Burdened Hearts

I'll admit it, I'm one of those people who gets most of their news updates from Facebook. I tend to be fairly out of touch with current events unless I hear something via word-of-mouth. Anyways... today I read something that left me scratching my head, I suppose you might too after this post.

I came across one of numerous articles about Abortion protests. And honestly, I was heartbroken for those who stood on the side of abortion rights, but at the same time, I didn't know how to respond to the protestors (not that I could have an actual conversation with them).

Why?

Let me begin by saying that I don't think I need to give a drawn out explanation of my views. All you need to know is that I am pro-life. The reasons are out there, and I already wrote out my views in an essay that I composed in High School. If you are interested, a simplified version of my beliefs stems from my faith in God and the practical science of pregnancy and the progression of fetal development.

Here's the reason why I wanted to write down my thoughts on this particular article:

A few years ago, I remember hearing stories from some of my friends who don't share my convictions about how disgusted they were with pro-life protestors. Some might say that this is a good thing. It means that indeed, the protests are getting people's attention. But I don't know if that's the right response.

To be truthful, the protestors angered my friends to the point where they closed their ears to any reasoning on the pro-life side.

Now you see my dilemma.

What are we to do? Abortion is a real issue and I believe that there are very easy, practical reasons for not supporting that "choice." Most pro-lifers protest outside of Planned Parenthood locations because they have come to realize that many women are afraid and uninformed. I suppose this is true in many situations. I've also heard of many situations where protests have indeed made women question abortion and seek out more information. So is there some validation to protests? I would say so.

But what about those who don't have such a response? My heart aches to think we are hardening hearts to this cause.

Does this place us at an impasse? Don't protest because it make people turn a deaf ear. Do protest because it informs women?

I think that we - as Christians - shouldn't be known for what we are AGAINST and instead be known for what we are FOR.

We believe that God loves his creation - both great and small, both new and old. 

We believe that God loves children, regardless of their conception 

We believe that God takes care of us - even when we are in difficult circumstances. He promises to see us through if we trust Him.  

We believe that babies are the everyday miracle (and really cute). 

We believe that God will make a way. 

I wonder what would happen if protestors changed their signs to be less critical and more hopeful. Isn't that what our world needs anyways? Hope?