by Londyn, Saint Emmelia Ministries Intern
How often do we feel overwhelmed in life? Not only by the endless tasks, obligations, and even things we love to do, but by how our world seems to be full of things that could be done better? Something that has been on my mind a lot lately is the pro-life movement. I recently found out several women in my life are pregnant, and it fills my heart with so much joy! However, it seems almost daily I am bombarded with heartbreaking news from those who don’t support life in the womb. So my question stands: how can we do this better? How can I support the life of babies (while still being a few years from having a family of my own) and inspire others to do the same?
Well, the first thing I can turn to is caring for my siblings. This is pretty expected—I have a big, beautiful family, with three sisters, two brothers, and the littlest one so young we still don’t know if the baby is a brother or sister! What a blessing this is—from my young sibling who is yet to be born, up to my brother who will be fourteen in a few months, I have a lot of opportunities to support the life of the young. But what about outside of the family? How can we support the women who are growing beautiful life inside them?
Some of the first things that come to mind are simply being there for these women: showing love and support locally–such as taking a meal to a woman and her family–donating to local charities (or the large pro-life charities in America, too!), and volunteering directly at pregnancy centers. In our parishes, we can support pregnant women, too. This can include organizing prayer groups, and/or bringing a meal every once in a while to the woman and her family.
I bought a pro-life shirt off Etsy a few months ago, and it is my absolute favorite! I have gotten several compliments on it—in places you’d least expect, too. It is beautiful to be able to make a stranger smile with a reminder that life is precious and we should support it—from the young babies in the womb up to the elderly and wise.
Consider supporting EveryLife, by either donating or purchasing diapers! This is an amazing company that is dedicated to providing essential items for babies and their families. You can buy diapers and wipes and bring them to your local pregnancy center. I know from experience they are always happy to receive a smile and a package of diapers. Recently, I had the opportunity to volunteer at my local pregnancy center. I spent two hours organizing diapers and swapping out the winter and summer clothes in the boutique. I teared up a little bit, knowing the good that these women do for other women was in that exact room I stood in. I prayed continuously, so grateful that the small actions I made could be added up by other women and men by showing love, for the mother, the baby, and the father! Volunteering at the pregnancy center was a beautiful reminder of the impact we can have on our community. It’s not just about the physical tasks we perform, but the love and care we show to others.
In addition to volunteering, there are many other ways to support the pro-life movement. You can participate in pro-life events and marches, such as those organized by OCLife of America, and engage in respectful conversations with those who have different beliefs. Educating yourself and others about the importance of protecting life is crucial. Share information from reputable pro-life organizations. Being pro-life is about more than just opposing abortion; it’s about promoting a generation of life that respects and values every human being, from conception to natural death. It’s about supporting mothers and families, advocating for policies that protect life, and working towards a society where every life is cherished. People of all ages have a unique opportunity to inspire others and make a difference. Your passion and dedication can encourage others to join the movement and support life in their own ways. Remember, every small action counts, and together, we can create a world where every life is valued and protected. Supporting the pro-life movement is a beautiful and fulfilling journey. Whether it’s through volunteering, donating, or simply showing love and support to those around you, every effort makes a difference. Let’s continue to stand together for life and inspire others to do the same.
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born, I sanctified you. I established you a prophet to the nations.” -Jeremiah 1:5