The value of life

Photo by Janko Ferlič on Unsplash

I am pro-life.  I felt sick to my stomach to see New York pass legislation that would permit late term abortions.  It breaks my heart.  I can't  imagine even those who have no problem with abortion itself not taking issue with this.  It would seem all of us on both sides would just hang our head in shame.  I mean, it's illegal to destroy an Eagle egg, right?  That precious bald headed bird is valuable enough to make it against the law to destroy.  Even in it's unborn state.  God help us.

During this whole mess, my mind races to the value of life itself.  I haven't joined those who have posted articles and memes about their disgust over this matter.

Over the lack of value of human life.

Over the precious baby that has it's own DNA, it's own personality, it's own RIGHTS.

I've been quiet.

You see another problem plagues me.  If we are going to make that stand and say to the world...every life is valuable, then what responsibility do each of us need to play in order to make sure, well, that every life feels valued? Objecting to something is one thing.  Acting on it...now there is a horse of a different color. I just meddled, but if you dare, read on.

My job is to find people who will value life.  I talk to people about helping to take care of children born into families who are not valuing them.  Children who have been neglected, abused, sometimes sexually violated, ignored.  I believe those children have value....same as I believe that precious bald headed BABY has value.

 Such tremendous w o r t h.

Valuing life can't discriminate.  If we say we are believers in the sanctity of life, then every life has value.  I hope those that are willing to vocalize their disgust over abortion, would be equally willing to take in a pregnant teen who doesn't see she has a choice.

I hope those who cry as I do over the babies who die each year, would be equally willing to look at those little faces a few years later,  after their mamas chose to give birth,  and still find them valuable.
It's complicated, I know.  Surely we can vocalize our disgust over abortion and not have to take in the children?  Or can we?

This is not a feel good read.  I'm happy that you made it this far without clicking out.  It seems we shouldn't even have to debate this or talk about it at all.  Children.  Babies.  Their innocence and utter dependence on us brings tears to my eyes. Whether they are in the womb or looking at us from their messy, seven year old body, they are dependent on us as adults to keep them safe.  They are counting on us.
So, where does that leave us?  It leaves us with some responsibility.

We continue to object over the horrors of abortion.

We make our stand and we don't budge.

 And...we begin to see what is expected from us even as we take that stand.

We understand that we might have to walk along side a pregnant mama...maybe furnish her with a baby bed and clothing.  We might have to go through training to become foster parents and bring a child or two or three to live with us for a while...or forever.  We might go across the world and bring home a two year old, dark-skinned beauty.

Oh friends, my heart breaks for unborn babies.

For seven year olds with tear stained faces and one pair of pants.

For the terrified sixteen year old girl, barely old enough for make-up...pregnant with a child.

For the twelve year old bully...tough as nails to survive.

I'm broken.

I'm perplexed.

I'm sad.

But, I'm not helpless.

I can do something.

Some. thing.