A Tough Reality

So far, things have been fairly quiet regarding my participation in praying outside of abortion facilities. Except for one incident with a Department of Transportation official, everything has gone pretty routinely. I go, pray, grieve over cars that continue to go in and out of the facility, talk to other volunteers and head home.

This all changed in one afternoon though. I was given some brochures by a Sidewalk Counselor as she left. She had told me what I needed to do and I offered to take over her position. I have taken a peer counseling training last month and felt that if I didn't just jump in, I never would. Experience is the best teacher, so I just took a deep breath and assumed my position next to the driveway. I wasn't prepared for what happened though.

I took a short break and went over to where another volunteer was and sat on the ground and talked to her for a few minutes. While I was sitting there, a big white truck drove into the parking lot. I didn't know what it was at first, but it didn't take long to know it was the truck coming to pick up the babies who had been killed over the weekend. It broke my heart. I wondered if the driver knew exactly what it was he was doing.

Then, while the truck was still inside, a car approached the driveway to leave the facility. I held out a brochure and stepped toward the car. I was hopeful for a brief moment as the passenger window lowered. But, that hope quickly faded to sadness. When the window came down, a woman called from inside the car saying "You're too late, we already killed it."

That simple phrase was enough to rock me to the core. How cold and calloused these words were. But, I had to think deeper. For this young woman to speak such harsh words, she had to have been hurting. I feel very badly for her and her unborn baby. I pray that her child can come to forgive her and that she can find peace and healing in Christ Jesus.

I had prayed to God to send me some kind of sign or something to let me know that our prayers were working and being heard. It can be very discouraging for nothing to be going on while one is present and praying even when it is difficult. This wasn't the answer I was hoping for. But, I have said it before and will continue to say it. When opposition arises, we can be sure that God is at work because Satan wants so desperately to take hold of the abortion industry and see it flourish. But, we all know that GOD IS GOOD and WILL PREVAIL!!!

The Power of Children

I was praying today at Planned Parenthood with my family. This is the first time we all went out to pray. I did most of the praying, but at least we were all there as a united family. And, I think having both of my kids there was a nice touch. Hopefully, someone saw my little ones and made a change of mind and heart and decided to give their unborn baby life.

Another volunteer at the vigil made a comment about my kids being there and how nice it was that I had brought them. It seemed to help bring the point home when my daughter (2 years old) insisted on holding two different signs. Actually, it was three. She carried 2 together for about a minute. They were both about her size, lol. But, having a little one who is nearly still a baby herself carrying a sign that says "Abortion Kills Children" and another that says "Face It, Abortion Kills" seemed to make it all the more real. I just truly hope that someone saw her and was able to realize that what they carried in their womb, beneath their heart, would very shortly (in the grand scheme of things) look just like my little girl.

She was so proud of being able to pick these signs out.

My son (8 months old) couldn't let his big sister get away with hogging all the signs for herself. He had to get in on the action as well. He may not have really known what he was doing, but I am holding out faith that the Lord knew what my little man was doing and used him to send a message to women (and men) driving into or past the Planned Parenthood abortion facility.

He might be looking at the rope here, but doesn't he have a nice prayerful quality about him with his head lowered? :)

I couldn't help but get in on the action here too. I can't decide which was more difficult to carry though. The kids are heavy after a while, but the signs are just plain awkward, especially if anything heavier than a strong breeze comes through. Talk about building upper body and arm strength.

I had to be careful so that she didn't choke me here. She had a good grip on that poster, lol.


I didn't really know how to get him to not smile. He's such a happy little guy almost all the time. God love him! He still looked mighty precious helping Mama carry that sign.

BE BOLD!!!

This one is going to be short, I think. It kinda ties into my previous post.

It is time for Christians to stop saying things like "I wish I had your courage," "It sounds like a good cause, but...," "Wow, I admire what you are doing" and start saying things like "What can I do to help?," "How can I get involved?," "Do you have some information I can look over so I can make an informed decision after praying about this?"

Be BOLD! That's what God wants from us. How can we sit back and complain about how bad the world has become when we are not out there doing something to change it? Seek God's direction, ask for him to give you a passion and then JUMP IN!

I never imagined how fulfilling it could be to do just that. And, when I face opposition from those around me, I can take it as a blessing. It means I am doing something and Satan doesn't like it! Be proud of your opposition. The Bible says that we will be blessed when we are being persecuted by those around us. So, instead of fearing the controversy and confrontation, pray for God's peace and protection and embrace it. You're making a difference!

Calling ALL Christians!

So, I have a question for everyone...

Why do we, as Christians (myself included), sometimes lack the boldness that the Lord has called us to have? Is it fear? Is it laziness? Or, is it simply our own ignorance that we refuse to ignore?

I know that for me it is sometimes simply a lack of knowing what on earth to do with myself. But, that's just not a good enough excuse anymore. It's time to stop finding excuses and step out in faith. I keep hearing people say things about God wanting to bless all of us, but I have found that even though this may be true, many of us don't do enough to bless Him. I don't know, maybe I'm alone here. Honestly, I don't think I am. I think I'm just stupid enough to admit it in black and white, lol.

In light of this recent revelation, I decided to do something about my lack of outward expression of my inward faith. I have always been against the evils of abortion but have never done anything to show that to others or to do my part in ending abortion in Indiana and the United States as a whole. Until now, that is.

I know that a lot of you who know me personally have heard me recently talking about my recent participation in Life Center's Walk for Life and my subsequent volunteering there as well as my involvement with 40 Days for Life. I can't even begin to tell you the profound effect these events have had on my life.

Because I decided to step out in boldness and faith, God has been using me and I have been more busy now than I think I have ever been in my entire life. I may not be receiving a paycheck for what I am doing (and don't get me wrong, that would be a nice bonus, lol), but no one can put a price on a woman choosing life for her unborn child.

I started out being a nervous wreck about getting involved in so many things because of my vision problem, taking care of my children, the amount of money it would take to support this ministry (gas money) and stepping out of my comfort zone and doing what I could to unite more than one faith. The Catholic church has a HUGE presence in the pro-life community and I didn't know how I, as a Nazarene, fit into the cause we know as the 'Pro Life Movement.' But, I decided to put it in God's hands. His Word says in 2 Timothy that He did not give us a spirit of timidity. So, I am handing that over to Him as well. I am stepping out of my comfort zone and taking a huge leap of faith.

And, doing this has made me aware of works that need to be done in His name...

It is time for ALL Christians to step out in faith and live according to His plans for our lives. I know that we all do not have the same calling, and that's not necessarily what I'm asking of any of you. But, what I am asking is that you seek Him first and let Him give you direction. Really pray about the issue of abortion and see where He leads you, not where your fear leads you away from.

We are facing quite possibly the country's more crucial election this year based on this very issue. Is it enough that we simply vote according to the sanctity of life and follow God's command to not murder (and let's face it, that's what abortion is)? Or, should we be doing more? I'm choosing more.

Radio Interview

I am so excited! The Lord is definitely moving!

I was looking for the local Christian radio station in the car the other day but was having trouble finding it. And, even when we did find it, the reception was pretty bad.

I was pretty sure that I wasn't going to be able to listen to the station inside my home either. But, then I remembered that I have their website bookmarked so I can listen to their live audio stream.

Then, while looking around on their website, something occurred to me. Why not see if they have a listing for a PR person or a community calendar area to post events? I really want to do what I can to include as many Christian communities as possible in 40 Days for Life. Don't get me wrong, we have had a great deal of success in participation thus far, but it's never too late to get people involved.

So, I found the calendar page and submitted an email even though according to the guidelines I was too late. I just accepted that the worst thing they could do was say no and not include the 40 Days for Life event.

I also sent an email to a woman at the station requesting a radio interview or at least to consider bending the rules for me and including the event in their calendar. I didn't really expect anything out of it as I'm sure they are busy people and don't have time to answer emails personally on a regular basis.

But, when I got up this morning and went about my normal routine. The last thing on that list of things to do is checking my email messages from two different accounts. I expected a bunch of stuff to go to one account, and I was right, lol. But, I was a bit surprised when I saw that I had 5 messages waiting for me on my other account. Then, I remembered that I had sent out an email to the other members of the core planning committee for 40 Days for Life about today's vigil. So, then I just assumed all the messages were from them.

They were, except for 1. That was sent by the woman I had contacted at the radio station! I was trying to not allow myself to get excited and just thought it was a message saying something like "Sorry, but..." That's not what it said at all though. Below is her email response to me.

Hi Amanda,

Thank you for your email. I would like to do a recorded interview with you sometime this week. What I will do is use some soundbites from the interview for several of my morning newscasts. I’m available to talk to you on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday this week anytime between 9:15am and noon. Please let me know when I can interview you and the best phone number to reach you. Thanks and God Bless!

I was in absolute shock when I read this.

So, this Friday morning, she will be calling me around 10:15 to conduct the interview and then will edit it into the final interview that will be aired on her radio program. I'm excited and nervious all in one! I would greatly appreciate all your prayers as I strive to prepare myself for such a wonderful opportunity.