My day started out great. I went to daily mass and then stayed to pray with my rosary group. I quickly came home to walk the dog for 30 minutes and then went to fulfill one of my on-going spiritual gifts to Jesus. I returned to the abortion center to pray for an hour or so. The mood was different today even though we had planned on meeting and singing Christmas songs as well as praying. When I arrived, I was informed that the clinic was busier than usual. I checked their website and they're still offering 20% of an abortion surgery. Perhaps that would explain the increase in appointments to day?
One of the sidewalk counselors had learned and attempted to talk to 15 women... yes, 15 women who had scheduled abortions for today. More than usual for a Thursday and it is a few days before Christmas. As I arrived, a mom, dad and young teenage daughter left the clinic following their abortion. Mom and dad with rigid backs were filled with anger and refused to look at us. Their daughter looked as they drove out of the parking lot. She looked at us with confusion. She was most likely told that she was doing the right thing but then she probably wondered, "why are people out here praying for me NOT to have an abortion?"
We continued to sing and pray as we watched couples leave the clinic and one couple in particular, made my heart ache. They looked to be a young college couple who obviously hadn't planned to have a baby at this time in their lives but because of their actions and choices, a baby was conceived by the grace of God. That little life was snuffed out this morning and my tears flowed. I could see the boyfriend attempting to console his girlfriend and encourage her that she did the right thing.
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We continued to sing and pray as we watched couples leave the clinic and one couple in particular, made my heart ache. They looked to be a young college couple who obviously hadn't planned to have a baby at this time in their lives but because of their actions and choices, a baby was conceived by the grace of God. That little life was snuffed out this morning and my tears flowed. I could see the boyfriend attempting to console his girlfriend and encourage her that she did the right thing.
I don't know them or their current circumstance but I do know this:
a young college-age girl with her hair pulled back in a ponytail, will regret this decision.
She will try to bury it but her feelings will push through one day.
She will anguish over this decision.
She will hate herself for it one day.
And I pray that she turns to God and asks for forgiveness for she will be forgiven.
God's mercy is great.
I pray that she learns to forgive herself.
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This was not how I wanted my Advent Season to come to a close but it is what it is. Please join me in prayer for all these women who entered Dr. Goyal's office of death this morning and believed they were doing the right thing. Or that they had no other choice. I pray that their eyes will be opened by the grace of God so they can repent and then heal from their pain.
Blessings,
Noreen
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Praying.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you.
Noreen, you've been doing a courageous suffereing for these women, and courageous prayer that they themselves are unable to do at this time probably. Your Advent has been so meaningful, so full of hope (isn't that what Advent is about), so full of selflessness. How could your Advent be ending more wonderfully !!! perhaps it does not feel that way to you, but it's what I see you have done for others! God bless you!!
ReplyDeleteditto what Gardenia said. i was thinking the same thing. God put you there in that moment in this place and time for a reason. I'm sure your gratefulness for God's selfless gift of his son will be that much more enhanced on Christmas morning.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Gardenia! It may seem terrible (your feelings) but you are doing an AMAZING thing for God, for these women, and for those sweet little babies. Praying with and for you! :D
ReplyDeleteNoreen you are a blessing.
ReplyDeleteYour Advent has brought grace to many souls!
love in Jesus..Trish
Noreen, you are an ispiration. I'm praying for all of these women.
ReplyDeleteNoreen,
ReplyDeleteSometimes it can look like we are working away and not getting anywhere. But God is there with you and He will always triumph. Your suffering will result in many graces for the people you are praying for. And God can turn evil into good so it might not be the end of the story for the couples who caused you so much anguish.
I admire you so much, Noreen. You have a very special mission. Sometimes those that support others need support and encouragement themselves. So I am praying for you.
May your Christmas be full of joy. xx
Hi Noreen,
ReplyDeleteA priest I know well, Father Francis Maple, has written a pro-life song which he recorded. The song has saved at least 20 babies. Their mothers were considering abortion but changed their minds after hearing the song.
Here's the link with the lyrics. I hope it helps with your good work. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6lsMbnPGl0
God bless you.
It's so easy to focus on the ones who went through with it. You can't possibly know for certain how many lives were changed...or saved...by your prayers and presence. Perhaps it is best to think on the girl who drove to the clinic for her appointment, but, touched by your ministry, decided to keep driving, instead.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the encouragement my friends!
ReplyDelete