DAY 37
DAY 37
I’m writing to you from Battle Ground, Washington (great name for a place to visit during 40 Days for Life, isn’t it?)
Tonight I will be speaking at a banquet for a wonderful pregnancy center that has a strategic location in a shopping center next door to Planned Parenthood, and they share a wall with the abortion facility.
As we prayed with the staff next to that wall this afternoon, I got a deep sense of conviction that Planned Parenthood’s days are numbered.
Then when I checked my e-mail shortly afterward, I received the THIRD national e-mail sent out by Planned Parenthood about 40 Days for Life since September 26.
Here’s an excerpt:
“We’re coming to the end of a pretty amazing period at Planned Parenthood. As you know, in early October, I started sharing how I and other Planned Parenthood employees live and work with the picketers outside our clinics during their 40-day protest. Since my first blog post, a whole lot has happened.
I’ve encountered more than 400 protesters, most of them trying their hardest to make it impossible for women to access health care.
One hardliner U.S. senator specifically named Planned Parenthood in an amendment that would have limited funding for health centers like ours.
A particularly venomous district attorney in Kansas filed 107 baseless charges — including more than 20 felony counts — against Planned Parenthood in court.
An anti-birth control radical was put in charge of U.S. family planning policy.”
Once again, the message goes on to ask for more money — since apparently the $305.3 million they took from American taxpayers last year just wasn’t enough.
To me, the most amusing words in that message: “We’re coming to the end…”
After all of the miracles God has accomplished around the country since September 26, they really think we’re all going to just “go away.”
That’s OK, we’ll let them think that…
We won’t tell Planned Parenthood that when I was in Sacramento, California, yesterday, I learned that the 900+ local pro-lifers involved there in the 40 Days for Life vigil outside Planned Parenthood’s newly erected fence are making plans to press on.
Here’s a short video I filmed of some of the dedicated volunteers in Sacramento — including an interview with 81-year-old “Energizer” Bunny Collins who covers the 2 – 4 AM shift everyday:
We also won’t tell Planned Parenthood about the flood of e-mails that came in from all over the country yesterday, including these:
“We must continue our prayers, sacrifices and devotion to the unborn.”
“Yes, I believe we should keep the momentum going. This 40 Days has been great. Much work to do!! All for the glory of God.”
“The only way to win this battle is to not stop, to not give in or give up. LET’S KEEP GOING UNTIL WE WIN!”
“During this 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting, the Lord is inspiring us to continue on. We have momentum and can ‘feel it in the air.’”
“I don’t think we should stop. I plan to continue and urge everyone I know to continue as well. I know that the only way to overcome hate is with love-the pure compassion of Christ. When we smile and offer a warm and trusting hand out to the women and workers of these clinics, the light of Jesus will penetrate the darkness slowly but surely. All glory to God.”
“With God guiding us, we won’t stop until everyone lives.”
But before we all get ahead of ourselves, let’s make sure to FINISH STRONG at the conclusion of this 40 Days for Life.
Read the national press release that went out just a few hours ago:
http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/866024662.html
Feel free to forward that release to friends, family members, co-workers, fellow believers, and media contacts in your community.
First let’s make sure that Saturday, November 3, is the biggest day of unified pro-life activity in history…
…And THEN we’ll let Planned Parenthood and the rest of the abortion industry know what’s in store for them on days 41 and beyond!
Here’s today’s devotional by Fr. Frank Pavone…
INTENTION:
Pray that we may find true freedom by humbly submitting all our choices to God, and leading others by word and example to do the same.
SCRIPTURE:
Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” “You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” — Genesis 3:1-4
REFLECTION:
St. John in his first letter sums up the mission of Jesus by saying, “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8).
What “works of the devil” does Jesus destroy? Jesus Himself tells us that the devil “was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks in character, because he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).
In one and the same breath, Our Lord calls the devil a liar and a murderer. Lies and murder go together. The only way abortion can continue on such a horrible scale is for it to be covered in lies, sugarcoated with denials and distortions of truth.
Jesus has come to destroy the works of the devil. “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6). He is the way to salvation precisely because He is the Truth, shattering the devil’s lies, and because He is the Life, undoing the devil’s work of death.
We see the devil act in in character with lies and murder from the first pages of the Bible. Adam and Eve had been told they could eat of any tree in the garden except “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”
“In the day that you eat of it,” God warned them, “you shall die” (Gen 2:17). What is wrong with knowing good from evil? Aren’t we supposed to know the difference between good and evil? Why, then, is this the one tree of which our first parents were not to eat?
The answer lies in the fact that the “knowledge of good and evil” here does not simply mean “knowing.” It means that Adam and Eve would think they could decide the difference between good and evil, that they would be the ones to determine what was right and wrong, that they would be the norm of morality.
This is the original temptation. “What’s right and wrong for me is up to me… What’s right and wrong for you is up to you… Do not impose your morality on me… I will create my own values… I am accountable to nobody but myself.”
In other words, it’s all up to my own personal choice. The original sin is to put choice above goodness and truth, to abuse freedom by trying to create what is right rather than submit to it.
Jesus showed us the way of submission to the Father, of obedience even unto death on a cross. That is why he was highly exalted. Following his example, and living in the power of the Spirit, we lead our culture from the self-exaltation of “choice” that leads to death to the self-sacrifice of obedience that leads to life.
PRAYER:
Father, save us from the lies of Satan. Save us from the thought that we can be like you by becoming our own source of morality. Free us from the desire to exalt ourselves. Give us the Spirit of your Son, who humbled himself and was therefore highly exalted by you.
May we find our true freedom by submitting all our choices to you, and lead others by word and example to do the same.
We pray in Jesus’ name, AMEN.
November 1st, 2007 at 10:53 pm
Abortion must stop. Praise God for all the faithful volunteers. God is good. He will answer the cry of the just. Unborn babies Must be protected!
November 1st, 2007 at 11:01 pm
God Bless all the volunteers…….you are an inspiration to me!
November 1st, 2007 at 11:11 pm
Father, lead us not into the temptation of thinking that we can stop praying for the unborn as long as one child is at risk.
Align our hearts, minds and spirits with your Holy Spirit so that we might be able to do your will.
Deliver us from the evil of thinking we can create a moral world without you.
In Jesus name we pray. AMEN.
November 2nd, 2007 at 2:45 am
A Day of Apostolate in the Land Down Under
By Norman Fulkerson
Every Saturday morning, members of Family Life International (FLI) gather at Saint Brendan’s Church in Annandale for a Mass that begins a morning of activities in defense of the unborn. Recently, I was privileged to participate in one such event with Australian TFP Bureau member, Paul Folley.
After Mass, we processed through the streets, praying the rosary and singing hymns. An occasional Aussie would stick his head out the door to admire the banner of Our Lady of Guadalupe that we held aloft. Soon, we arrived in front of an ugly green building. There was not a single sign to distinguish it as an abortion mill.
That is because abortions are illegal in New South Wales and three of the other eight Australian states. Nevertheless, abortionists continue the practice by giving it a more euphemistic name, under which state judges and police turn a blind eye to their nefarious trade.
Method of Action
The pro-lifers are intelligent and well organized. Upon arrival, they divide themselves into two groups. The larger of the two groups prays on one side of the street, while on the other, men and women work diligently to dissuade potential customers at the abortuary’s entrance. Australians are friendly and these prolifers have their sweet dispositions that are well suited to the task.
Miriam Martello, a 20-year-old university graduate, has been involved with the group for several years. I was impressed with her non-threatening and gentle way of approaching people.
The men were equally effective. On one occasion, I witnessed the group’s men and women work together in an effective tag team. Miriam engaged a young lady in conversation while Paul Hanrahan approached her male companion.
Although the couple walked away without being convinced, they did not get far before FLI director Gayle Instances stepped in for one last try. She is the most motherly of the entourage and her perpetual soft smile does wonders to put women at ease. Although she too was unsuccessful, their persistence reveals a dogged determination to save unborn lives.
From AMERICA NEEDS FATIMA
November 2nd, 2007 at 8:51 am
Simple solution. “Signature for Life!”
If every participant of 40daysforlife would “save” (”Notepad” works) their personal “version” of the following text; then copy-and-paste it to the end of every email they send for the rest of their lives: Just think… ! (Make it your “Signature for Life!” for the rest of your life!)
["Self worth is not the same as self esteem. Self worth comes from knowing we're created in the Image of God!" - quoting Johnette Benkovik on Doug Keck (EWTN radio), 10/31/07
"For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalm 139:13-14.
Bio-science has proven the Truth of this ancient teaching by demonstrating that the complete DNA protocol of each human being is uniquely and completely present in the "conceptus" at fertilization. Imagine that!
Judeo-Christians further believe that an eternal "soul" is also Divinely-infused at fertilization. Bio-science is still searching...
Destroying a human person, in the fetal stage, for "loitering" in any human womb, is an act of violence! Place them in a "homeless shelter" ASAP: But don't murder them simply for trespassing!
Better yet: "Close the door" to unwanted "visitors". THAT'S being "pro-choice". Humanely.]
November 2nd, 2007 at 11:25 am
I guess I’m a bit confused. I know Planned Parenthood is the largest provider of abortions, but I also know there are several other places, including some hospitals and clinics that provide abortions, not under the banner of Planned Parenthood. Are any praying at those places also? How can we identify them?
Our area prays only once a month outside the Planned Parenthood facility but they come out in force when they do. The rest of the time I’ve been offering fasting and prayer and daily Masses when I am able to stop this terrible practice and to foster changes of heart in those who do practice it and those who are considering ending their childrens’ lives.
However, even though this Sunday is not a regular day for our group to pray, I will be there for at least an hour anyway. Maybe others will also be there. I hope so. God bless you work and, I agree, it should not stop.
Vicki in Bethlehem
November 2nd, 2007 at 12:05 pm
A Personal Lament
It’s been 7 years since the Wind blew through,
And showed me Jesus I really never knew.
From Arizona to Uganda,
From Cymbala to Senyonga,
From Henderson in Sacramento,
to Lotz in Fresno,
I’m on a journey yet have not a clue,
and once again I’m broken in two.
“Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire” torched my soul,
yet I wonder will I ever be whole?
I struggle mightily to understand,
Though Your voice says, “Just take My hand”.
Not Martha, but Mary–just You and me,
yet You drag me to 29th & B.
I touch the heart in the cross on the tree,
I wonder if it is Jesus and I’m at Calvary?
Everywhere I look I only see blood,
And here comes the tears in a flood.
A year ago I really had no clue,
about “pro-life” and what makes You blue.
Now this passion I must always scratch,
but against Satan I’m clearly no match.
Daddy, help me surrender all my pride,
and run to Jesus and He will provide.
I settled into the stillness at yesterday’s meeting,
“40 Days for Life” and the national leader’s greeting.
Not a word I spoke,
I felt bankrupt and broke.
As I drove home I wondered why,
humbled and broken, I just wanted to cry.
I have no clue where the tears come from,
so little I understand when the day is done.
Like Jonah, I disobey and whine,
but now I’ll wait for You in Your time.
Holy Wind fall upon little old me,
as I cling to Jesus, His Blood, and the tree.
I have but one simple prayer for Thee,
as my heart returns to 29th & B:
Let every mother with child,
no longer endure any strife.
But hear the voice ever so mild,
“Take my hand, not my life.”
~
November 2nd, 2007 at 1:15 pm
(In response to the previous post)
Dear Vicki,
You’re correct. I’m confused too.
I’ve been told by nurses that on one floor of a hospital a baby will be aborted while on another floor a premature infant will receive intensive care to preserve their life. The hypocrisy depends upon the mother’s will. Yet the fetus aborted, if killed earlier in an automobile accident, would have counted as a vehicular homicide victim. Go figure?
Our society is out-of-control when it comes to valuing human life. The inconsistencies/ hypocracies are legion. I’ll stop with the examples I’ve already illustrated.
Only by respecting life in all its stages and vulnerabilities will we triumph over those who would cheapen and deny it value.
Disrespect for life transcends physical life; emotional, social, intellectual life are at-peril also. One spouse wills another to starve to death (Karen Quinlan (sp.?) while another lovingly-nurses their ailing spouse suffering with Alzheimer’s disease.
Our work is societal-wide. It isn’t limited, unfortunately, to the lintels of Planned Parenthood.
May Our Lady of Guadalupe, who helped convert the Aztecs from human sacrifice, the same “Empress of all of the Americas”, Intercede for Us All!
November 2nd, 2007 at 3:52 pm
David, I sincerely hope someone will come forward to gather all the stories, all the comments, all the contagious HOPE, and put it all in a BOOK so that we can all read about everything that has transpired these 40 Days!
To all of you who have led and participated in the official 40 Days for LIFE, THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!! To all who will participate during the Day 39 Unity Vigil, THANK YOU! To all who are already planning to continue, and to start NEW 40 Days for LIFE in the coming months, THANK YOU AND MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS THIS HUMBLE, SILENT, FAITHFUL & OBEDIENT MOVEMENT.
Remember 2 Chronicles when God pleads with us to just HUMBLE ourselves before Him and He WILL heal our land!!
And remember the words of Moses to the panicked Israelites on seeing the Egyptian chariots: “Fear not! Stand your ground, and you will see the VICTORY the LORD will win for you today. These Egyptians whom you see today you will never see again. The LORD Himself will fight for you; you have only to keep still.”
What do we have to do today that’s more important than saving a baby’s life?
Let’s all continue to Fast, continue to Pray, continue to be Obedient to God’s Will in our daily lives, in Humility, Silence and Faithfulness…
…for their lives
November 2nd, 2007 at 4:05 pm
Planned Parenthood is not the only abortion provider, but it is the most aggressive marketer of death, the “Philip Morris” of abortion. By their antacid pink neighborhood-friendly image and their indoctrination of children and young adults into their contraceptive, sexually licentious mentality they feed ALL the abortion facilities.
Given enough pray-er power, we could maintain a presence around all abortion providers, but if we must choose, the Planned Parenthood organization is the first structure of deceit that should be toppled by Truth and the power of God’s love. It takes less than a day praying near Planned Parenthood to understand why we should not ignore their doings.
No one should have to rely on such a place for services or employment!
Bless God today for His dismantling of Planned Parenthood! It is happening even on the days when we see no evidence, there is no doubt, for God’s fidelity is beyond our dreams!
November 5th, 2007 at 10:22 am
What a wonderful closing gathering of 40-50 Vigil Volunteers in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Our leaders – Lori & Eric Koschnick – showed unfaltering faith in God’s power to lead us to new life. Bishop Morneau came out to pray with us and give encouragement. When a fervant volunteer asked, “What do we do next. We just can’t quit now.”, Lori was prepared to announce “The Perseverance Project”. Persons quickly signed up as a church, a group or individual and take a two-hour prayer shift once or more a month during “business hours”. Visit Lori’s website if you’d like to copy this well arranged plan for your own area.