A little inspiration

I was nervous about going to Dr Emily’s to sidewalk counsel for the first time. I knew their security guards would try their best to intimidate us and make us feel uncomfortable, and I was worried about how they would react to our presence there that morning. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see a group of people already praying outside the clinic. Among them were a Brother and Priest from the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, who had been there for some time and had experienced very hostile behaviour with the guards. After our prayers, as they were leaving the priest came to thank us for our support, and explained that the abuse he had received that morning was ‘a blessing’ because it was like experiencing the persecution Christ had received on the cross. I was amazed at how he embraced the tricky situation as his small cross; his few words were an inspiration to us for the rest of the day. It is sad that those working in the clinics are so blinded from the truth, but this makes it all the more important for us to remember them in our prayers.