I hope you are experiencing a blessed Holy Week. As we approach Calvary, I have been reflecting on some of the challenges the sidewalk mission to save lives has been facing and the great gift of Christian community in these instances.
It probably comes as no surprise to you that Sidewalk Advocates often face hostility on the sidewalk from abortion supporters. But sometimes those obstacles are even more stark when the government itself hinders our ability to help women in crisis …
Defending Our Right to Help Moms in Crisis
Like in Detroit, Michigan where not one, but two different buffer zones prevent our dedicated Advocates from having compassionate conversations with pregnant women interested in learning all their options. Thankfully, the courageous Thomas More Society law firm has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Sidewalk Advocates for Life to challenge these obstructive buffer zones as an unconstitutional infringement of our freedom of speech.
In face of hostility and discrimination against our rights, advancing the sidewalk mission to save lives can seem daunting. But then God grants us a reminder of why we must persevere — whether it’s receiving a note of gratitude from a mom who chose life or holding a precious baby who was “chosen” thanks to the help of a Sidewalk Advocate. These are the game-changing moments we pray for.
Holding the Abortion Industry Accountable
But as the Lord’s crucifixion reminds us, not all reminders are joyful. Just a few weeks ago, a Sidewalk Advocate was viscerally reminded of the violence of abortion when she came upon a bloody cannula (an instrument used for abortions) in the Planned Parenthood driveway, along with other disturbing, biohazardous material in and around the same area. Despite immediately alerting the authorities who in turn directed the facility to address the issue, this bloody evidence remained for passersby to see for hours.
Just think about that — can you imagine arriving at any medical office and seeing blood and medical waste out in the parking lot? Would you enter or maybe think twice about entrusting your care to that facility? Yet the abortion lobby continues to claim this is the “health care” women deserve and lobby for restrictions like the one in Detroit to inhibit Sidewalk Advocates from offering safe and compassionate alternatives. Thanks to this Sidewalk Advocate’s vigilance, the Center for Client Safety has filed a complaint regarding this incident with the relevant state authority.
A Reason to Rejoice!
No matter the obstacles the abortion industry throws at us, Sidewalk Advocates for Life remains convicted in the promise of victory because we are a Resurrection people! We know that even when faced with the evidence of death, our Lord and Savior has gifted us the grace needed to move towards abundant life. Through our loving witness on the sidewalk and beyond, we can share that gift with every woman and man we encounter. Because the story does not end with the Crucifixion — the joy of the Resurrection is upon us, and redemption is always possible!