As I sit here, pondering what to write, I realize that I'm still somewhat shocked and in disbelief, at the overturning of Roe v. Wade. We received two different e-mails yesterday informing us of this decision that I want to share here. The first is from our adoption agency's executive director:
While the mission of New Life has always been one of tangible, practical support (and not political), it seems appropriate to both acknowledge and celebrate that this is a victory for protecting the most vulnerable. We believe that every life is created in the image of God, and every life matters – both born and unborn. This is why we exist.
As we pause to thank God and to celebrate that fewer lives will be lost to abortion, I believe this news should also propel us into action. Because life decisions need support.
While we don’t fully know the impact this ruling will have, here is what we anticipate:
- Abortion will continue to be legal in Minnesota and may be expanded
- Unplanned pregnancies will still happen
- Women, men, families, and children will still need support
- We may see an increase in women seeking abortion from other states
- Our mission remains the same – to provide our clients with holistic, life-affirming support
The truth is, our work is only beginning. I believe this is the pro-life community’s opportunity to show the world that we truly DO care for women and their children, as we have all along. To show that we aren’t as they accuse us: simply pro-birth. We are pro-women and pro-families, and we’re in it for the long haul.
I loved what I highlighted - our work is only beginning. "Dear Father, show us where we go now and what we need to do next." This next bit is from our pastor, Tony Manning:
Would you join me in praying through the following items as we enter a new era of the pro-life movement?- There could potentially be hundreds of thousands of newborn babies born each year that will need a new home. We've prayed for the demise of abortion, now we must proactively pray for the hope of adoption. Babies cannot survive on their own, they are going to need foster parents and adoptive parents. The church needs to be on the front-line of this movement.
- There are women within our families, our communities, and our church that have personally experienced abortion that we need to love, encourage, and remind them of the love and forgiveness of their Heavenly Father. The shed blood of Jesus covers a multitude of sins and His grace is a salve to the wounded soul.
- There are people in our families, our communities, and our church that have differing opinions and views on abortion. They are not our enemies. We need to love them, converse with them, and show them the love of Jesus in very real and practical ways. We should aim for reconciliation not proving to be right. We can celebrate and give God praise for the recent ruling, but let's do so with a humble spirit.
Amen and amen!
