Angry. Bigoted. Intimidating. Rude.
Those are the stereotypes that the media — and the abortion industry — give to those who peacefully pray outside abortion facilities.
And how we respond either validates or refutes those stereotypes.
Today we all get a textbook lesson in how to share the love of Christ … and how to respond to the anger that abortion causes in our world.
The example comes from some I know and respect very much. Planned Parenthood can’t help but know him; he practically lives his life praying for them where they work!
Meet Joe … learn his story … and see how God works through those who are peacemakers.
Montgomery County, Texas
Clients began gathering at Planned Parenthoods front door, said Joe, one of the volunteers, waiting for them to open. And thats when it happened.
A driver passing by yelled angrily then took a U-turn at the corner and returned to yell some more. But she wasnt finished.
She got out of her car with eyes flashing and lit into me, he said. She was so angry her face was red as a beet. Even Planned Parenthoods clients were now watching.
I didnt know what to say or do, Joe said. God took over.
At first he just let her vent. Then she started flinging questions. Why wasnt he doing something useful like helping the homeless? Why was he trying to cause trouble for a provider of affordable healthcare like Planned Parenthood? Who will take care of the babies if women dont have choice?
I waited for opportunities to respond as quietly and objectively as I could, Joe said.
And then he talked about his daughter
her abortion, her resulting depression and the taking of her own life.
There was an instant change in the agitated woman.
She was no longer angry with me, he said. She looked at me with compassion and hugged me. Said she gained a peace from me. She said she believes in a womans right to choose but now sees another side and will have a different opinion about us standing out there.
She took a gift bag and gave Joe her card.
My dear God, he thought, only You could reach the heart of a very upset pro-choice person and compel her to hug a pro-lifer and accept a gift bag filled with alternatives to abortion!