My friend sent me this article. Read it. It's got some really good points.
Did you read it yet? If so, I can share a story with you that it reminded me of. I don't think I've ever shared it here.
When Lisa and I were training for a half-marathon long ago, like when people were still churning butter and so forth, we decided to take our long runs in downtown St. Louis since that's where the actual race would happen. One Saturday we took the race route which led us past a Planned Parenthood.
*deep breath*
There were picketers.
At this point in life, I was in the throes of fertility treatments and been disappointed month after month. No one in that crowd of picketers wanted those babies to be born more than me. Month after month, dollar after dollar to try and force life to be created with nothing to show for it.
The signs they held? I don't remember specifics but I do remember something about God hating you for making this choice, etc. I slowed down to read the signs and look at the graphic pictures attached to them. Then I looked the picketers in the face.
One couple caught my eye and smiled as though I was on their team.
So, I asked, "Are you guys Christians?" Their smiles got bigger and they said yes!
"Huh. We must serve different Gods, cuz my God doesn't use guilt and shame as His tools. Those are actually used by the enemy, but whatevs. So, then you guys are foster parents? Adoptive parents?"
They looked confused and said no.
"Hmm, interesting. So, where do you suggest all these babies go if their birth moms choose life but honestly can't take care of them?"
They didn't really have an answer so I just joined back up with Lisa and felt quite a surge of energy to run our last few miles. I had to get away from there before I said something else.
I have no idea what came over me that day. I don't think I've been so bold before that day or even since. Was it the best way to handle the situation? Probably not but we'll blame the extra hormones.
All that to say, as Mr. Locy states in his article, Christians should put up or shut up.
If you didn't yet, go read the article.
6 comments:
Thank you for the article - it brought tears to my eyes. I shared it on Facebook because I think every Christian needs to read it! I also think it is excellent support/validation/whatev for foster and adoptive parents. Thanks for your story too. For what it's worth, I think your response was awesome. Instead of acting holier-than-thou and telling people what they are doing wrong, we are called to SHOW CHRIST by our LIFE. You rock. I must meet you some day :).
Hurray!! I love to meet new people! :)
This is now my favorite post of yours. And it makes me adore you even more (if that's possible).
Thanks for being bold. Someone needs to say it!
I found this article yesterday linked from another blog -- a very challenging and insightful read. I appreciated it.
I'm looking for pictures of adopted kids (with or without all the siblings) with a patriotic flair to them to post on www.wearegraftedin.com for the 4th of July. If you have any you wouldn't mind contributing, let me know! We'd love it! Thanks!
Ha! I just saw your comment and came over to your post. That's hilarious! I obviously agree, ha! Great minds, great minds.
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