Life

Yesterday was the annual Life Chain event. We had not had one in our town for quite some time. Despite the fact that I am seriously pro-life, I hemmed and hawed about going. Does it really matter? Does it make a difference? Are lives really saved? Are lives really changed? These are all questions I asked myself as I searched for an excuse not to attend. When the time came to decide, I figured not wanting to stand outside along the street for an hour was not a good enough excuse...and it was my only one.

The seven of us packed up and headed down town. We had a plan, if the young ones acted up, my beloved would take them to play. There was no need. They helped to hold our signs the first thirty minutes. When they tired of that, they sat down and dug dirt out of the cracks in the sidewalk. The poignancy was not lost on me as I stood holding a sign that read "Adoption the Loving Option" while my children helped to hold the sign. Their sweet dark skin in such contrast to my own, a beautiful reminder of how thankful I am that their mothers chose life for them.

As we stood on the sidewalk yesterday there were what the pro-choice community would call reasons why we need abortion in this country.

Two people down was a beautiful young woman holding a sign that read "Abortion Hurts Women" She is a living example of how beautiful the choice of life is. She has Down Syndrome. Her mother stood proudly beside her. Statistics tell us that as much as 90% of women who find themselves in the same circumstance this woman did, choose abortion.

My dear friend and I were there yesterday. Both of us found ourselves at 17 unmarried, and pregnant. Many would say we were fine examples of why we need abortion. So many would say we were too young, inexperienced, and poor to care for these children. We are both so glad we chose life for our children. Kaleb and David were both there yesterday. Both of them fine examples of a wonderful life.

I know of at least one woman there that found herself in that same circumstance. She too chose life for her child. Then painfully and lovingly trusted her child to another family to love and raise. She doesn't not regret her decision to choose life.

The two beautiful children at my feet, born into a country of extreme poverty, war, over population, and disease. All reasons pro abortion advocates would say we need abortion. I disagree. They are created in the image of their Heavenly Father. Fashioned by Him. Loved by Him.

Undoubtedly there were men and women there who have suffered the tragedy of abortion. They found freedom, forgiveness, and healing in Jesus.

I am sure if I had taken the time to talk to more people, I would find within each one the reason why they value life. For some it may be simply the Love of the Father in them. Others may have a far deeper reason, one that changed their lives forever. Whatever the reason, we stood together yesterday. We prayed for those hurt by abortion, for those who perform abortions, and for our government to make wise and God honoring decisions about abortion.

I prayed for the men and women who drove by. Some of them thrilled with what we were doing. I prayed that God would give them a passion to get involved...somewhere.

Some would refuse to even look our way. I wonder how many of those downcast eyes need to know that there is no sin so great the blood of Jesus can't cover.

I wonder if they need to know, there is no hurt too great, the love of the Father can't heal.

I wonder if someone will tell them there is healing and forgiveness waiting for them.

I wonder if the young girls that went by with their parents, will remember what they saw yesterday. If one of those signs will be burned into their mind. Perhaps one day, encouraging them to choose life.

The Lion's Den

This evening I had the privilege of attending the theatrical debut of what is sure to be one of the greatest and longest running Broadway shows of all time. Not only did I have the best seats in the house, I was also able to meet all the cast and crew. What a night! I know you are just dying for all the details and behind the scenes pictures, so I won't keep you in suspense any longer.

The Lion's Den

Written and Produced by

Grace

Set and Costume Design

Grace

Starring

William

as the lion

Marissa

as the child

Grace

as the mother

Now for the review:

The Lion's Den is a nail biting thriller, that leaves audiences on the edge of their seat. The mother masterfully played by the amazingly talented Grace, was convincing in her roll as mother.

Wanting only to finish up preparing dinner she sends her only daughter out to play. When she warns, "Be careful of the lion." one can almost cut the suspense with a knife.


The daughter, is played by the stunningly gorgeous Ugandan native Marissa.

She plays her small but important part well. As she leaves the safety of her home, her carefree and childlike fearlessness comes shinning through. Surly no lion would ever dare eat her.


As good as these two up and coming stars were, the show clearly belonged to the lion. Masterfully played by the young man, William.

While this was his first major theatrical role, he did have a smaller lesser known role a couple of weeks ago. In his previous role he played an Australian outback man. His costume in this production is what he was most known for. He created quite an uproar when he wore only a kangaroo skin on stage during the production. I managed to find this photo of him during this role.

This dashing young man could not have been more convincing in his role as a soft squishy...I'm sorry, as a mean, angry, man eating lion. As he drags the young girl off to his den, you cannot help but fear him. When he climbs to the top of his mountain, and you see the giant spiders, one wonders if they could possibly be real.

I wish I could tell you how this thriller ended, but strangely during the show, the two young cast members revolted against the director and stormed off the set. One to play the piano the other to talk to the nearby reporter. Perhaps their is an imminent strike on the set of The Lion's Den. Only time will tell, but I do hope all is resolved soon. I don't know how I will be able to sleep tonight wondering about the young girl. Will she escape? Has the lion eaten her? What about the mother, when she goes looking for her lost child, will she too fall prey to the terribly cute...I mean scary lion?

Perhaps this trio will be reunited, and the show will indeed go on.

How Much Is 700 Billion Anyway?

How much is 700 billion dollars anyway? I thought my dad put it into a great perspective. He said something along these lines: Suppose you went down to the corner gas station and decided you were going to buy a lottery ticket. You buy a scratch off ticket and find that you win 1 million dollars. Cool you think to yourself, I think I will go back tomorrow and try it again. Sure enough in the morning you make your way to the corner store, buy your ticket, and again win 1 million dollars. Do have any idea how many days you would have to buy a lottery ticket and win 1 million dollars, EVERYDAY, to recoup 700 billion dollars?

700,000 days

or

1,917.8 YEARS

Does that help put it into perspective? It sure did for me. Although I was already against this Big Government idea of us bailing out idiots that can't manage their money or businesses. This is absolutely ridiculous. I keep hearing over and over again that we need this to open up the credit markets... isn't credit what got us here to begin with? Bad mortgages, car loans when the car is worth significantly less the day you sign the note, massive credit card debt, and our lovely big brother leading suit with trillions of dollars in debt. So what's the solution, MORE DEBT!!!!! I am sick to death of this bureaucracy. Oh, and lest you think our two "choices" for president are going to be on our side, and help to find a way to clear this up in a way that helps the normal family..not the big wigs. Think again they have way too much vested interest...they are the big wigs! Ok, I am done venting now :)