Sunday, January 16, 2011 was Sanctity of Life Sunday. About 90 people gathered at The Wall of Names at The Memorial for the Unborn to commemorate the 50 million lives lost to abortion since 1973. That was the year Roe vs. Wade decision made abortion legal.
The somber tone, the tears, the lit candles, the testimonies and soft guitar music were all the same. Even the ending, when people go forward to place roses at the base of the Wall and paused to remember babies now in heaven was the same as other years.
I had the opportunity to hold up the book that Ann Caldwell and I authored together. The book, EMPTY ARMS, has had an international impact, even touching Russian and Chinese people who grieve for their babies lost to abortion. Our publisher, Dan Penwell died of cancer this year. We are thankful for his courage to push for our project to be published. He caught our vision that people needed to know that many from all walks of life have sent letters to the Memorial for the Unborn expressing their regret over making an abortion choice for their baby.
What was striking this year was the changing age of the leadership in our Sunday service!
The speakers, the soloist, the guitar player and our new director, Katrina Griffin are all 30 years old or younger. Praise God that the next generation is ready for the hand off of the baton! The fight to speak the truth in love will continue. The good news that Jesus forgives and heals the brokenhearted will be carried forth with new energy and vitality. The message to choose LIFE will continue to give hope to those who think there is no hope. This is a fight we plan to continue on our knees in prayer.
As we held our lit candles and sang Amazing Grace, God's love and forgiveness was very present. Our prayer for these new leaders, "Let your light so shine among men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matt.5:16
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