March, Walk, Heal

NH Right to Life sponsored a March for Life in our state capital, Concord, NH.  This picture was taken early.  About 400 people attended, which is substantial, since the inclement weather was expected to slam most of the state by the time of the march.  Actually, just after this picture was taken the snow began to blanket the city and half of the state. 

The picture crops the crowd to the left and right.  A number of Honorable Representatives, pastors and leaders form all over NH came out to show their support for the right to life.

This was January 18th, the NH March is held the Saturday before the National March for Life in Washington, DC.

The day starts with a memorial service to the babies dumped at the Concord Landfill. 

Pastor Lear led the service there.  There is a Mass and then, we gather for the March at the Capital Building, we walk past the Abortion clinic, which receives NH tax dollars and then to a meeting room to warm up and have lunch while we hear updates, announcements and an encouraging word.  Jeaneane Maxon from Americans United for Life encouraged us to lift up women, so they could choose life. 

Pastor Lear swerved off the road on his way home to avoid some young motorists. He broke his neck in the accident.  Even with his injuries, he continued to be kind and talk about God's grace.  He stood on the Scripture that says God can work all things together for good to those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose.

In listening to him tell of his experience that day, it seemed a parallel to the ProLife movement at large.  There were a number of factors that caused his accident and his injuries will hinder him for a while, but he will recover and he will have been able to be a witness to many who might otherwise not ever meet him.

ProLifers have been dealing with all kinds of issues.  Confused compassion for victims of rape or incest is one.  Misunderstanding the role of intent, when the life of mother and pre born child are in jeopardy is another.  Allowing debate over development to enter into discussions. 

These factors have driven us off the road of protecting the right to life for all people regardless of age, size, level of development or degree of dependancy. 

The pro-abortion crowd knows that prolife logic is destroyed by any exceptions.  Which is precisely why they chose to use the rape argument for Roe, even though it was a lie.

They know that such an emotional pull will trump logic.  So, we have a broken neck.  We cannot function efficiently because we have to compensate for people who only see one way, to be extra careful of not further injuring our own members and to contribute to the healing. 

People need to be themselves and use their own talents, abilities and strengths to stop the killing in all forms, abortion, euthanasia and murder.

Leaders have to be aware that our country is damaged by more than 40 years of abortion.  Many men and women have participated and submitted to abortion.  Our culture has produced gratuitous violence, including rape, in our entertainment that grossly devalues all life. As we move further away from honor and self sacrifice, we also lose love and grace.

We must articulate what it is to be pro life, what it is to love people and want the very best for them in ways that convey that everyone deserves the right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.  

There are too many lives being snuffed out everyday and it appears that without a major shift in US thinking, we may see a significant increase at the other end of life’s journey. 

Pastor Lear will heal.  Will America?

You're ProLife

So, You think you’re ProLife…

I have spent the past few days responding to frequently asked questions about life issues, mostly about abortion, but I also put a page together about euthanasia too.

Having a written stand is good and presenting your self in social media and even articulating your position on issues is important.  

The idea of why one would call themselves ProLife is something I’ve been thinking about because, like so many other things today, being ProLife is not easy.

If you watch TV or movies, you have seriously limited choices when it comes to abstaining from viewing violence and murder.  Do you pay to engage? When you watch, are you grieved, offended…turn away?  Is it a necessary component of a story with great moral value? Will it make you a better person despite the taking of lives?  

I know, it’s not usually real.  Studies suggest that children watch some crazy huge number of violent scenes before adulthood.  Perhaps, you and I are desensitized by now.  

No one with any legitimate income can avoid paying for abortion anymore by our tax dollars.  The federal government grants millions of dollars to Planned Parenthood and many state’s medicaid programs include reproductive healthcare, which is often a pseudonym for abortion.  Abortion is not healthcare.  Healthcare provides healing and care not the destruction of a human being.  

There is not much we can do about that besides pay the least amount of taxes required.  But we can off set that by giving money to those directly opposing abortion.  That could mean a pregnancy center that provides resources to women in crisis situations or a group of sidewalk counselors that give their time and resources right at the gates or it could mean groups that work with legislators to change law that would protect women and children from the abortionists or it could mean groups that provide education to young people and the public, it could also mean activist groups that protest with graphic signs that depict exactly what abortion really is and what it really does to human beings. 

What about the elderly, the infirm and disabled?  The simple act of opening a door or moving out of the way for a wheelchair, not parking in the handicapped spot, acknowledging a desperately poor homeless person or helping a widow put her groceries into her car are great acts of kindness that display your respect for life. 

To bring it a little closer, what about family members? We often overlook those that are close to us.  Are you kind and thoughtful to your annoying family members?  Can you think of ways to show them how much you respect their unique contribution to our world?  Coworkers are people who see how we behave and what we say too.  Are you aware of your manners, your speech, when someone is out of line or your attitudes toward those with whom you don’t agree?  

Speaking out when you see injustice is important, but not if you’re just shaking your fist and saying someone ought to do something, if you could be that someone.   

Being ProLife isn’t about being antiabortion, it is about respecting and promoting the best life for all people.  

Attitude Adjustment

I have chronic pain from fibromyalgia.  It used to be called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and before that it was the Yuppy Flu.  It is a syndrome of a variety of symptoms that affect every system, from musculoskeletal to skin problems to gastrointestinal and neurological. Basically, it is always uncomfortable without treatment and treatment is temporary.

It is one of a number of common autoimmune diseases that are invisible.  One may notice a limp or a grimace, an obvious unsteady walk or a muscle rub.  In many years as a Christian, I have heard many, many preachers talk about how much God loves us and wants us healed. Some go so far as to say that, if you don't receive your healing and complete health, you are the problem.

The recent weather fluctuations in New England have been rough, with highs and lows in barometric pressure and temperature shifts of thirty to forty degrees, in either direction, often well below freezing.  It has been really hard for people with inflammatory conditions.

Anti-inflammatory drugs can only be taken for short periods without serious consequences. Pain relievers have side effects, including over the counter drugs.

With discussions about rationing by Obamacare and legalized medical marijuana floating around, stirring up emotions, I have had a few, not very quiet talks with God.  I often pray in my car.  Does it make one a drug addict to take pain relievers?  Even over the counter medicines are drugs.  Obviously, there are stronger prescription drugs too. But, if I cannot carry out activities of daily living without some medicine, where is the line? Are drugs drugs? 

The most vociferous ride I've had for a while was the other day when I said, "Who wants my God?"  “If I am in pain all the time, depressed and wanting nothing more than to go to sleep and not wake up again.”

Then, I was reminded of a Scripture: My strength is made perfect in weakness. 2 Cor.12:9

I recalled a pilot talking about how the attitude of the plane controlled the altitude.  He said that it could be difficult to maintain the correct attitude during lift off and then you must retain and maintain the right attitude to fly and to stay on course.

Perhaps, the lesson is lost to some, but it was an epiphany to me.  

I was angry and depressed, spiraling into despair,  because relief was very temporary and often completely illusive, but there was much more to it.  I've had this condition as long as I can remember, more than the 25 years since I was diagnosed.  I have accomplished much, encouraged others, and lived well much of that time.  It was my attitude that made the difference in recent weeks.

 1.  I decided to receive each day as it comes.  I will manage the difficulties of pain and stiffness with diet, rest, supplements, exercise and medicine as I am able.  
2.  I decided to speak in more positive terms. I will say, I get to go to work instead of I have to work. 
3.  I decided to think about the things I can do and try not to think about all the things I want to do.  I will pray for those I cannot help.
4.  I decided to remember that my limitations are somewhat seasonal.  I will plan my calendar with lots of room for goals. 

I still believe that God loves us and wants the best for us.  Everyone has strengths and weaknesses.  Some people live without pain on a regular basis.  I am envious.  I wonder how much I could get done.  My strength is tested every day.  My resolve to stay on course is challenged.  My purpose is not in question though.  Attitude adjusted. 

When was your last attitude adjustment?