The Real Inconvenient Truth

The pro-life movement has been discussed and debated so much, that I think it has in some ways been desensitized. I, for one, almost forget what I'm really saying when I say I'm pro-life. Sure, I think abortion is wrong...blah blah blah. But watching this clip of Bill Clinton speak so strongly against the right to life brought me to tears, not understanding how this has gotten so out of control. Pro-abortionists are probably so used to seeing bumper stickers with "adoption, not abortion" or "xxxx million babies murdered each year" that they don't even think about what that means anymore. I sometimes hate myself for not praying about this often enough, for not standing up and saying "this is evil!" to those who don't agree.

This is a sensitive subject for some, a simple, non-emotional political argument for others. I have many pro-life friends, some of whom have had abortions in the past. I see the heartache it causes. I see the open wound that it leaves behind. Abortion doesn't just hurt the child, but it forever scars the mother. Why can't people see how devastating this is for our families, our communities, our whole world? Why can't people accept the consequences of their actions, no matter how inconvenient those consequences are? Why do we insist that it is wrong to watch a person abuse their children, neglect them, drown them in lakes, but say it's a woman's right to kill her unborn baby? I know what it's like to have a child who isn't "perfect" or who doesn't fit into my perfect little life. I know what it's like to be scared *out of one's mind* about the prospect of having a child who has special needs. I know friends who spend their nights in hospital rooms while their children are on ventilators, fighting for their lives. But, my God, they are no less human than we are! This is a holocaust that I fear has no end in sight, and I shake at the thought of what it really means. I feel responsible for not taking a stronger stance, for being fearful of offending others who don't think like me. Back in high school, our youth group would pray the Rosary in front of an abortion clinic in Pittsburgh - one of the largest in the country. I remember fervently praying for the women walking inside, for the clinic escorts who scorned and mocked us. The evil I had witnessed in the escorts' faces is indescribable. But now that I'm in my cozy little neighborhood, in my cozy little town, I too easily forget that this happens every single day, to millions of mothers and their children. I just hope and pray that my story can touch those who are faced with similar situations. And that God will use me in any way he can to reach out to scared and helpless women who don't know which way to turn.

On another note, I read on a forum this scripture passage that someone posted. I think it speaks well to those who have lost loved ones:

Hope in the Lord. My soul is deprived of peace, I have forgotten what happiness is; I tell myself my future is lost, all that I hoped for from the Lord. The thought of my homeless poverty is wormwood and gall; Remembering it over and over leaves my soul downcast within me. But I will call this to mind, as my reason to have hope: The favors of the LORD are not exhausted, his mercies are not spent; They are renewed each morning, so great is his faithfulness. My portion is the LORD, says my soul; therefore will I hope in him. Good is the LORD to one who waits for him, to the soul that seeks him; It is good to hope in silence for the saving help of the LORD.
Lamentations 3:17-26

I can say at this point that I now remember what happiness is, thank God. I have restored hope. In fact, I feel more fulfilled because I know exactly what it's like to hit the bottom and to live in despair. Living in the moment is all I can do, and I'm really starting to get that. I love my family so much...sometimes I wonder how my heart is going to remain intact when I feel it swell with love for my son and husband. (Jack's laugh especially does a number on it!). And honestly, I give Bernadette all the credit. I miss her desperately, but I know it is because of her death that I have gained such appreciation for the life I have.

May she continue to intercede for us and for all those who have walked with us in this journey!