Saturday, July 13, 2013

 

Life of the Week: Standing for life in Texas, even in the face of violence

Graphic by proud Texan Destiny De La Rosa of New Wave Feminists.
Graphic by proud Texan Destiny De La Rosa of New Wave Feminists.
Pro-lifers in Texas have been attracting the nation’s attention for the past weeks. But today, the finish line is closing in. The Texas Senate is nearing a final vote on a bill that would ban most abortions in the state after 20 weeks, as well as place needed restrictions on abortion clinics that could shut down 37 out of 42 clinics statewide.

Many stories are coming out of Texas. Stories of abortion advocates attempting to carry human feces, urine, and bricks into the Senate gallery – to throw at pro-life lawmakers, presumably. Stories of abortion supporters yelling, “Hail Satan” and “f*** the church.” Stories of pro-abortion people – clearly in the minority in Texas and in the nation – claiming to support democracy as they create chaos. Stories of children being used to promote disgusting summaries of abortion-supporting messages like, “If I wanted the government in my womb, I would f*** a Senator.” Stories of the Texas Capitol now being placed on lockdown and pro-lifers being locked in rooms at the Capitol for their safety because of the dangerous actions of “pro-choice” activists.

But there are also stories of life. And hope. Peace and justice. Stories of real democracy in action. Stories of men and women willing to take their time and risk their safety to make sure the world knows that they stand for life. On social media sites like Facebook and Twitter and on blogs, pro-lifers are telling heartening stories from Texas. Others are telling stories from their own lives that remind them why, no matter the circumstances, we must all stand for life.
Proud of my bro for spending wk in Texas to #Stand4Life in midst of hatred & violence from pro abortion side #SB1#HB2#TXLege
We were very poor when I got pregnant but I never considered abortion Cried wondering how we would manage many times but still I #Stand4Life
@SenatorLucio THANK YOU for your commitment to LIFE and women’s health. You are an honorable man to stand against party lines. #Stand4Life
It changed my life forever Sen. to look in the eyes of my friends who have had abortions and regret that decision #Stand4Life
[M]ost of the people I personally know working their butts off to support this bill are amazing, smart, educated young women. Somebody’s got their blinders on. Way to stand for the dignity of every child, woman and man, ladies!
Just in case you missed this. Amazing prolife Senator, Bob Duell, had baby shoes sitting on his desk during the Senate hearing yesterday in honor of all of the lives taken by abortion. We will never know who we are missing.
The House gallery during the HB2 hearing in Texas. (Photo Credit: Andrew Blair, Pro-Life Politics)
The House gallery during the HB2 hearing in Texas. (Photo Credit: Andrew Blair, Pro-Life Politics)

When the dust settles, it’s all but obvious that the Texas Senate will indeed pass this pro-life bill. Governor Perry has been a huge supporter all along, so he will certainly sign the bill into law. While this law will be one of the best abortion restrictions in the nation – and there is much to celebrate about that – we pro-lifers have much more to celebrate.

We can celebrate the coming together of people from all walks of life, ages, genders, and cities of our nation for one singular purpose: to stand for life. We can celebrate the bravery of the pro-life movement as we stand for life, despite the risks to our own lives. We can celebrate the strength of our nation, behind us, as we stand for life. We can celebrate the personal stories that continue to lead many to make their own choice to stand for life.
And we can celebrate the fact that, this week, the Life of the Week is the life within the pro-life movement – never dimming, never dying, never fainting, never falling. Alive, well, vigorous, and well-represented.

Thank you, Texas, for giving us the chance to stand for life. May we never sit down again!
Editor’s Note: This summer, we will be providing you with a Life of the Week story every Friday. Our previous Life of the Week articles are here:

No comments: