For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. ~ Psalm 139:13–16
Yesterday I joined CTSFW students, faculty, and families in placing 8,414 blue and pink crosses on the campus’ Luther green–one for each of the babies aborted in the state of Indiana in 2022. Look at that number again: 8,414. That’s 8,414 children who weren’t given a chance to live the lives God gave them. In one state. In one year. It’s heartbreaking.
While I walked back and forth among the rows, I prayed, “Lord, please help the girls and women who are considering abortion. Confirm in their hearts a love for all life, and provide them safe opportunities to preserve the tiny lives they bear. Please help the girls and women who have had an abortion. Comfort them with the promise that Jesus Christ forgives every sin of those who repent, and surround them with people who will care for them as they mourn. Please help the individuals and organizations who support mothers and families before, during and after pregnancy. Encourage them in the necessary work they do save lives, both physically and spiritually. Please correct those who advocate for and perform abortions. Open their eyes to the evil of abortion, and lead them to repentance. Finally, please help all who desire to save your children. Give us the courage to speak boldly or gently, as appropriate, and make us generous in our love and care for all those in need. Amen.”
I know my prayer isn’t enough, so I’m challenging myself to do more in 2023 to promote and protect life. I’m not yet sure what that will be exactly, but I hope I can make some small impact so there will be fewer crosses on the green next year.
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