The annual Laramie County Right to Life "Celebrate Life" banquet was held last night in Cheyenne. Abby Johnson, author of unPLANNED, was the keynote speaker for the evening. Her testimony was powerful, and the 225 people in attendance were blessed by her candid presentation. I don't think anyone could have walked out of the building at the end of the evening without being dramatically moved by something she shared.
The list could be rather lengthy if I shared all of the aspects of her talk that moved me profoundly in the nearly one hour long presentation. However, I will highlight just one line from her challenging remarks that kept me awake for a while during the night. It was regarding Christian pastors and church leadership, especially those who have the responsibility of preaching in our churches. I don't have the direct quote, but she basically said that too many Christian pastors have a greater fear of offending their congregations than they have offending God in their preaching. She challenged us to preach the truth about abortion. The timidity, and even silence, from church leadership has certainly contributed to a society that now views abortion as "sacred ground" according to one of our national politicians.
The overarching invitation that each of us received from Abby Johnson was to get involved. Complacency and apathy have no room in our churches. Why have 41 years been allowed to pass with abortion being the law of the land? Where are the people of God in this battle for the sanctity and dignity of human life from conception through natural death? It's time to take to heart once again the words of Isaiah, "Rise up in splendor Jerusalem. Your light has come. The glory of the Lord shines upon you!"
I had the privilege of giving the closing benediction after Abby's presentation. While my words didn't carry near the impact as did Abby's, I share them with you here nonetheless.
Closing Benediction
"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you"
That is an assurance of God's love solid and true
We are the beloved and precious in his sight
How did our society get to this current plight
Children are viewed as a burden to be discarded
Planned Parenthood is abundantly rewarded
The liberal media calls it "women's health care"
The reality is a truth too heart-wrenching to bear
"Pro-choice" sounds liberating, sensible, and kind
The deception it promotes is the tie that will bind
"Pro-abortion" is not appealing to the one who hears
Accurate terminology could instill worry and fears
Language matters, and progressives know the drill
Don't let anyone know that abortion really does kill
"A woman's right to choose" is now firmly entrenched
Pro-lifers are seen as the radicals who should be benched
"Follow the money" has been an accurate trail in the past
Cut off tax dollars and watch Planned Parenthood move fast
Litigation or legislation--it's all about abortion on demand
Roe versus Wade and Doe versus Bolton--the law of the land
There have been over 40 years of tragedy since that fateful time
Millions have died--and a civilized society doesn't see a crime
Is it apathy and complacency--or is it something much deeper
What has caused us to fail in being our brother and sister's keeper
To the many women (and men) who are experiencing pain
It is not necessary to be isolated and suffering alone in vain
All of the wounds and painful memories you can freely bring
There is healing and forgiveness from Jesus Christ our King
All of us gathered here in this building tonight
Are challenged to keep fighting the good fight
May each of us work with faithfulness and love
And be open to the abundance of grace from above
And so we pray
Heavenly Father, it is with a contrite heart that we humbly seek you
May the love of Jesus strengthen and guide us in what we say and do
Let your Holy Spirit empower us to be faithful witnesses to the sanctity of life
May we never waver in proclaiming the Truth regardless of the difficulty or strife
Oh God, we lift up to you all those who need our prayers now
Your abundant grace and compassionate mercy please endow
For the woman considering an abortion--please give her hope
Give her the strength and courage she needs to effectively cope
For the family and friends surrounding their loved one in need
Give them gentleness and patience to not break a bruised reed
Bring conversion of heart to any father not wanting his child
Let his temperament grow in peace and not be unjustly riled
Guide all of us to grow in appreciation for life and to not be cynics
We pray especially for those who are employed at abortion clinics
The doctors, nurses, support staff, directors, and volunteers too
We plead for their repentance and conversion; we lift them up to You
For each baby who did not have the opportunity to see the light of day
We simply trust in Your love and mercy and know You will guide the way
For the women who still grieve and mourn after years and years
Grant them healing and comfort through their sorrowful tears
Thank You, Father, for all those involved with 40 Days for Life--they are a treasure indeed
Dedication, faithfulness, and compassion--they are truly sowing the seed
A bountiful harvest is being reaped due to the tender, loving care of the soil
Clinics closing, workers leaving, babies living--it is definitely worth the toil
For all who keep faithfully shining the light
We simply pray in Thanksgiving tonight
Let each of us witness to the Truth all across the land
Oh God, firmly hold us in the palm of Your loving hand
Our prayer this night is offered with a contrite heart
From Your ways oh Lord, may we never part
Yesterday, today, and forever--always the same
We make our humble prayer in Jesus' name.
Amen!
The list could be rather lengthy if I shared all of the aspects of her talk that moved me profoundly in the nearly one hour long presentation. However, I will highlight just one line from her challenging remarks that kept me awake for a while during the night. It was regarding Christian pastors and church leadership, especially those who have the responsibility of preaching in our churches. I don't have the direct quote, but she basically said that too many Christian pastors have a greater fear of offending their congregations than they have offending God in their preaching. She challenged us to preach the truth about abortion. The timidity, and even silence, from church leadership has certainly contributed to a society that now views abortion as "sacred ground" according to one of our national politicians.
The overarching invitation that each of us received from Abby Johnson was to get involved. Complacency and apathy have no room in our churches. Why have 41 years been allowed to pass with abortion being the law of the land? Where are the people of God in this battle for the sanctity and dignity of human life from conception through natural death? It's time to take to heart once again the words of Isaiah, "Rise up in splendor Jerusalem. Your light has come. The glory of the Lord shines upon you!"
I had the privilege of giving the closing benediction after Abby's presentation. While my words didn't carry near the impact as did Abby's, I share them with you here nonetheless.
Closing Benediction
"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you"
That is an assurance of God's love solid and true
We are the beloved and precious in his sight
How did our society get to this current plight
Children are viewed as a burden to be discarded
Planned Parenthood is abundantly rewarded
The liberal media calls it "women's health care"
The reality is a truth too heart-wrenching to bear
"Pro-choice" sounds liberating, sensible, and kind
The deception it promotes is the tie that will bind
"Pro-abortion" is not appealing to the one who hears
Accurate terminology could instill worry and fears
Language matters, and progressives know the drill
Don't let anyone know that abortion really does kill
"A woman's right to choose" is now firmly entrenched
Pro-lifers are seen as the radicals who should be benched
"Follow the money" has been an accurate trail in the past
Cut off tax dollars and watch Planned Parenthood move fast
Litigation or legislation--it's all about abortion on demand
Roe versus Wade and Doe versus Bolton--the law of the land
There have been over 40 years of tragedy since that fateful time
Millions have died--and a civilized society doesn't see a crime
Is it apathy and complacency--or is it something much deeper
What has caused us to fail in being our brother and sister's keeper
To the many women (and men) who are experiencing pain
It is not necessary to be isolated and suffering alone in vain
All of the wounds and painful memories you can freely bring
There is healing and forgiveness from Jesus Christ our King
All of us gathered here in this building tonight
Are challenged to keep fighting the good fight
May each of us work with faithfulness and love
And be open to the abundance of grace from above
And so we pray
Heavenly Father, it is with a contrite heart that we humbly seek you
May the love of Jesus strengthen and guide us in what we say and do
Let your Holy Spirit empower us to be faithful witnesses to the sanctity of life
May we never waver in proclaiming the Truth regardless of the difficulty or strife
Oh God, we lift up to you all those who need our prayers now
Your abundant grace and compassionate mercy please endow
For the woman considering an abortion--please give her hope
Give her the strength and courage she needs to effectively cope
For the family and friends surrounding their loved one in need
Give them gentleness and patience to not break a bruised reed
Bring conversion of heart to any father not wanting his child
Let his temperament grow in peace and not be unjustly riled
Guide all of us to grow in appreciation for life and to not be cynics
We pray especially for those who are employed at abortion clinics
The doctors, nurses, support staff, directors, and volunteers too
We plead for their repentance and conversion; we lift them up to You
For each baby who did not have the opportunity to see the light of day
We simply trust in Your love and mercy and know You will guide the way
For the women who still grieve and mourn after years and years
Grant them healing and comfort through their sorrowful tears
Thank You, Father, for all those involved with 40 Days for Life--they are a treasure indeed
Dedication, faithfulness, and compassion--they are truly sowing the seed
A bountiful harvest is being reaped due to the tender, loving care of the soil
Clinics closing, workers leaving, babies living--it is definitely worth the toil
For all who keep faithfully shining the light
We simply pray in Thanksgiving tonight
Let each of us witness to the Truth all across the land
Oh God, firmly hold us in the palm of Your loving hand
Our prayer this night is offered with a contrite heart
From Your ways oh Lord, may we never part
Yesterday, today, and forever--always the same
We make our humble prayer in Jesus' name.
Amen!
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