March for naught? I think not...

On Thursday, January 22, 2009, an estimated 200,000-300,000 people gathered on the Mall in Washington, D.C. These people were of all ages, although the majority were teens and young adults. Each person, filled with an unquenchable fire within them, from all over the United States, was there in a united purpose: to be witnesses to the truth that every human life is sacred and that the unborn deserve all the dignity and legal protection that are given to born people. In joy and peace, the people prayed, sang, and held signs as they marched as one to the Supreme Court. There, the people prayed and sang some more, and some remained completely silent, in solidarity with the unborn. Post-abortive women also gave their testimonies, that abortion not only takes the life of a human child but also has hurt millions of women, emotionally and physically. These women have found the courage to speak out and find healing in Jesus Christ, and now they desperately beg other women to spare themselves of the huge mistake they made.

This fervor in the nation's capitol did not last just one day. During the week, from Inauguration Day until Saturday, there were numerous other pro-life activities, including training sessions, other prayer vigils, the first annual Life Prizes awards, and the Students for Life of America conference. After the events ended, all the pilgrims returned to their homes, renewed in spirit and reinvigorated to keep fighting against the evil of abortion, right down to the day it ends.

However, some pro-lifers apparently believe that the March for Life is a vain attempt to end abortion; that it is an activity that does not make a difference. After Googling "march for life" yesterday, this article was one of the first hits: http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/01/an-abortion-foe-says-march-for.html It is a very short article in the Dallas Morning News, linking to a blog kept by Sean Michael Winters. http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=2&id=09BBBB3C-1438-5036-4FE7DDD57216204D#comments Please read these for yourself and then continue....

*Disclaimer* I have never heard of this man before, neither have I heard of his blog, so I cannot verify that this a traditional or trustworthy Catholic site.

I beg to differ from Mr. Winters' views. While it is true that the many thousands of people who traveled to D.C. could have been back at their homes and churches, sidewalk counseling and volunteering for Crisis Pregnancy Centers, there is also a time and a place for activities such as the March. "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven..." (Ecclesiastes 3:1) Pro-lifers must embrace and support every aspect of the movement. We must have unity within our movement. Otherwise, we will rend ourselves apart and our work will be fruitless.

I disagree with the author because of his attempt to criticize what other pro-lifers are doing. But I disagree with him even more because of his claim that the March produces no results. First of all, as with any pro-life activity, we cannot assume that because we don't see the direct results, we are not accomplishing anything. Jesus told told us that "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." (John 20:29b) While Jesus was talking about Christians who believe in Him but have never seen Him with their eyes (meaning us!), we can apply this principle to hoping and believing that our efforts, with God's grace and power, are producing positive results. "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)

Secondly, he makes many assumptions in his post, some which are simply not true. He claims that there were "angry chants outside the Supreme Court." I have received the privilege and blessing of participating in the March for Life, and I can say from personal experience that the whole experience was peaceful. No one was shouting angrily outside the Supreme Court, and there was no bitterness. My friends and I knelt on the damp ground almost the entire time, praying and singing hymns and prayers. Others stood with red tape over their mouths, in silent solidarity with those who have no voice. The policemen in front of the Court stood like statues and just watched us witness.

We understand that the March itself cannot change the abortion policy in America. But I believe it is very important to physically show the authority in Washington (and the world) our dedication, and to personally plead with them to be pro-life. We do not march to condemn women who have had abortions or who are contemplating abortion. We want to show the world that there are thousands upon thousands of pro-lifers who want to help women in crisis pregnancies.

It is also very important for pro-lifers to gather together, to strengthen one another, and to pray together. "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20) Just think of all the prayers that were offered up to God at the March for Life! It is simply incredible and uplifting. I definitely need to periodically attend events where I can be surrounded with passionate and like-minded people, especially other young adults. "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." (Psalm 27:17...and by the way, I have never thought of so many Bible passages at the same time like this! It is not me, but the Holy Spirit!) It gives us hope, and we carry that hope back with us to our towns and cities to keep doing the work of Christ. Every act, no matter how small, can be great if done with much love.