Though we do not support everything that Pampers does, it is always exciting to see positively pro-life messages being spread, even though their intent is more than likely for commercial reasons they are certainly doing no harm in promoting this.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Overpopulation Myths:
There have been several articles in the Fargo Forum of late directly related to abortion and I felt led to respond to some of them. I'm not sure that this will be published yet but I'd like to share anyway. - Lydia Benton
"In response to Dudley Wells’ letter, published, Tuesday May 11, he replies to another’s claim that God would always vote against abortion by saying, “but Jesus Christ taught us that what is more important is not strict adherence to church doctrine, but what is in one’s heart, and as the prayer book says, ‘His property is always to have mercy.’” Mr. Wells is right, God’s property is always to have mercy but His mercy does not include acting outside of His own statutes. Supporting a woman's choice to have an abortion is never, in any case, an act of mercy. It is not merciful to the baby, mother, or anyone else involved. It is horribly painful to the baby, as a fetus can feel pain at 8 weeks. The process is not only physically searing to the mother, but as more evidence proves, it often has life-long psychological effects that conflict with relationships, work, and self, which can cause serious bouts of depression and self destruction. Aside from the horrifying and sad effects upon those involved remains the deeper fact that abortion is immoral and ungodly. Science has proven that life begins at conception and ending a life through abortion is taking that life; killing that child. Abortion is never an act of mercy or compassion and stating otherwise constitutes a mockery of God as He is benevolent, righteous, and incapable of sin.
Christ did not teach that what was in one’s heart was more important than church doctrine. If Mr. Wells is referring to Christ chastising the Pharisees, then Christ was criticizing not the law, but how stale their faith was. They could follow the law to the letter, but were incapable of sincere worship; they had no passion, vitality, or faith in their worship.
Mr. Wells also suggests that abortion is the only method available for women for the “trials of birthing and to limit the size of their families” in much of the world. I completely disagree with the language presented as it makes children out to be burdens and women victims. Pregnancy is not a plague. It is impossible for women to become pregnant without involving a male. Unfortunately, what is so often presented as a solution ends up turning into a story of grief and sadness. As many have discovered, an abortion does indeed end the life growing within them, but their problems will multiply.
Overpopulation is a myth. There are 1.4 million children killed every year by abortion in this country. Over four thousand each day, twelve every five minutes, one every twenty-five seconds. One in four pregnancies end in abortion. Oddly enough…our world is so overpopulated that humans only occupy 3 percent of the earth’s surface. Our world is so overpopulated that the entire world population could each be allotted 1250 square feet in the state of
Mr. Wells' letter illustrates his lack of knowledge in many areas; most troubling among them is his mischaracterization of the word of our Lord and Savior. His attitude toward innocent life is offensive and unfortunately, pervasive. I hope he will take the time to reconcile his views with the facts and change his witness as a Christian."
Monday, May 10, 2010
Between the Dreaming and the ComingTrue…..
FirstChoice Clinic Makes its Way West!
As I stood watching the people file into the church, all I could manage was a smile and a silent prayer of gratitude. Could it be that it was less than two months ago that we gathered to watch the simulcast of the FirstChoice Clinic fundraiser in
More than once, I found myself having to close my eyes in order to clear my head. Why? It seemed like a dream coming true! At the end of the day, April 27, 2010, I heard a man say, “Is this a done deal? Sure looks like it to me!” Of course he was referring to the “dream” of the establishment of a FirstChoice Clinic satellite which would serve western
A clinic like FirstChoice is far more than a resource for women and families facing an unplanned pregnancy. After listening to Pauline Economon, the key presenter at the luncheon and Director of FirstChoice Clinic since 2001, I would describe it as a very unique and special presence in the community. Beyond the obvious professionalism, expertise and dedication, Pauline and George Economon and the staff of FCC exude a passion and respect for the sanctity of human life nothing short of extraordinary. Factor in the testimony of the clients who have benefited from their services, it seems almost supernatural. It is a labor of love and compassion which rests soundly on faith in the Lord of life.
Their work has not been without its challenges. Building a culture of life in our world is a battle. For instance, federal funding for the “Make a Sound Choice” abstinence based education program will be terminated later this year. Despite the positive results of this program and others like it, the current administration in
The communities of Bismarck/Mandan and the surrounding areas were well represented at the meeting. Many physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals, business leaders and clergy were present to gain
At this juncture, the Economons are working with others around the state associated with FirstChoice Clinic who share their passion to serve the cause of life. The tasks at hand are to secure a location, build an advisory committee and eventually hire a Director for FCCW. More details will follow as progress is made.
Of the champions for life in recent history, few would rival the man who coined the phrase the “Gospel of Life.” The good news about life as he articulates it is worth sharing.
“Even in the midst of difficulties and uncertainties, every person sincerely open to truth and goodness can, by the light of reason and the hidden action of grace, come to recognize in the natural law written in the heart (cf. Romans 2:14-15) the sacred value of human life from its very beginning until its end, and can affirm the right of every human being to have this primary good respected to the highest degree. Upon the recognition of this right every human community and the political community itself are founded.”[i]
The following sonnet is my attempt to communicate the mission of FirstChoice
Choose Life
You’re scared and can’t conceive of going home
With news of a conception you had dreamed
Would happen in another time; not some
Nightmarish version of a movie scene.
Blinded by the shame exposure brings
And deafened to the sound of reason’s voice
Emotional responses threatening
To lead you down the path of “Only Choice”
But underneath the pounding of your heart
The soft and metered rhythm of new life
Becomes a messenger sent to impart
A hope transforming darkness into light
Awaiting are the possibilities
Available to those who choose to see
Demineth2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
