Inspirations

On Friday. Vanessa and I had the honour of delivering a brief speech to the "Women's Equality Day Reformed" group. The event honoured Eileen Slattery, and her marvellous contribution to the pro-life movement. It really was so inspiring and encouraging listening to her testimony and I would just like to take this opportunity to congratulate her again on her award! 

We spoke about our work within this internship, and the challenges we are presented with. We also talked about how the internship has affected our lives, and encouraged us to be more active within the pro-life movement and the strive to end abortion. Listening to so many inspirational women, and their roles in the movement was inspirational. I hope to live in the generation that can bring an end to the culture of death, and to help give meaning and fulfilment to the incredible work these women do. 

This week has been pretty full on. Last weekend, we were at a pro-life camp in Utica, NY. The camp was so educational and thought provoking, and provided a deep insight into many of the pro-life issues in today's society, including euthanasia, organ donation etc. We met some great, young people, who were so passionate about the cause! It really was so intriguing looking at American law and politics regarding pro-life issues, and the different methods as to how we can communicate the pro-life message to those in power.

This week I have truly felt the power of prayer, and I would just like to thank everyone for their continued prayers and thoughts. It really is a blessing to be here, and I couldn't do it without you all. 

Hope everyone has a truly blessed weekend, 

God bless

Laura

xoxo

turn around

Today I am going to talk about my last turn around. It was two weeks ago when I was in the Queen's office. One latin girl came asking for an abortion. She was 23 years old. Fortunately, it was on Thursday, so Rosana was there to do the sonogram, which is something that helps to change the client's mind. And also, she came with her mother, who was very catholic and therefore Pro-life. However , she said she would give her support regardless of her decision. One of the reasons the client wanted the abortion was becouse of her boyfriend. They didn't have a good relationship and also he didn't want to keep the baby. I talked for a while with her and her mother. I showed them the risk of abortion and also we talked about her relationship. At the end of the counseling, She changed her decision and she decided to keep the baby. This  made me feel so happy.

Coming Clean... The Truth Will Set You Free

I am happy to say that your prayers for the young mother I wrote about last have been answered. She has spoken to her parents and they are happy to be grandparents and are going to support her. Her biggest fear was breaking the news to her parents. She said that they would be upset and angry with her for getting pregnant, so her solution had been to have the abortion and never tell her parents anything. Had she chosen this, she still would have that always in the back of her mind, always not being honest with her parents. And maybe it would never come up, but she would have had to live with knowing that her parents were grandparents, while they were completely unaware.

When she chose to keep her child, she realized that she would have to talk to her parents as they were going to find out eventually. But she still felt burdened down and afraid that they might not be happy with her choice as it would interfere with her college plans. With my encouragement and the support of the child's father, she spoke with her parents.

The next day I received a text from this young mother that said, "My parents are not upset with me. They are happy. They said everything happens for a reason. And it won't affect my school because they will help me."

This client had been afraid of her parents, as so many of my clients have, and I encouraged her to talk to them as they wouldn't be upset with you for long, if at all. Through the Grace of God, she had the courage to conquer her fears and choose the right thing and be honest with herself and her family; and it set her free.

Alucinante turn around

El otro día estaba trabajando en la oficina de Queens y sobre las 12:00 del medio dia llegó una chica.

Ella tení 16 años y era musulmana.

Era la primera vez en tres veranos seguidos que tuve un cliente musulman.

Después de dar positivo en la prueba de embarazo le enseñé el vídeo explicativo de los dos procedimientos de abortos que existen del primer tremestre y segundo tremestre y empezamos a hablar.

Ella me dijo que sabía que lo llevaba en su vientre era un bebé, una persona humana. Que era pro life y que estaba en contra del aborto, pero que al tener tan solo 16 años, estar asustada y que su madre podría enfadarse o decepcionarse con ella, pensaba en abortar y acabar rápido con el "problema".

Después de hora y media hablando con ella conseguí convencerla y que de verdad esa no era la mejor opción. Que hay muchas mas alternativas y maneras de seguir para adelante y que tener el bebé no le impediría para nada seguir con sus estudios y ser feliz en la vida.

La joven finalmente decidió volver para un sonograma el jueves siguiente.

Al despedirme de ella me acordé que en la oficina del Bronx esta de voluntaria Proma, una chica increíble de 20 años de aquí de New York, y que es mora.

Por lo tanto podría ayudarme con mi cliente y conseguir convencerla para seguir adelante con el bebé.

Hablé con Proma y le gustó la idea de cambiarnos de oficina el jueves, para que así ella podría ir a la oficina de Queens y hablar con la chica y yo la sustituyo en la oficina del Bronx.

Finalmente el jueves, después de tener l sonograma y hablar con Proma, tendrá al bebé! Gracias a Dios!

síndrome post-aborto

Depresión, hostilidad y conducta autodestructiva son algunas de las consecuencias psíquicas que sufren las mujeres que han abortado. Según un estudio que he leído, el 59% de las mujeres que abortan tienen altas probabilidades de sufrir problemas psiquiátricos graves y permanentes. 

El síndrome post-aborto puede tardar años en manifestarse debido a la represión a la que recurren muchas mujeres como mecanismo de defensa. Después del trauma que supone un aborto se deteriora la afectividad, la capacidad de querer, la voluntad y todo lo demás viene en cascada, los síntomas más frecuentes son la ansiedad, conducta agresiva, pesadillas, pensamientos o actos suicidas, bulimia, anorexia, abuso de alcohol y drogas y ruptura de relaciones en pareja. 

Todos los días vienen mujeres a la oficina sin saber la existencia del síndrome post-aborto o teniendo una mínima idea sobre ello. Muchas parejas de las que vienen con la intención de abortar, piensan que un bebé es un estorbo en su vida, una carga.. y no se dan cuenta que traer vida a este mundo es la cosa más hermosa y que lo único que puede convertirse en una carga será acarrear con cualquiera de estos síntomas. 

We can see Him working (Part 2)

Knowing that this girl had her abortion booked for today, I didn't sleep well and woke up to a text from someone who had been speaking with the Sisters of Life - Apparently they were not convinced that our client would choose life for her baby. I started praying as soon as I woke up, and text her at around 8am, to urge her to get on her knees and pray before making any decisions. I didn't hear from her all morning so I was hoping she'd slept in and not went to the appointment. So I just got on with sidewalk counselling at Planned Parenthood. 

A few hours in, I was speaking to Laura about various things with my back to PP. She asked me where the girl's appointment was, and I said I had no idea about where or what time it was. 

Laura pointed out that a girl was walking towards the door so I walked across the road but she ignored me and walked in. About 2 meters behind her was ... guess who ... my client! I couldn't believe it!! I thought she had seen me and was going to walk past so I walked in front of her and said 'Hey! What are you doing here!?!' and hugged her. She looked pretty shocked to see me! I could hardly believe my eyes. I had NO idea her appointment would be down at Bleeker St when she lives up in the Bronx. Crazy. 

I pleaded with her not to go in but she really wanted to get a sonogram to see what the people there had to say about her health. I told her we would do one for free or I could get her an another appointment with the pro-life doctor. She was determined to go in though. I called Laura across to introduce them and we chatted for a while. She was well-humoured but she still wanted to go in. She was saying I was stalking her and that I must have followed her, but I assured her it must have been God at work to put me there and catch her!!!

I told her I was about to get on my knees and beg her not to go in; she didn't like the sound of that at all! So we talked some more, and some how, by the grace of God, we got her to change her mind and cancel the app. We said we would go out to lunch instead and chat. The security guard didn't seem happy and we were precariously close to the door but somehow we stopped her from going in!

She said that across the road Billy had tried to give her a 'Good news' leaflet and told her that she should pray! He put her off so she walked past the building and had to walk back again to cross the road. Those few seconds meant that I happened to be crossing the road just as she came on to the pavement. 

God is so good. I've never felt so relieved to be walking away from that place. 

We got lunch and some ice cream, and had a really good chat. She said she was going home to tell her husband that she didn't go to the appointment and that she was keeping the baby! Hallellujah!! She thought that he would be happy because he had tried to talk her out of going this morning. As we got her metro card, I have her my Our Lady of Guadalupe medal that another sidewalk counsellor gave me a few weeks ago.  

As I left her, I pointed to the sky and said 'He's got everything in His hands. He loves you and He is going to protect you.' I hope she remembers that.  

God has big plans for this baby. So many people are united in prayer. 

God bless all you beautiful souls who prayed! Vx

Our Lady of Gaudalupe, pray for us.

St Michael the Archangel, pray for us.

We can see Him working (Part 1)

On Monday of this week, I was scheduled to meet with a client I told you about last week, to take her to an appointment with a prolife doctor. She had been told after her last baby that she would die if she had another. For this reason, and many others, she wanted an abortion. 

Long story short, we managed to get her to agree to go to this appointment, and get a second opinion, from a doctor who cared about her and would tell her the truth. We agreed to meet at  9:30am. 10am came and went. As did 10:30 ... and 11... 12... Excuse after excuse, and text after text, I was beginning to lose my patience. I knew that people were praying, and so I stuck it out outside the hospital for three hours until I seriously considered leaving. A woman who has been praying a lot for this girl text me to suggest I stayed for one hour longer. And thank God I did. 10 minutes later, I had a text to tell me she was coming! God is so good!

Following the appointment, we got a smoothie and sat outside to go over what the doctor had said. The key message was that, if he did the surgery, she would be better off having the baby than not. The delivery might be complex, but he assured her he could do it. We talked for about 3 more hours that afternoon, and she left to tell her husband what the doctor had said.

I truly believe that it was God's providence that the weekend before a few of us interns had been at Camp Esther where we met some amazing people who all promised to pray for her. Their support and love for this girl was beautiful to see. 

I went home that night feeling rather happy and content. However that wasn't to last very long. See Part 2 for more information!

God bless, Vx. 

Our Lady of Gaudalupe, pray for us.

St Michael the Archangel, pray for us.

Blessing

Today was one most precious days I've had throughout this internship. It really is an honour to help these women, however I felt very blessed today with one woman in particular - I was able to witness women find inner strength through Jesus Christ and the Church. I have recently come to find that one of most beautiful things to witness is a woman in need realising that she can actually bring life into world, and that there are places out there that can help her. 

The Church can help - they are here for women in need. Life is the most precious thing, it's at the heart of our Christian message. We believe that life begins at the moment of conception, and that this person is unique and is created in the image and likeness of God. The Church is not judgemental. They're here to help both emotionally spiritually. Today I really felt the presence of the Holy Spirit at work,  in that she was drawn to our clinics. She could have very easily booked an abortion today at Planned Parenthood, where 'counsellers' receive commission on abortions, however here today she sat speaking to be not only about her baby but our faith. Jesus is well and truly present in the pro-life cause. 

Hope everyone has a very happy and blessed week. 

Laura 

xoxo

The Lies

Please pray for the young mother I spoke with the other day who is 9 weeks pregnant. Thank God that He brought her to our office for a pregnancy test and sonogram. She was not sure what to do because she wanted to finish school and did not want her parents to know about her pregnancy so she felt she had to have an abortion. After watching the abortion procedures video and her sonogram she was overcome by tears. She had been told by others that her child was not really formed yet, but she was in for a surprise when she heard the child's heart beating and saw the arms and legs moving.

After her tears subsided the first thing she said was how the due date did not interfere with school. Then she went on to explain how she knows her mother will be excited to have a grandchild. Her two biggest fears answered just like that. And all it took was just seeing the truth. I had hardly talked to her much yet to try and convince her otherwise, God did most of the heavy lifting (not that He doesn't usually) by showing her the simple truth.

Even though she has made her decision there are still a few bumps in the road that she will need to work out. But the child's father is excited about the future as well and they will be talking to her parents this evening. So, please keep her in prayer that she has a little help and encouragement to help her through to the end!

Camp Esther

Last weekend some interns and I went to the best camp we could ever imagine, Camp Esther

The Camp took place in Utica (NY) and it was three days long.

There we recieved pro life lectures and and we heard amazing speeched from pro life workes, people who just became pro life, also we saw people who had been part of wonderful miracles like surving from a car accident, being in coma for three months and then wake up. 

We also recieved lessons and lectors of euthanasia and met fantastic people at the camp.

I thank Lori, the director of the camp who is the nicest and hardworker girl ever, the leadership members and the volunteers, who all made our stay there so good and for the great time we had aswel.

Thank you so much for everything.

God bless.

madre soltera

Algunas mujeres enfrentan el desafío de un embarazo y una maternidad sin la compañía de una pareja, en algunos casos por decisión propia, en otras  por circunstancias ajenas a la propia voluntad. Hay muchas razones que hacen que una mujer pueda encontrarse sola en este momento. Quizá un embarazo no planeado o inesperado hace que el padre desaparezca.

El otro día una pareja se acercó por la oficina en esa circunstancia, un embarazo inesperado. La mujer quería tener el bebé pero estaba dudosa porque su pareja quería que ella abortara. Ella estaba coaccionada por su novio, tenía miedo de que el la abandonara si decidiera tener al bebé.

El hecho de no tener pareja no significa estar sola para sobrellevar el embarazo. La contención necesaria puede provenir de otras personas. Un buen amigo o familiar cercano puede apoyar emocionalmente y dar una mano en el momento adecuado.

A pesar de todo, lo más importante es brindarle todo tu amor al bebé, ello redundará en un niño saludable y feliz a pesar de las dificultades que pueda encontrar en el camino.

It's all a lie!

Every Wednesday, this truck pulls up outside of Planned Parenthood to haul away "medical waste." 

It says, "Peace of mind for the healthcare professional."

Peace of mind? Medical professionals? Oh so is that now what we are calling those who make a living ruining women's lives and taking the lives of babies?

Now the mantra on the truck would be great and clean and appropriate...if it were true that all that's in those boxes is "medical waste." 

But I think we all can recognize that that's not the only thing in those boxes. 

I mean, let's face it: all those little bodies that are ripped from their mothers' wombs have to go somewhere. 

It's sickening to think about, but it's true.

It's time we stop hiding behind nice phrases that spread lies and start facing the facts.

Millions of bodies are disposed of every year in boxes termed "regulated medical waste." Regulated how? So no one knows what's really inside?

And where is the dignity in this sort of burial? 

These are human beings we are talking about!! Wake up America!!

The more I witness the evil behind Planned Parenthood and other abortion clinics, the more determined I become to see these companies come to an end. 

The lies they spread make me sick to my stomach and it's time the truth comes back to reign!!

Thank you for joining me in prayer and action to see the lies and the killing cease.

Lord forgive us all for the sins of our culture. Heal our nation. We want the truth to expose the lies and bring an end to their rule. Show us how you want to use each of us to shift our culture of lies and death into a culture of truth and life!

Holy Innocents

This week has been quite a tough one for us interns. The build up of difficult cases and long days took its toll on me for sure, and so I just wanted to reflect on the importance of offering it all back to God with complete trust in His plan and His Will. 

For me, the most difficult thing is when a woman tells you that she 'doesn't believe in abortion' but she has no choice. It is heartbreaking to watch them, with tears in their eyes turn away from you and walk into the clinic. It is heartbreaking when someone leaves our office in search of an abortion. And it is absolutely soul destroying to watch them walk out of the abortion clinic, sometimes barely able to walk - like lambs lead to the slaughter only this is worse. They walk out of the slaughterhouse. Their lives are expected to go on un-phased while the child in their womb has been taken from them and left in a sterile clinic to be picked up with the rest of the bio-hazard waste on a Friday. 

In those dark moments when it seems that the world has completely lost all sense of right and wrong, it is imperative that we don't lose hope. This is when the battle really begins. In those moments of utter despair when the Lord allows us to feel the pain and the hurt, we give it to Him. We ask Him to bless the situation and we ask Him for forgiveness for those who work in the clinics, and all involved. Some of the last words Our Lord uttered from the cross, were , 'Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do'. 

One of the difficult things is accepting that God gave us all free will, and so ultimately we all make our own decisions. We can't force women not to abort their children, all we can do is equip them with the truth and the information they need to make an informed decision. 

In those times where there is nothing we can do to change their mind, we pray. And we pray hard. Perhaps they will still get the abortion, maybe they'll walk out just after you leave for the day. The fruits of our prayers might never be known, but we can be sure that they are worth it:

Luke 18:1 - Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

This leads me to my next point: where to pray. 
Praying outside the abortion clinics is an incredible and necessary witness, however this past week has made me realise how much we need to take time out of the rest of our day to offer everything back to God and let Him take the burden back from us. Usually the best place to do this, is in a Church. One of the sidewalk counsellors told us near the beginning of our internship the importance of going to a Church or preferably to Mass when you've been counselling women. And I see now why that is. Sometimes the sheer immensity of the task in hand just forces you to your knees in prayer. In particular, prayers of petition and thanksgiving. The need for this prayer to be in a Church, in my opinion, makes sense. There are numerous accounts in the bible of Jesus removing himself from the crowds to go and pray. (For example, the first sorrowful mystery of the rosary; the agony in the garden) 

For Laura and I, we have found great comfort and peace in attending Mass in the pro-life parish of New York; Holy Innocents. It has been our place of sanctuary many times, especially this week. This beautiful parish is the perfect place to offer it all back to the Lord. Whether during Mass, at the Shrine of the Holy Innocents, at the foot of the crucifix, or under our Lady of Guadalupe, the peace in that Church is tangible, and the presence of the Lord is so comforting. 

Up the back of the Church is the crucifix, where many people kneel to pray and unite their sufferings with Christ. A painting of this crucifix can be found online where a soldier is crouched at the bottom of the cross, praying. This beautiful image is bears the name 'Return crucifix'. The story goes that, on his way to the world war, a soldier stopped to pray and wished to make right the wrongs in his life. On his return from the war, he returned to Christ and joined a Monastery where he could be close to Him for the rest of his time on this earth. I think of this story often , and try to remember those who perhaps have turned away from Christ. Whether that is family members, friends, coworkers, the abortionists, the list goes on. 

Unfortunately, we have been told that this particular church may be closing in September. This would be a real tragedy for New York, and the pro-life movement. If you feel like doing your bit to help save this wonderful church, please join in the 54 day rosary novena to Our Lady of Pompeii. (See attached photo for info. J: Joyful. S: Sorrowful. G: Glorious)

Today we celebrated the feast day of St Ignatius of Loyola - founder of the Jesuit order. As a soldier, he was injured in battle, and forced to stay in bed for a long period of time. He read the lives of the saints and was compelled to live a virtuous and holy life, which he did. At the time that he was most physically weak, following the injury, he became the strongest he had ever been, in spirit and in life. 

Today, this made me realise that, perhaps those days when we are completely run down and exhausted, the only thing we can do is kneel and pray from our hearts. When we feel so weak and helpless, maybe that's when we are strongest and closest to the Lord. He hears the cries of His people and rejoices in us running to Him. He is a loving and merciful God - how wonderful it is to be a part of this Body of Christ. 

I pray that you all have a restful night and awake refreshed in the Lord, ready to continue this battle. We are soldiers of Christ, armed with love and prayer. Let's keep fighting the good fight.

And keep the faith. Trust in Him.

God bless, Vx

St. Michael the Archangel, pray for us. 
Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us. 
St. Ignatius of Loyola, pray for us. 

Deus Caritas Est

This week I have truly witnessed how great God is. In this work, it is so easy to become emotionally drained, seeing women come in day in, day out, seeking abortions, and wanting to end the life of the baby growing inside their womb. However, a few episodes this week I have witnessed women make the incredible decision to parent their child after realising that they, in fact, can take on this challenge, and overcome any obstacles to raise their baby. It really is remarkable to witness God's love in these women. Women who have nothing, who are in some of the most incredibly difficult situations I have ever encountered, are giving everything - their career ambitions, social life etc - up to raise a baby, to help give a baby the chance at life. 

Over the summer, we, as interns, are called to help these women. We are here to help guide the women, and to let the Holy Spirit work with these women in order to realise their full potential and the potential of new life. These women are some of the bravest I have ever met, and I have so much admiration for them. As interns, we are merely here to help support the women as God inspires and encourages them to make some of the biggest decisions of their lives. It really is so uplifting to see firsthand the impact of prayer and God's love has on these women, and how much they welcome this. 

Deus Caritas Est - God is love. 

Hope everyone has a truly blessed weekend. 

Love and prayers, 

Laura 

xoxo

A Happy Mistake

Today I was in our Brooklyn office which is located on the 9th floor at 44 Court Street. While we work to save the lives and health of women, below us on the 3rd and 6th floors are two clinics who take the lives of innocent children.

As a result we sometimes open the door to a client who has mistaken us for one of these two other clinics. Usually they do not realize their mistake right away, and all too often they leave angry and upset that we will not provide the services that they desire.

This afternoon I opened the door for a somewhat confused-looking client. She asked if this was the abortion clinic. So I told her to come on in and we would help her. She signed in and was then counseled by one of our newer interns. They sat and talked for about 10 minutes as they filled out our intake form. Then, even before we did our usual pregnancy test, video, and sonogram the client had already been convinced that she should keep her child!

When I had a moment during this process, I talked with the intern briefly a discovered that the client had visited the clinic on the 3rd floor and was trying to get back to them before she stopped at our office. But as the intern told the client, "You were not supposed to go to them today, you were supposed to be here."

Some times we are lost and confused, but God always knows what He is doing and where we are going; even if we have no idea. God sent us this woman today because we could give her an opportunity to share in His wonderful gift of life instead taking that beautiful life away.

Prayers Please

Please take a few moments to pray for one of the young ladies I talked with today. She wants to keep her child and knows that it would not be right to have an abortion. However, she is under a lot of pressure from her mother and the boyfriend.

When asked what would be her dream outcome now that she knows she is pregnant, she responded: "To keep it." So we then discussed the obstacles that she felt were keeping her from reaching that dream and there were solutions.  She saw this, but she also saw that it would not be carefree and easy to overcome those obstacles. In addition, her mother, for reasons of her own, doesn't want her daughter to parent this child.

Shortly after this young lady left our clinic with a lot of new information to think about and consider, she was bombarded again by her mother and boyfriend.  So by the grace of the Holy Spirit, I was nudged to follow up with this client only 10 minutes after she left. Normally I wait at least a few hours to follow up so that they have had some time to process what was discussed, but I was encouraged to do otherwise with this client. I found out that she was still outside the building, 9 floors below, and that she feels she might have to go through with the abortion, but that it was crazy that no one seems to care what she thinks.  I reminded her that I cared and that she was welcome to come back up and talk.

She came back up, but was pretty set on an abortion at that point. I was able to get her to think about this some more and reiterated some of the main points that we had talked about earlier.  I have since been in contact with her throughout the afternoon and into this evening and think I am finally making some progress, or rather God is making progress by using me to do His work. She has now confronted her mother to tell her how she really feels, which is a big step for her. So I am asking for some prayers for this client that she continues to have that courage and strength to stand up for what is right and that her mother opens her heart to the thruth.

"Go ahead, call the cops!"

Last week I spent a morning sidewalk counseling outside Dr. Emily's in the Bronx. Not long after arriving, the oh-so-friendly (or NOT) security guard began to tell me how I couldn't stand where I was and that if I didn't leave he would call the cops.

I politely told him to go ahead and call them but I was not going to leave as I was certain I was not breaking any laws.

A few minutes later the cops showed up and I could tell they were a little annoyed by the call because they knew that the clinic just didn't like me and I wasn't actually doing anything wrong.

I have to say that the whole experience was both exhilarating and yet quite frustrating.

Although it got me fired up, it also derailed me a bit by distracting me. Naturally my perception of the security guard is less than superb, yet I also realize that the proper response is to bless and pray for him. So that is what I will continue to do and I ask that you join me.

A reply to pro-choicers

Ronald Reagan once said "I’ve noticed that everyone who is for abortion has already been born.”

After my experience outside Dr Emilys today I've fully came to realise how much this quote is a reality. After hostile remarks from pro-choicers at the clinic, just for being present, this quite came into my head. Despite the pro-choicers firmly believeing that they're helping women in their own way, its sad to witness the disregard for the unborn child growing inside the women entering the clinic. These pro-choicers were given a chance at life - how can you deny that chance to anyone? 

This was a placard from one of the pro-choicers. They don't want church/state intereference in matters of womens bodies. However they want the state to provide free contraception/abortions. Women do have the choice to decide our fate - however when that "fate" includes taking into consideration the life of another human being, its a different case. 

Hope everyone has a blessed weekend

Laura

xoxo

Questionable tactics ...

This week took quite an unexpected turn on Thursday when, at around 10am, another group turned up to Planned Parenthood on Bleeker Street. This 'prolife' group had some questionable tactics; reading from the bible and shouting at the women as they walked in to PP. One woman walked alongside the women making all sorts of distressing comments about the day of judgement etc. Their approach was less than helpful, and encouraged the women to run into the clinic with no chance of hearing the truth.

We always try to stand at a clear distance from the door, and offer information or a listening ear, which couples often respond well to, but as soon as this group turned up, our hard work was undermined and we had no chance of helping the women. Instead, we stood away from the group and prayed the rosary. 

For me, this situation really highlighted the difference between being 'prolife' and 'anitabortion'. We can't expect women to consider keeping their babies, unless we are truly willing to listen to them and offer real alternatives to abortion. Yes, we believe that abortion is wrong - it hurts women and kills children - but we also care for the women. Just preventing them from getting an abortion isn't 'prolife'. Walking with them through difficult times, listening for hours on end to their stories and their hardships, and getting real help for them - that's prolife. 

The unfortunate thing about the other day was that we felt completely helpless and unable to offer any alternatives to the women, but I was reminded of these words by Congressman Henry Hyde:

"When the time comes as it surely will, when we face that awesome moment, the final judgment, I've often thought, as Fulton Sheen wrote, that it is a terrible moment of loneliness. You have no advocates, you are there alone standing before God and a terror will rip through your soul like nothing you can imagine. But I really think that those in the pro-life movement will not be alone. I think there will be a chorus of voices that have never been heard in this world but are heard beautifully and clearly in the next world and they will plead for everyone who has been in this movement. They will say to God, "Spare him because he loved us," and God will look at you and say not, "Did you succeed?" but "Did you try?"'

God bless, Vx

Our Lady of Gaudalupe, pray for us.

St Michael the Archangel, pray for us.

Are You Pro-Life or Anti-Abortion?

When talking about the life issue with people from the other side I try to get them to think about the label that they often give themselves; the pro-choice label. Most times these people are actually not really for everyone having the right to make a choice, because then we would all be pro-choice and these people would consider the baby's choice. So, in reality these so called "pro-choicers" are actually pro-abortionists.

Even though I try to get the pro-abortion crowd to think about their label I have to admit that I never really thought about mine either... until the other day. So, can I really call myself "Pro-Life"? Let's take a look at the two possibilities on my side of the fence.  I could either be pro-life or I would be anti-abortion. Someone who is pro-life would be a person who's actions are meant to prevent death by encouraging life. Someone who is anti-abortion,  however, would strive to stop abortion. So what's the difference,  they both don't want an abortion to take place?

In argument there does not appear to be too much difference. That is because it is in the practice that the difference is made clear. The anti-abortionist will try to stop you from having an abortion by exposing the evil of abortion. The pro-lifer will try to stop an abortion buy showing the good of life and the help available to those who choose life. A scared and frightened women usually responds more favorably to the kind, calm words and gentle nature of the pro-lifer as opposed to the harsh, angry words of the anti-abortionist.

While both parties are speaking words of truth, only one is really acomplishing much of anything, or at least not making matter worse because of the way that the truth is presented. I saw this very clearly for myself, a pro-lifer, the other day when I was with some other pro-lifers in front of Planned Parenthood. A few hours after we arrived, we were joined by a group of anti-abortionists. Their angry, loud voices stiffled our calm, loving voices as we tried desperately to change the minds of the women going into Planned Parenthood. Even the sidewalks themselves bore the angry,  althought true, message of these people. The atmosphere on those streets that day quickly changed from somber to hostile and warlike.

Please pray for those scared women as they are faced with a difficult choice to make, that they are greeted by the tender, loving voice of someone who really cares about their soul and their child's life. That they may are not attacked from those on the other side of the fence and those who claim to be on our side.

"Voy a tener a mi bebé y voy a ser feliz"

Brooklyn. Tres de la tarde. Había sido una mañana de escasos clientes. Me encontraba acomodado en uno de los sofá´s de la oficina cuando Kathie, la persona que dirige y controla la dicha oficina, vino a mi encuentro con un teléfono para decirme que era una llamada en español y tenía que responderla yo. Sus ojos denotaban que esto sería un test de confianza, lo que yo vi como una oportunidad. Víctor llamaba porque una amiga suya, inmigrante, se había quedado embarazada y su "única opción" era abortar. Al parecer ella estaba tan desesperada que ni siquiera era capaz de ser ella quien llamara. Les di una cita para el jueves en Queens.

Casualidad fue cuando Chris, jefe de operaciones, me mandó a esa oficina ese mismo día. Cuando me enteré de la noticia supe que ese caso tendría que desempeñarlo yo de principio a fin. Llegó el día y entraron en la oficina dos personas sonrientes, un hombre y una mujer, "amigos" de la protagonista, y ella, una nerviosa joven desesperada y confusa. 

Rellenaron el formulario entre risas y al terminar pedí a los dos amigos que se marcharan para que yo pudiera explicar a María, que así se llamaba, cómo iba a ser todo. Ellos dos aceptaron y se marcharon pese a la insistencia de María de que se quedaran, porque estaba muy nerviosa. Para calmarla un poco le dije que me tratara como a un amigo, no como a alguien con el que se hace negocio, y me intenté ganar su confianza desde el principio. Comprobé que estaba embarazada y le puse un vídeo de los diferentes tipos de procedimientos abortivos y sus riesgos, que ella veía con miedo, pero con las idea clara de su intención. Después del vídeo le conté la verdad: aquí estamos para ayudar de verdad. Hice un discurso de unos veinte minutos en los que ella solo miraba y asentía con algunas lágrimas en sus ojos. Al acabar le dije que me dijera lo que pensaba, esta fue su respuesta: "Toté, quiero tener a mi bebé". Es difícil explicar la sensación que sentí y lo involucrado que estaba con ella, me afectó durante horas. Se hizo el sonograma y vió que estaba de 13 semanas. 

Decidió decirle a sus amigos, con los que vivía, que iba a abortar de verdad aún cuando no lo iba a hacer, para que no la manipularan. Es muy gratificante sentir que esa persona confía mas en un joven todavía inexperto de 18 años en 20 minutos que las personas con las que vive. "Voy a tener a mi bebé y voy a ser feliz" dijo tras agradecerme entre lágrimas lo que hice por ella y justo antes de abandonar la oficina.

                                

             

ANSWERED PRAYER!!

Thank you all for praying for my client I posted about yesterday who is almost 24 weeks. She just texted me and said that she had made an appointment to get the procedure today but decided last night to not go through with it and to keep it instead!!

God is so good!

Please continue to pray for her as her situation is still really tough, but God is obviously working in her life so I'm excited to see things turn around for her!

Thanks again for your prayers. We can thank The Lord together!

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

Matthew 7:1

This week, a few of us interns visited Washington DC. After Mass on Sunday, we decided to visit some of the sites including the Washington Monument, the WW2 and Vietnam memorial, the White House and the Lincoln Memorial. In the Lincoln Memorial, two of his speeches are inscribed on the walls; The Gettysburg Address and his Second Inaugural Address. In one, while talking about slavery, he said: 

"With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds."

It can be hard sometimes, as prolifers, to act compassionately towards those performing abortions, or towards those who are encouraging women to get abortions, but let's face it, we have all been misled, we have all sinned, and we have certainly all fallen short at one time or another - Let's pray today that we may show compassion and kindness, so that we might 'love them onto the other side'f, without judging. Abby Johnson, former PP director and current prolife activist was encouraged to hear the truth by the prayerful and peaceful vigil kept outside her clinic for years on end. Such a great example of how we should behave outside abortion clinics or when speaking with clients. 

We also visited the beautifully sombre Pentagon Memorial where the lives of 184 people are remembered. The memorial has obviously had a lot of thought put into it, and every detail has been considered and perfected. Such time and effort is understandable ... These innocent lives were taken unjustly, inhumanely and wrongly. However, I can't help but wonder what a memorial for the unborn would look like - a memorial of all those innocent lives lost at the hands of professionals. The lives taken at the request of their only hope of protection; their mother. The United States Declaration of Independence declared that 'all men are endowed with certain inalienable rights, and that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.' Which of these is more important? Surely the right to life trumps all other rights? Apparently not. 

Where do our leaders stand on the issue of abortion? All over the world, politicians and policy makers side with 'choice', possibly in an attempt to keep the votes of the prochoice population. (Deuteronomy 27:25) Regardless of their reasoning, the fact is that issues such as abortion are all too easily normalised within society. Obama has been quoted saying that 'Abortions should be legally available in accordance with Roe v. Wade.'. For those who don't know, Roe v. Wade was the legal battle that resulted in the abortion law being passed in America in 1970. Norma McCorvery, the woman who the case is based on, has since been quoted saying that she will spend the rest of her life undoing the law that bears her name. (For more information: http://www.lifenews.com/2013/01/22/woman-behind-roe-v-wade-im-dedicating-my-life-to-overturning-it/) Right now, it is estimated that since Roe v Wade, 57,019,492.9 abortions have taken place...

Let us pray for all those lives lost, and for those who have been misled. For Obama, for the policy makers. 

And for ourselves - for patience, charity and peace.

God bless, Vx. 

Our Lady of Gaudalupe, pray for us.

St Michael the Archangel, pray for us.

Heaven

Heaven, es una preciosa canción de Beyoncé, en la que se habla sobre la interrupción del embarazo tratada desde un ángulo diferente: La mujer que desea dar a luz, pero se lo impide un aborto involuntario. Se trata de una experiencia real de la cantante. En una letra persona y sentida, Beyoncé se dirige a un niño que finalmente no nació "Luché por ti / Lo más difícil me hizo más fuerte / Así que cuéntame tus secretos / No puedo soportar ver como me dejas / El cielo no pudo esperar por ti.." La canción no podía ser de otra forma, es un baladón lacrimógeno. En el video la cantante subraya su religiosidad: Beyoncé se arrodilla y reza en una iglesia. "Heaven" acaba con Beyoncé recitando el Padre Nuestro en castellano. 

Aquí os dejo el vídeo para que podáis verlo. A mi se me ponen los pelos de punta.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-M4jnbu1A58