...But that should sound familiar to Christians

One of the things about living in NYC is you spend a lot of time in the subway- which is both a blessing and a curse. I don’t think I have to explain why public transportation- complete with crowds, delays and automated voices- can be a curse. But it’s also a blessing for me, because it means this summer I’ve had a lot of reading time all but thrust upon me. Today I finished Father Frank Pavone’s book, How to End Abortion, Not Just Fight It. Through it, God graced me with the words of encouragement and inspiration I needed.  One of the points he makes, relevant to all of us, is “This work is not a hobby; it will require us to give everything. But that should sound familiar to Christians.” For me, this summer, that means giving my all to every woman who approaches the abortion clinic or EMC office. Giving my entire effort and concentration, my whole focus, and entrusting the Holy Spirit to give me words of truth. It means getting out of bed and motivating myself before the day starts, and guarding my interior life ferociously. I often fail, but tomorrow I won’t. And taking it one day at a time is really all we can do. Earlier this week there was a woman who walked out of the abortion clinic. She walked past me, and too late, I decided I should’ve offered services one more time, even though she seemed very intent on where she was going. Then she stopped at the crosswalk light a ways away and was busy on her phone. I hesitated: from fear of being overbearing, from exhaustion, from fear of missing another woman, from fear of what the others waiting at the crosswalk would think. The moment was gone and she crossed the street. Within the half hour, she was back, and walked into the clinic. I tried unsuccessfully to reach out to her. But what if I had reached out the first time? What if she knew that I cared about her not only when I thought she was going in for the procedure? What if I hadn’t hesitated? I don’t know. I never will. But that’s what happens when I fail to give my all, even once. And now, I can only entrust that moment to the infinite mercy of Christ, begging for forgiveness and strength each day in the future. I want to challenge every reader not to make that mistake- don’t fail to give everything. Don’t hesitate to support the mission financially and with your time. Don’t take your responsibility of prayer lightly, not a single one goes to waste! Thank you so much for all that you do.

God Bless,

Jennifer

(Counseling outside of an abortion mill).