Together for Life we marched through downtown Atlanta yesterday.
As the mother of a child lost and forgotten because of abortion, I was so very thankful to have this day to express my grief in a public way.
We gathered to remember and to grieve with those who understand. We prayed. Together we sang the praises of our God who is able to redeem it all. It was a deeply moving spiritual experience to sing the words “His mercy rains” ( Amazing Grace chorus by Chris Tomlin) in memory of the millions and millions of deaths due to the decision to make abortion legal 39 years ago. Together we mourned that terrible day.
As we sang, I lowered my umbrella and felt a cooling mist wash over my face and hands before I bundled back up against the cold and rain. As we walked in silent memory of the dead, I hoped that anyone who was simply going about their day could drop their ideas about a march and a protest and seeing signs, to let the refreshing truth of God’s love for life, for children wash our minds and hearts.
Check the gallery of Atlanta Journal Constitution photos by Jason Getz
The worship service on the steps of the Georgia Capitol was followed by speeches and progress reports on the battle to defend the lives of the weakest members of the human family. I am encouraged that so many faithful people remain in this fight to help women and children. By joining their ranks, I was there not to make any public statement, but to stand with those who are standing for life. I had no motive to change legistlation at that moment, or to try to persuade, and for sure I was not there to argue anyone into the love for little children not yet born that God has placed in my heart. I tried to look past the signs–some clever, some aggressive–and see into the heart of the event.
And then I saw a sign that told the story in three words.
Reagan Scholes of Acworth, Georgia held a sign saying, “Adoption saved me.”
How could anyone argue with that?
Other signs expressed what I believe.
“And a little child will lead them” from the Scriptures in Isaiah came to mind when I took in all the school groups attending the silent march.
There were a couple thousand people and we worked our way around downtown Atlanta on the 39th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision to place a cloak of privacy over those who would deny an unborn child a right to life.
The solemn tone was underscored by buglers playing Taps as they marched ahead and behind, and the dignity of eight mounted police following our procession also stirred my heart. Onlookers were respectful–most looking unconcerned, some appearing embarassed or annoyed. My mind returned to the stirring solo sung to send us off, A Mighty Fortress is Our God which placed the battle where it belongs–in the hands of God and in our deepest spiritual hearts.
After we passed, life went on.
I don’t know if my presence made any difference to anyone who saw us march. I was just a face in the crowd. But our gathering gave me hope. Thank you, Georgia Right to Life for helping us make our stand.
His mercy rains.