Years ago, when the idea for Rain Dance was given to me, part of what excited me most was the fact that Stacie would get to tell her own abortion story. It wouldn’t come from Jonica or a 3rd person narrator. It would be in her voice and it would belong to her all the way.
I had come to believe that unless the voices of real-live women who had chosen abortion were heard, the pro-life movement would fade away
I’m convinced those with the most power to impact change are those who know the truth first hand and speak it. They can whisper and be heard because truth is recognized by the hearts of the hearers. (even when they don’t like what they hear)
Silent No More Awareness (http://www.silentnomoreawareness.org) and their Minnesota branch (http://www.silentnomoremn.org) are giving women who regret their abortions a platform – a place to tell their abortion stories. To tell it like it really is. These women and men meet in public places carrying signs and wearing shirts that read, “I regret my abortion.” Imagine their courage. What are you willing to stand on the street and admit your regret?
Their courageous acts are saving lives. Abortion kills an unborn child but for some it can also lead to suicide. For others it is a soul killer - slowly murdering the heart and soul of the woman and/or man who chose abortion as their legal choice. Living with the regret is one thing … releasing it as truth is another. One continues the damage started at a woman’s clinic. The other leads to healing.
Silent No More gives people who know the ravages of abortion personally the opportunity to say what I can know about but not say with the kind of impact their experience gives their words.
If you find out about a Silent No More event in your area, go and listen to the voices of truth.
As I watch the pro-life movement evolve I realize these brave souls are what the next generation needs. Young adults don’t want to hear about anything unless it’s real to the speaker. They demand honesty and want everything first -hand. Statistics from the mouth of someone who has read them (someone like me) mean nothing. Statistics from the mouth of someone who has lived them is reality.
Groups like Silent No More can scare pro-lifers and church leaders. We’d rather not know how many women in our pews have chosen abortion. It’s far more comfortable when abortion is a political issue “out there” and not the secret joy killer of the women sitting next to us.
The truth is the church can no longer ignore the men and women of abortion. Praise God – they are among us in ever increasing numbers. They are finding Jesus! Then God takes their abortion stories and uses them for His glory. Sounds like a Romans 8:28 thing to me!
Not all the women and men who have chosen abortion and come to Jesus are being called out to proclaim their regret. That’s great. God knows who He’s called to this and who He hasn’t – so do these forgiven ones. Oh don’t you just love the way His love extends to all of us who will say yes?! For those who He has chosen to be silent no more…well, would you pray for them as they stand in the town square, on college campuses, and in front of politicians and tell the truth?
Take a look at the Silent No More web pages. Pray hard. Give if you can. And if you can, stand side by side with these folks. I have to tell you when you meet them face to face your vision of the pro-life movement will never be the same! You will know this is far more than a political issue best taken care of in Washington, DC. This is personal.
The women and men of Silent No More are taking a moral stand. Will we leave them to do “their” thing and hope it benefits our beliefs? Or will we stand in silence beside them as they are truly…silent no more?
