Washington DC

This weekend, I was given the opportunity to visit Washington DC along with a few other interns. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip, especially seeing the Capitol buildings and the several monuments dedicated to previous Presidents. 

My favourite museum had to be the American History Museum. After studying a small section of American history at university, it was great to be able to witness first hand different things I had studied. I found the different exhibitions on slavery to be especially poignant. The struggle that African Americans went through just to be recognised and gain equal rights was tremendous, and in some ways the struggle of the unborn child to be heard in todays society is similar. In his recent decision in Planned Parenthood v. Abbott (2013), federal district judge Lee Yeakel joined the long list of people who insist that abortion “is the most divisive issue to face this country since slavery.” Both movements fight for a section of society to be recognised, and treated as equals. One thing that struck me whilst sidewalk counselling outside Planned Parenthood was that one of the street names was Margaret Sanger Square. This is the same woman who spoke at KKK conferences and who claimed the most merciful thing "that the large family does to one of its infant members is to kill it", yet is glorified by a large section of society. 

http://www.lifenews.com/2013/03/11/10-eye-opening-quotes-from-planned-parenthood-founder-margaret-sanger/

Another key feature of the trip that stood out in my mind was the visit to Arlington Cemetery. Especially the visit to JFK's grave, wherein I found there to be a memorial not only to the President and his wife, but also to their stillborn daughter, Arabella, and their son, Patrick, who died at just 2 days old. It was so moving to witness this, and to think how lucky these babies were to have a family that loved and cared for them, especially in a time where it was illegal for a child to be killed in the womb.

As I begin to sidewalk counsel more often, I have started to say the prayer to St Michael the Archangel. I feel this is an especially powerful prayer that can help us in the battle for defending human life, against the horrors of abortion, euthanasia, etc. 

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the malice and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

Thanks again for reading this blog, and hope everyone has a happy and holy weekend.

God bless, 

Laura

xoxo