From: Kelley Snoddy
Columbus
Submitted with Brenda Preusz, Elaine MacIntyre, Judy Jackson, Don and Carolyn Demas, and Deacon Russ Woodard
Respect Life Sunday was initiated in 1972, the year before the Supreme Court legalized abortion in the United States. Since that time, Christians across the country observe the month of October with devotions and pro-life activities in order to advance the culture of life. Here in Columbus on Oct. 1, 40-plus men, women and children lined two blocks of Second Street, holding signs that they hoped would turn the minds and hearts of those driving past toward our national scourge of abortion.
Abortion Hurts Women. Pray to End Abortion. Life, the First Inalienable Right. Adoption, the Loving Option. Abortion Kills Children. El Aborto Mata Ninos. Women Deserve Better. Lord, Forgive Us and Our Nation.
As participants, we stood and prayed silently that our country would someday return to an understanding that all human life is valuable and needs our protection, from the moment of conception to natural death. Many passing drivers honked their support and waved, but a few responded with angry shouts, revving of engines and obscene gestures. In our experience, this type of reaction comes from those who have had, or assisted someone in getting, an abortion. Looking up and down the sidewalks at our messages, it was noticeable that we had only a few signs proclaiming the most important truth. Jesus Forgives and Heals.
We are writing this letter to proclaim that truth and to share some vital information with the one-in-three women among us who has been hurt by abortion. There are several options to which you may turn when you realize that you need healing. The two we are most familiar with are Healing Hidden Hurts and Project Rachel.
In Indianapolis, healinghiddenhurts.org is a Christ-centered, compassionate and free confidential ministry leading those who have been affected by an abortion to reconciliation, restoration and peace of mind and heart.
Hopeafterabortion.com leads you to Project Rachel. This is an outreach of the Catholic Church composed of a network of specially trained clergy, spiritual directors and therapists who provide compassionate, one-on-one care to anyone struggling after an abortion loss. It offers weekend retreats and support groups for parents, grandparents, siblings, friends and others. Project Rachel can be found in Indianapolis and throughout Indiana, as well as around the United States.
Women who have chosen abortion have faced a life-altering decision. We must let them know that there is healing and forgiveness available when that decision continues to cause emotional pain even decades later.
