BOOM! Ba-ba-ba-boom! Pop. Pop. Pop.
At six o’clock on Saturday morning, loud noises shook my husband and me out of a deep sleep. The night before we’d watched the tragic news about the terrorist attacks in Paris. In my half awake state my mind tried to understand. Could this be related? We were visiting a small coastal town in North Carolina. Yesterday’s events in Europe couldn’t be related to this, could they?
Gunfire continued in spurts throughout the morning. My husband called the local police to ask about it? We learned that the house-shaking booms were Marines practicing at near by Camp Lejeune. The smaller pops hailed the opening of duck and deer season. After the events of the previous day, I didn’t object to being awakened by our Marines.
At breakfast I remarked how sad I felt about what happened in Paris. Larry picked up his phone, “Siri, how many abortions were there in the USA last year?”
I knew what he was thinking. The day before my nephew and his wife had shared a sonogram of their son. We marveled at how clear his small face was. It looked like he was pressed up against a glass window, not a womb.
The media referred to “soft targets” in their coverage of the terrorist attacks in Paris. The fact that terrorists assaulted defenseless people who were enjoying a meal at a sidewalk café, watching a soccer game, or listening to a concert made their destruction all the more horrific. These places are supposed to be safe.
When we talked about the tragedy in Paris, Larry kept picturing our great nephew’s perfect little unborn face. What could be a softer target than a defenseless baby in his mother’s womb?
Siri answered Larry’s question. “Based on available state-level data, an estimated 984,000 abortions took place in 2013—down from an estimated 1.02 million abortions in 2012.” In other words, abortion painfully kills and dismembers 2,695 Americans every day. If you aren’t familiar with how abortions are performed, please read this link.
Have we been lulled into complacency?
One news commentator kept asking her interviewees if we’ve been lulled into complacency. “Could this be a wake-up call for us?” she asked.
I’m afraid in many ways—on the issue of abortion—I have become complacent. The attack on Paris brought out into the open the tragedy any attack on human life is, including aborting a baby in the womb.
My heart aches for those in Paris and for all who suffer horrific disaster. This tragedy was a wakeup call in many ways. May we not be complacent in praying and educating people on the sanctity of every human life (see Genesis 9:5-6).
God’s words apply to us today:
“Rescue those being led away to death;
hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
If you say, ‘But we knew nothing about this,’
does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who guards your life know it?
Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?” (Pro. 24:11-12 NIV).
Lord Jesus, break out hearts with what breaks Yours. Grant us courage to speak the truth in love. Lift the blindness of our nation and give us hearts of compassion for the defenseless.
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Blessings,
Debbie W. Wilson
Sometimes I link to the following great sites:
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~ Love ~ this, Debbie. Thank you for speaking so eloquently on behalf of those who can’t. Bless you. ((Hug))
Thank you, Brenda.
You nailed the fact that I can be complacent about abortion because it happens and I don’t feel I can stop it. But, I am called to stand against it not stop it.
Sandi, we can pray and help people know the truth—it’s a baby. Thanks for reading and caring.
Great post. It is hard to believe that over 2000 people choose to kill their child everyday. I mean I have heard it before, but in context of 100 or so people being killed in Paris, to 2000+ here, its crazy to think about.
Rachel, that is such a staggering contrast, isn’t it? Every life is precious. Thanks for reading.
Wow, such a thought provoking post. The numbers are staggering. Lord, help us to speak out in truth and love.
Amen! Thank you, Laura.
Great perspective Debbie & Larry!
Thanks Earle. God bless you and Sara.
Great perspective! Thanks for speaking the truth in love.
Thank you, Jane.
Debbie, thank you for sharing. Those numbers are horrifying to say the very least. Breaks my heart to the core.
Thank you for linking up with us at Woman to Woman’s Word Filled Wednesday. God bless.
Thank you, Jenifer, for hosting and for taking the time to read today. God bless!
Yes, death and killing in any form should be abhorrent to our sensibilities, Debbie. I’ve always been a pro-life gal and have hurt deeply for those defenseless babies who don’t even get the chance to take their first inhale of air. There is much to mourn over and change in our perspective. Praying for the people of Paris and joining with you in prayer for our nation to see the sanctity of all human life. Thanks for sharing!
May it be so. Thank you, Beth. I appreciate you.
It grieves me that others cannot see an unborn baby’s life as being valuable – just as valuable as those sitting in a corner cafe. We mustn’t become complacent – I stand against it, too – while praying for a way to stop it!
Thank you, Maryleigh. God promises the pray of a righteous person accomplishes much!
This really hits me since all of my children are adopted. Their birthmothers chose life when many would have said their situations warranted an abortion. I’m so grateful they had the courage to chose life. My children, all children, all people’s lives have value regardless of what situation surrounds them. We need to shout this from the roof tops! And I think something else us pro-lifers need to focus on is the life of the mother. She not only needs care and support to choose life and then throughout her pregnancy, but also for years after the baby is born. If we’re really pro-life we need to care about her too. I love supporting the crisis pregnancy centers in our area because that is exactly what they do. They have parenting classes, counseling, ways for the moms to earn diapers, formula, etc., help them find work/complete school/find housing, etc. Thanks for a great post and for sharing this with us for Tuesday Talk! -Jess, Sweet Little Ones
Jess, I appreciate your thoughts very much. We do need to care for the moms and for those who are confused by all the mixed messages they are receiving. After working as a counselor for many years I know abortion leaves deep wounds in those who believed it would make their “problem” go away. These men and women need our love and support too. The truth sets us free. And yes, for those who don’t realize it, men are affected by abortion too.
I heartily agree! we need to be emboldened to speak truth with grace. And we can be alert, be sensitive, to women in need of support.