The call for volunteers went out and I responded. I was briefed on the Who, What, When and Where (already knew the Why), and with statement in hand, I set out in the pre-dawn hours on the trip from Dallas to Austin. It was Monday, July 1, and all eyes were watching Austin as the Texas State Legislature opened a Second Special Session to decide the fate of a pro-life bill that had failed the previous week due to a last-minute filibuster. I arrived in Austin at 10 a.m.
I had seen photos and heard stories about the numbers of protesters in Austin, but nothing prepared me for what I saw as I walked to the State Capitol. Orange and blue shirts everywhere, coming in from all directions. I was able to get into the capitol without delay, but the Capitol rotunda was filling fast.
At 11:30 a.m., the Operation Outcry press conference started, with nine of us giving our statements how abortion hurt us. Young women thanked me for saying what they were unable to; men asked where they could get help; grandmothers asked me to pray for their daughters who had had abortions.
With the many thousands gathered in hte rotunda, maneuvering was difficult. Shouting, chanting, jeering, heckling … the sound was deafening. DPS troopers were stationed on each floor to maintain order, arresting those out of control. Then, almost like a whisper, you could hear the words of “Amazing Grace” being sung, swelling to each floor of the rotunda.
The response for testimony from those hurt by abortion was overwhelming. It helped turn the tide in Austin. But in the future more help will beneeded — more testimonies, greater physical presence in House and Senate chambers, more calls to State and national representatives.
It’s apparent the line in the sand in Austin, the Alamo for the 21st Century, is being drawn. Truth is being heard about abortion in ways previously unimagined. Change is occurring in other states. National attention to pro-life issues is being felt … main stream media is suddenly saying, “wait a minute, maybe there is something to this life begins at conception thing.” U.S. Senate legislation on abortion is being considered. Judicial cases may be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The battle in Austin was won, with the pro-life legislation passing, but the war against abortion has not been won. So get ready. Here’s some ideas:
- If you’ve been hurt by abortion, find your voice. Submit a declaration that can later be used in the legal process. Operation Outcry and Silent No More are two organizations that can assist.
- If you are suffering from the trauma of a past abortion, you are not alone … there is hope and healing available through a recovery group study.
- Get involved, support a local pregnancy center, start a post-abortion ministry in your church, speak out.
It’s impossible to refute the testimony of the millions in America who have been wounded by abortion. Legislators are now asking us to speak up … have you found your voice?
Tagged: abortion recovery, pro-life
