Note from Cindy, the author of this post: This post isn’t what I had intended as my second post (read first one here). I promise the next one will continue the story of our commitment to fight for the life of our son. I just couldn’t ignore these current events.
Saint Mother Teresa cradles an armless baby girl at an orphanage of the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata in 1978. (Source: AP Archive)
I didn’t intend to remark on anything political in my blog series. However, personally I am crushed all of our leaders who represent the American population in the Senate weren’t able to stand in front of their colleagues and constituents and unequivocally say that a baby who has been born has the right to life. Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse proposed the “Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.” Unfortunately, it did not receive unanimous approval.
We aren’t talking about ending the life of a baby that is still in the mother’s womb, though I can’t fathom why anyone would argue that life doesn’t begin at conception. I just can’t honestly wrap my mind around it. Americans can’t agree that a born human has the right for medical professionals to go through the same procedures to protect and sustain life as they would a “wanted” baby who was born under ordinary circumstances. Can you imagine how God must weep to know his most precious creation is neglected, considered so unimportant so as not to be bothered by standard medical care and, instead, be murdered? This is a living, breathing, baby we are talking about.
If there is a tiny silver lining in this, it is that Iowans who respect life of born babies have been well represented. (Forgive me for sticking my toe into politics for a little bit). Both Iowa Senators supported the bill. Joni Ernst delivered a wonderful speech on the floor of the Senate expressing the fact this should be something everyone, no matter what political affiliation they may have, should be able to agree on. Watch it here. The story of three abortion survivors gives me hope some day our nation can be better than this.
As a mother of healthy, strong ten-year-old boys I can’t bring myself to imagine what our lives may have been like if circumstances were different and we had been in a position to abort our child because the doctor was wondering what kind of quality of life he might have. I pray, and pray, and pray unceasingly that other mothers (notice I didn’t say expectant mothers … they are already mothers) are able to respond in faith and confidence that their child, too, was created in the very image and likeness of God. Who could ask for better “quality” than that?
My heart aches for the, approximated by the World Health Organization, 125,000 lives ended each DAY due to abortion. Over 3,000 of them occur within the United States each day (source). I remember a quote from Mother Teresa: “Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use violence to get what they want. That is why the greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion.”
There are many reasons for us to worry about the future of our nation. For me, acceptance of abortion is the worst plague our country is currently facing. I recently saw a bumper sticker that said (recalled in my own words), Pray the Rosary for the future of our country. I don’t think that’s a bad idea and I just found out driving home from work in this lovely Iowa winter weather, I can pray all fifteen decades of the rosary. I’m also offering up the pain of my chronic, cluster migraines for the respect of all life from birth to natural death.
Whether the respect of all life from conception to natural death is a new prayer intention for you or one you’ve been practicing for a long time, please share in the comments below your routines, attitudes, or how you show respect for all life. Together, through prayer, I have faith we can make a difference! Please join me in flooding Heaven with prayers for the respect of all life.
Copyright 2019 Cindy Clefisch
 | The youngest of seven children, this farm girl now loves her home near Saylorville Lake. Cindy Clefisch is a blessed mom of twin boys who understands how far a mom can go to keep her children alive and healthy. She started her career in education and is amazed at the broad experiences she's had. Not so long ago, this devout lady went through despairing times. Never thinking she'd experience her own dark night of the soul, she's still working on fully placing her trust back in God's hands, and how a faith-filled Catholic can be defined. Writing about her faith and challenges helps motivate her to keep trusting, even when she can't feel the touch of the Master's Hands. |