pghsaland365@gmail.com to be added to the schedule.
Charlene thanks everyone who generously donated to this year’s Diaper Drive at PP! She writes…
Dear 40 Days For Life…Thank you all for your generous contributions to Catholic Charities Parenting and Pregnancy Support Program. Catholic Charities was very happy for the cash, diapers, wipes, formula, a carrier, a stroller, toys and accessories!! I am so proud to be apart of this group !! Thank you again for caring for the babies at all stages of life.
Charlene
A beautiful reflection from Barbara’s Friday shift…
We surround our abortion vulnerable sisters and brothers with all the comforts we can gather to help them choose life for their unborn baby. Evil, our opponent, tells parents that choosing LIFE for their baby is too hard for them. It promises to make them unpregnant. It promises them that no one will ever know. Evil slyly does not mention that all the people who arrange abortions will know. Evil does not mention that the Mother knows. Evil brutally kills and dismembers her baby. Next, evil either sells or bags and discards her baby’s body. The mother leaves her baby behind at the mercy of strangers. Still a mother, she is now the mother of a dead baby. Pro-Life witnessing downtown in Pittsburgh may sometimes feel difficult. But Father Hopkins’ poem puts words to the feelings that return me to that sidewalk. We love those Moms and Dads. We love the abortion mill employees, every single one of them. We love the abortion friendly politicians. We love God. He sends us to love. Life is good.
Barbara
Good news from last Tuesday…sent in by Beth!
Beth sent in some hopeful news from her shift last Tuesday, when she was able to connect a young woman who was headed to PP with Birthright, whom she called right on the sidewalk! This young woman just needed some encouragement to persevere in her determination to keep her baby! She also reported that Claudia spoke to a woman who was passing by, but stopped to give her the good news that her 17-year old niece is expecting a baby in December, after being given one of our “yellow cards” in front of PP, and being helped to call the number on it! Beth also witnessed an abortion bound couple leave PP very soon after entering…and is hopeful that they may have chosen life.
Thank you for being part of our pro-life family in Pittsburgh, and have a blessed Fourth of July!
Your sister in Christ,
Nikki
Is the prayer at planned parenthood every day not just 40 days? I pray daily for mothers to change their minds.
Hi Margie! 40 Days for Life 365 means that we continue our sidewalk presence all year round, on all abortion days. Which for now is Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Thanks for your prayers!