37 Reasons
When I was asked to write an article recapping this year’s Walk for Life, I had an ever-so-slight concern that you might think that topic is a bit boring.
But let me tell you, it isn’t.
If you are a numbers guy/girl, we raised over $75,000! We praise God that, as always, He provided. But behind that number, I’d like to tell you about the small army that He used to make it happen.
You should’ve seen us. The morning started out rainy and damp, a bad hair day on steroids. We were a bit of a mess—that army. And how and why God chooses to use imperfect people in his perfect plan is a mystery to me, but it sure is a beautiful thing.
Over 250 people walked and/or volunteered. The weather alone could have been one reason to stay home. But for them there were 37 reasons to show up.
It was kind of hard to miss the big red hearts that lined the fence. There were 37 of them. Each of them representing a baby that was spared from abortion through the ministry of the pregnancy center.
And although the pregnancy center ministered to hundreds of clients this past year, 37 women called us actively seeking an abortion—so very close to making a heartbreaking choice. But they didn’t. They chose life instead. And we now have 37 little humans living among us who may not have been here otherwise. To a bystander, those cardboard cutouts may have just been displayed to decorate the event.
But to us, they were an emblem of why we walked.
So, we walked for life on October 5, 2019. A diverse bunch sporting the one thing we all had in common: a matching blue t-shirt and a belief that, even in the most difficult circumstances, Life. It’s Good.
You didn’t go unnoticed…
To the elderly lady, I know your hip was hurting. And I know it probably ached even more that night after the two-mile walk. Thank you for leading by example and leaving a legacy for us to live up to. I can’t even tell you how I hope to be just like you someday.
To the 40-something man, thank you for not writing this pregnancy care ministry off as a “woman thing.” I happen to think there is nothing more noble than defending the innocent. It’s what heroes are made of. We so need more men like you.
To the 7-year-old girl, I saw you having fun. I’m glad you are too young to appreciate the weightiness of it all. Even still, thank you for taking a stand for life, little sister. You don’t realize it now, but in a few years, that’s going to get a lot riskier for you to do. I pray you’ll grow into a fierce young woman and change the heart of your generation.
And to the sweet little baby, not even six months old. Your presence there was most profound. Your young mama pushing you in a stroller blended well into the crowd. I hope one day you know how amazingly brave she is. Because only a few of us knew that one of the hearts on the fence represented YOU. You are the reason we walked. Yes, we praise God for the 36 other paper hearts on display that day, but from what I know about this group, they would’ve shown up even if it was just yours.
-Traci Lester, Client Services Director
