Into the Silence

Last week we shared a story of a vigil participant who was blessed to help empower a young, single mother to keep her preborn child. We also relayed another blessed moment in which a woman drove by and exclaimed, “God bless your efforts. We saved a baby today!”

We’ve been so excited to hear your stories. Please continue to send them in. From saved babies, to Spirit-inspired conversations, to post-abortive parents seeking healing, your prayerful presence has truly yielded incredible tangible results.

But some of you might be wondering, “Why haven’t I had a similar experience? Why are my prayers answered with silence?”

Maybe you’ve received nothing but scorn for your efforts. Maybe you stand watch on Sunday afternoons or late nights when the abortion center is closed. Maybe you watch with a broken heart as women enter Planned Parenthood and end their children’s lives.

In the face of such trials we might ask ourselves why we even bother showing up. After all, what good can come from the silence of the cold, dark night? What is the point of subjecting oneself to ridicule from folks whose hearts are filled with hate? How can anybody stand strong while an innocent person is put to death just yards away? These are difficult questions.

Strangely, my favorite time to pray outside Planned Parenthood is the dead of the night. With a pitch black sky and empty streets, the so-called clinic is enveloped in darkness and silence. God seems very distant. As I pray, the silence only grows. I contemplate the evil that occurs in the building before me and wonder why a merciful God does not deliver the preborn from their executioners. My frustration builds, and I’m reminded of the doubts that plagued Mother Teresa, a fellow advocate for preborn babies.

“Where is my faith?” she asked. “Even deep down there is nothing but emptiness and darkness….I am told God lives in me, and yet the reality of darkness and coldness and emptiness is so great that nothing touches my soul.”

Indeed, the darkness that emanates from the abortion facility, permeating the night, nearly swallows my faith and hope as well.

And then I remember. We have a Savior who 2,000 years ago endured the same heart-wrenching sorrow while His prayers from the Cross, much like ours, were answered with silence.
But that silence was not the last word. When all hope seemed lost, Jesus Christ literally and figuratively shook the foundations of the Earth by rising from the grave.

Similarly, when our efforts seem futile, let us remember that our Savior went before us to show us the way. The victory has been in hand for nearly two millennia. Our task is to serve as tools of His grace. Nothing more, nothing less.

So let us continue to answer Jesus’s call. Can we not keep watch with Him for one hour?

Thank you all for your wonderful work. Your sacrifices continue to inspire us. May God bless you abundantly.

Week in Review

40 Days for Life Midpoint Prayer Service to be held October 16
Bishop Morlino celebrates Respect Life Sunday
Wisconsin State Journal publishes 40 Days for Life letter to the editor
Renowned Pro-Life Sociologist Bradford Wilcox to speak in Madison October 23, 24
114 babies nationwide confirmed saved from abortion by 40 Days for Life