“United we stand!!!” That’s how this country began. Remember when the pilgrims came over from England to forge a spot where they could worship God as they pleased? Shortly afterward other nationalities and other religions joined them. They left behind their families their familiar surroundings, even much of their possessions – for freedom – mostly to worship God.
The religions were seldom “in sync” with each other; nor did they always stay together. Indeed, there was friction among the different groups. However, there were certain similarities that fused them together - and one of these was the freedom to live.
A baby was considered priceless. There was nothing rare about raising families of twelve or more. Even the poorest families boasted large households. Their children were their riches. “Be fruitful and multiply”, the Lord said, and that’s exactly what they did.
Never did a baby cause division – unless he had no legitimate father. Then out came the shotgun, and that problem was solved immediately. There were exceptions, of course, but no one took abortion in his stride. There were fathers who put their daughters out in the cold, too, but that did not happen too often either.
Babies were considered priceless, a miracle from God. To abort them was considered murder, and punishable by the law. There was nothing religious about it – abortion was considered a criminal offense. Everyone stood behind the infants. Even my grandmother, who was born the year of the telephone knew that abortion was murder, and she never went beyond second grade. Ministers never had to preach on the subject. Everyone knew it was wrong.
Ministers still leave it alone, but not because they think it’s wrong, but because they feel the decision is up to the mothers, who, after the babies are born, can lose all rights over their children’s upbringing. They do not even have to be notified of either the pregnancy or the abortion. Nor must they be informed what their children learn in school. The school can even stop participants in outside activities from attending church if they schedule the activity during that time (The child can be barred from the activity if he chooses church). It has happened right here in Marion. Mother’s choice?
It’s never been a mother’s “choice”. These young girls have little “choice” at all. They’re scared, pressured and deceived from every angle.
It’s time to do something about this tragedy. We can start by taking a simple stand. What’s that saying: “If you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything”? It’s time to become truly educated about abortion’s aftermath. Do you really believe that God condones the destruction of His own miracles? Is this the way we say “thank you”? Don’t you think it’s worth the time to find out what’s really true?
Then, if you really “hate” abortion, Isn’t it time you got involved in stamping it out, and taking a real stand in favor of your children’s welfare?
On Wednesday, August 30,at 8 a.m. there will be a breakfast meeting hosted by the ladies of Mt. Vernon Ave. Church of Christ for the area ministers and other leaders. If your minister is either not available or disinterested, make sure that someone is appointed in his/her stead. Call the church for a reservation as soon as possible.
Each of us is but one person, yet if all those who claim the name of Christian would take our stand against death and destruction, we could fill all the streets of Marion. What a stupendous difference we would make! If enough people nationwide would do the same, just think of the changes that would be made in our churches, our community, our courts, our government, and nationwide!
This year the Marion Area LIFE CHAIN will stand on Sunday, October 1, on the sidewalks of Mt. Vernon Ave. and Vernon heights Blvd between Mt. Vernon Ave and Bexley Ave Headquarters for the LIFE CHAIN will be, as usual, the Marion Catholic High School parking lot. A special feature this year, the Marion CHAIN’s fifteenth year, will be the Cemetery of the Innocents. A portion of this display will be across Forest Lawn Blvd from the school. The big display will be at the fork of Rt. 423 and Rt. 4, on the lawn of Alco Distributers. These children, many of whom have been tossed into trash bins, will receive the honor they were all denied when their lives were snuffed out through the years since Roe vs. Wade – almost 47 million of them. Do you really think that’s something of which to be proud?
