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Hello Great Family,

Is the Supreme Court going to overturn the decades old controversial abortion decision, “Roe vs. Wade”? This question is being asked this week as the news began to report a leak within the Supreme Court.  It would be significant and bring some sense of victory, but it may not be the “win” Christians want. First, assuming this is the final opinion, and Roe is overturned, it just means the struggle starts now instead of in June.  States will become the political battleground for abortion, with very conservative states limiting the procedure significantly and very progressive states allowing abortion throughout the pregnancy.  Second, the battle will become even more angry, bitter, and possibly violent.  There are always consequences to major decisions.  This will not be the end of the debate.  It will put more fuel on the fire that has been raging and will continue to rage.

While we as Christians have put much time, money, arguments, and effort into changing the law, we may have neglected to engage in essential ways we could have been bringing transformation to our communities.  Here are some thoughts for all Christians to consider:

  1. The law does nothing to change the reasons why women seek abortions.
  2. Most women would rather drive hours or endure a medically induced abortion at home than approach a church or Christian pregnancy organization in their community for help or support.
  3. We need to discover the reasons women seek abortions and intentionally meet those needs.
  4. Change ourselves and our churches so that women will believe we are a safe place to approach when considering abortion.

When we neglect these issues on such a broad scale, we can’t positively impact the lives of these women or their children. We are meant to have tremendous Kingdom impact. Jesus set up the Church to be a place where all can come to “receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16). What women facing unintended pregnancy need is a way to address the overwhelming emotions surrounding an unintended pregnancy: panic, isolation, and shame.  When she can find grace in community, she can work through these intense emotions in a safe space. When a woman can receive mercy in emotional and practical support, she can often begin to envision a hopeful future for herself and her child. 

Let’s commit to being the Church on mission.  Let’s look for ways to make a positive difference in the lives of people right around us.  A political battle is one thing...Being actively involved in an actual person’s battles and struggles is another.  While one is good…the other is eternal!

God Bless,
P.D. (Psalm 139)