DAY 5: ‘I just can’t do it’
Abortions on a Sunday? Even on the Lord’s Day, there are abortionists open for business. As hard as that may seem to believe, it’s true.
Your prayers are needed so women don’t make a mistake that will cost their babies their lives — and will perhaps affect them in ways they can’t even imagine for years to come.
But even for those who have made that mistake, there is eternal hope. Here are a couple of stories of hurt … and healing.
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UNEXPECTED CALL
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I’m going to keep the location confidential for this first story.
“I received a call from a woman telling me she had gotten information about our campaign from a local church,” a local leader said, “and she wanted to know if she could help. Her voice was a little broken, as she explained to me that people just don’t realize how they might feel later.”
The caller went on to say that women who think abortion is the answer just don’t realize that years later, they’ll be wondering about the baby — what they would have looked like, what they might have gone on to do. They also don’t realize that God will hold them accountable for what they’ve done.
“As she was saying these things, and trying to speak clearly, she was sobbing between her words,” the leader said. “I could hear the pain in her voice.”
Finally, the 40 Days for Life volunteer asked her, “Ma’am, did you have an abortion?”
In tears, the caller answered, “No, but my daughter did. She was 15 at the time and I was going through a divorce. She was so young. We thought it was the best thing.” She considered herself responsible.
The woman was quickly told that the Lord is always ready to forgive and Rachel’s Vineyard, for instance, offers retreats for healing after abortion. She was also told about the pro-life pregnancy help center and the services it offers.
The woman expressed relief and gratitude.
“40 Days for Life is about so much more than what we may originally think,” the leader said. “I did not expect that call. It was totally heart-wrenching. I have been so blessed to be part of this — to see the power of God working and to be part of helping someone to heal in some small way. Please know … you are making a difference!”
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AUSTIN, TEXAS
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The grandmother in the first story wanted to do whatever she could to convince others to avoid the path she took.
So did a woman Texas, who brought her message to the sidewalk in front of an abortion center in south Austin. She stood and prayed, holding a sign that reads, “I regret my abortion.”
As she prayed, two women drove up to the building. One of them appeared to be quite upset. The two looked at the woman praying … glanced at the sign … and walked inside.
But they weren’t inside long. After a very short stay, they left the building, got into their car and drove towards the exit, stopping at the sidewalk where one of them took information about community resources.
She looked at the volunteer and said, “I can’t do it. I just can’t do it. Thank you very much!”
One woman’s simple, prayerful presence was all it took.
Here’s the link to today’s devotional.
Have a blessed Sunday!
For Life,
Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
PS: What’s happening with YOUR 40 Days for Life campaign? Please let me know by leaving a comment below.
September 30th, 2012 at 6:40 am
Thank you kindly for the40 days. I am from Brazil, but now a US citizen, abortionist agenda is pushing to legalize it in Brazil. This annoys me very much. Recently in Brazil a law passed giving more jail time to people who mistreat an animal then the ones who mistreat a child. I believe in sanctity of all living, but we can’t compare a human being with an animal.
September 30th, 2012 at 7:26 am
I led the Rosary at Church yesterday and included in our prayers the request that Our Lord bless these forty days of prayer for Religious Freedom
September 30th, 2012 at 9:49 am
Another prayer warrior and I recently learned of an abortion not undergone when we were told of a woman who pulled into the planned parenthood we were praying at last Spring. This woman parked her car, then sat watching us standing there, holding our signs offering hope, and praying. She watched us for 45 minutes and was crying during that time. She never got out of that car, but drove away. Months later, she walked into a church office to speak to someone and told her story. The amazing thing is, we who were praying that day remembered this woman and had wondered about it. And the woman who was volunteering in that church office the day the woman walked in is another prayer warrior on the far side of city! As it happened, tis woman could not go through with her abortion because she witnessed the grace and love of two or more gathered in Jesus’ name. She later miscarried that baby, but was able to love the child in her womb and does not carry the guilt of having destroyed that child. She is not pregnant again and our mutual friend told us the woman is now at peace and looking forward to the birth of the baby in her womb. How God works in Portland, Oregon!
September 30th, 2012 at 10:05 am
This week was my first exposure to 40 days for life; I prayed before the Planned Parenthood clinic for three of the 4 days and must say it]
was a very rewarding experience — being joined by 6 – 7 fellow Christians during each of the scheduled blocks throughout the day.
I was actively involved in the Pro-life movement back in the early 70’s, became discouraged by the apparent lack of concern by my fellow catholics (including some religious), and although remaining fully in support of life, used the above as an excuse to lesson my involvement.
I now realize, after my first day on the line at the prayer vigil, that I was trying to do it by myself rather than interceding and asking God’s help.
Here’s what I experienced through God’s help:
September 30th, 2012 at 10:09 am
Dearest Loving God console the hearts of those who regret their part in abortion, You LOVE unconditionally, as only DIVINE LOVE CAN….healing tears, YES even painful TRUTH SETS US FREE… these witnesses can’t help but touch our hearts… THERE BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD GO I.
FORGIVENESS AND LOVE GO HAND IN HAND. PRAISE to OUR MOST DIVINE, AMAZING GOD… Bless and Heal our Land, Country, World.
What beautiful words in this instance, “I just can’t do it”, OH if we could hear them from everyones lips… There is such pure JOY when someone has a change of heart… and mind… and turnsaround and goes home with a PRECIOUS LIFE STILL GROWING IN HIS/HER MUMMY’S WOMB.
ALLELUIA, How our hearts sing!!!!with JOY, and THANKSGIVING TO GOD.
September 30th, 2012 at 10:13 am
Hi and thanks again to Shawn for your updates and beautiful scripture and prayers to unite us during these 40 days for LIFE, thanks to all who are responsible for their inspired words and sharings.
Sue B
Cranbourne, Melbourne, Australia
September 30th, 2012 at 12:10 pm
This has been a particularly emotional 40 days for life so far. I think it is because I chose by the grace of God to go even deeper, to participate through a concerted effort in prayer and fasting, more and more every campaign.
Thank you Jesus. Today is the Life Chain, a gift to the participants and organizers as much as it is to the onlookers. May we please be fruitful for Your Kingdom Lord. Thank you
September 30th, 2012 at 2:21 pm
Dear Sean & David:
I am not directly involved in the 40 Days for Life Campaign. I am temporarily living in a small town and will be leaving next week to an even smaller town, where I will be entering a Religious Order.
I have been praying for both of you and your families for God’s Blessings for your dedication and commitment to saving the lives of our unborn children. God is smiling on the both of you.
On behalf of all these children you have saved, I thank you for your love and for saying “yes” to God’s purpose in your lives.
I will continue to uphold this campaign and all the people involved in prayer during my upcoming journey.
Swedini
September 30th, 2012 at 7:12 pm
As we complete our task of inviting others to participate in our 40 Days for Life Campaign, I found myself praising and thanking God for being able to stand outside after mass to talk to our parishioners about how important it is to be aware of how precious Life is. There are still some who are just starting to learn about what it is all about that we have to be at the front of the abortion clinic and pray. When the list of names was completed for the days we promised to be there, I thanked the Holy Spirit for His guidance.
God works in mysterious ways…and we just have to keep on trusting Him. We pray for the babies and their families for the coming days.
September 30th, 2012 at 9:53 pm
I started a “Divine Infant of Jesus Novena” prayer for 40 days for life and for religious freedom. Actually, my intention for all OUR babies, particularly the unborn & their mothers is an ongoing intention. Although I miss participating in group prayers outside the abortion mill, my spirit is always with the participants safety from all enemies visible and invisible. I am still on the road to recovery from medical illness, but, the unborn & their families are always, always in my prayers.
God bless you, Shawn and every members of the 40 Days for Life.
I check out the schedules, now and then.
September 30th, 2012 at 10:03 pm
Thank you for the difference you make. I appreciate the 40 Days for Life.
Your Day 5 Intention speaks to my heart: “May the truth of the final judgment shape our thoughts, priorities, and choices here on earth.”
Thank you.
October 1st, 2012 at 3:46 am
May Our Eternal, Loving Creator bless and reward you for your deep and persevering defence of unborn human lives. You would have heard our 40 Days for Life witness outside the house of death in East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia was under way early Wednesday 26 Sept. I was able to join a dedicated lady just after starting time of 7.30 outside the abortion clinic to kick the day off. It wasn’t long before the numbers increased to a small group. The aggressive security guard threw some “f….” words at me as he asked: “Who’s the new boy…..? I just smiled at him and said nothing. Next time I’ll be more alert to utter a spontaneous prayer for him in my heart.
October 2nd, 2012 at 1:29 am
David and Shawn! I am with the Chester County Pro-Life Coalition for 40 Days for Life Campaign and we pray in West Chester, Pa at the Planned Parenthood on Wayne Street. It is going very well so far. Chris Lane who has a Banner of Our Lady of Guadalupe suggested we come every Monday night from 7:30 to 8:30 PM during 40 Days here in West Chester which is the Eve of the day they do the abortions. So, tonight there were four of us with candles lit in front of Our Lady’s Banner to pray for the mothers who will be coming there on Tuesday that they will have a change of heart and give their baby life and that they would be spared from the Culture of Death. We hope to increase our numbers as each week goes by. It was a great night with just a lite sprinkle and a few hecklers, but not enough to disrupt our focus on prayer. Thanks for all you do and God’s Blessing on you and your families!
October 3rd, 2012 at 6:38 am
Since joining the campaign for the first time in prayer, I have been very happy knowing that I am doing something…interceding for women and children in need. Little did I know that the daily devotionals and prayers at the end of the emails would address my own personal relationship with Christ. After a couple of days of hardship, through the prayer on this devo, I was reconciled with Christ. THANK YOU.
October 6th, 2012 at 7:19 pm
My wife and I joined several other people on the road outside an abortion clinic in Bangor. Many vehicles went by and I made eye contact with as many as possible. I wanted each person to know that this is personal and I invited each person to think about the babies that have been and will be aborted. Many nodded, some blew their horns, a few made ugly, negative non verbal gestures; however, most of those who looked my way seemed to be sensitive to the fact that we were standing up for children.
We never know if we have touched another person who will change her mind or help another change her mind. We are all planting seeds and watering those seeds. God will convict their hearts.
God bless you all for your effforts to protect the sanctity of life. ABORTION TAKES – ADOPTION SAVES A LIFE… ADOPTION OPTION!!! Peace, Peter ~