Those who have prayed outside abortion facilities are no stranger to the sneers or even unseemly hand gestures from passersby. Most of the time, these are shrugged off or even worn as a badge of honor. We recognize this is all just part of the spiritual warfare going on all around an abortion facility.
However, every once in a while, an interaction can reach in and tug at a chord within us that requires reflection and prayer. Recently, while praying outside of the Planned Parenthood on 290, I noticed it was busier than it had been in a while. I saw at least a half dozen girls go in and out in the time frame of one hour.
I saw one young woman coming out of Planned Parenthood pushing a stroller. Her baby looked to be at least a year old and had sweet blonde hair with a ponytail that stuck straight up and had a red ribbon tied in a bow. I saw this young mom – probably in her early to mid-20s – put her baby in her car seat then fold up her stroller and start her car. I do not know this mom's situation at all, only that she chose Planned Parenthood for whatever it was she needed. I naively thought there is no way this young woman – who appeared like she had everything going for her – would choose Planned Parenthood if she really knew what they were about.
As I stood there, I said a short prayer for her and then hoped she would stop either to talk with me or to one of my colleagues. When she pulled up to where I was standing to exit the parking lot, she looked me straight in the eye and with the most determined fashion made an offensive hand gesture. At first, I noticed she had a fresh manicure with perfect polka dot nails, but then I noticed her sweet baby in her car seat who thankfully did not see her mom's hand gesture – and I just prayed this mom was not considering aborting that sweet baby's sibling either out of state or by obtaining abortion pills online.
Ever since that interaction, I have been thinking about that young woman. I wonder why she was at Planned Parenthood, and why she thinks that is the best she and her adorable child deserve.
Over the years seeing women go in and out of Planned Parenthood, it frustrates me that they have had unlimited funds (both private and public) to market their brand – somehow becoming a trusted source of care for millions of women. Meanwhile, pregnancy centers must scrap for every cent they raise and then justify any use of funds on marketing as if somehow magically women know where to go to get free, life-affirming help. And it saddens me that this young mother saw those of us peacefully praying as more of a threat than an organization that violently aborts preborn children and carelessly distorts young minds.
Still, I believe that even in that moment – through the work of the Holy Spirit – our presence mattered. I can only pray that with the same certainty this young mom decided to make a statement with her hand gesture, she too has reflected on the interaction – or will someday.
Whether or not this young mom was seeking abortion information, or sought other information such as birth control, she did not appreciate our prayerful presence advocating for the preborn.
While many pro-life individuals and organizations continue celebrating legislative wins, we on the front lines of the battle are seeing the reality of the broken culture that Roe created for more than 50 years. And sadly, it has not been defeated. Women still believe abortion is a "right," and abortions have not ended – even in Texas.
While the tide is in our favor, the fight to protect innocent life is not over. Until hearts are softened to hold the value of innocent life over personal comfort or gain, preborn lives will remain at risk. We must continue to stand up for the preborn and pray that despite the sneers and jeers that through the Holy Spirit our peaceful and prayerful presence is making a difference and saving innocent lives.