I have a say because my true Father granted me one. He has been my
protector from the moment I was conceived. He gifted me to this world
28 years ago. I was born 4 months after a doctor refused to preform an
abortion on my 15 year old mother with out parental consent. My life is
important, necessary, and not a choice. While some would look at this
situation as the potential end of a poor young girl's ability to live a
full and happy life, forever burdened by a mistake, these people are
short sighted and don't know the rest of the story.
I was also born 5 months after my maternal Grandparent's application
to adopt a fifth child was denied. While my mother, in her sin made a
poor choice, God used the circumstances to complete a family. Shortly
after I was born, my Grandparents officially became Mom and Dad. I was
raised to follow Christ, taught the sanctity of life and the dignity of
every person, and always cherished for the gift I was.
I have never used contraception of any kind, I've only ever had sex
with my husband, and only after we were married. By abortion and
contraception supporters I have been called the the following;
un-evolved, lacking in life experience, "one of those girls", a
fundamentalist, and brainwashed, just to name a few. The assumption is I
must be uneducated and easily swayed, a helpless woman, unenlightened,
and unable to think for herself.
Nothing could be further from the truth, but my academic resume is
immaterial. I am trained in Crisis Intervention and have seen more
women than I would have liked following their abortions. It doesn't
mater if it is the night of the abortion and they are being brought in
after a suicide attempt, or 20 years later and they are seeking help
with marriage problems, the pain is still as debilitating.
The very acts which Pro-Choice supporters claim as women's liberties
and freedoms, are, in fact, prisons that these women rarely free
themselves from.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Ton Alongi Has a Say
Cecile Richards, I have a say:
When I was conceived many years ago, my parents had a lot of things going against having me. They were still in college, and even with the support of their parents, they were saddled with debt, and their jobs at the time consisted of flipping burgers at fast food restaurants. By all rights, having me made no financial sense at all. But they did. They choose life for me, and therefore, I have a say.
When I was only a few years old, my parents discovered that I had a mental disorder known as Aspergers Syndrome, a form of autism that manifests itself in the form of social awkwardness, intense interests and learning disabilities. And it is becoming clearer to me each day that people with mental disorders are being looked down upon, especially by Planned Parenthood, who by their own admission, consider mental disorders a factor in determining whether to get an abortion. But my parents chose life for me, and therefore, I have a say.
In college I discovered, using data from Planned Parenthood-supported Guttmacher Institute, that 13% of all abortions per year are conducted because of a perceived physical or mental defect (compared to a sum of 1.5% aborted because of rape or incest, two things you most often use to justify your position). And then I think about that wrongful life suit, about the family who claim that they would have aborted their child if they knew she had Down Syndrome. Down Syndrome, which constitutes a death sentence for an average of 93% of babies in the womb, all because they had a mental disorder. All because they weren’t the “perfect”, healthy baby.
Cecile, I am a man with a mental disorder, and I have a say. You may or may not think I am a second-class citizen. You may or may not think my parents should have aborted me because they didn’t have enough finances to support me. You may or may not think that I should have been aborted because I have a mental disorder. But Aspergers Syndrome does not prevent me from being a man, endowed with certain, inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Therefore, I have a say.
And I say I am fed up. Now many like you may say that because I am a man, abortion does not concern me, but it does. I am fed up watching many wonderful babies like myself never have a chance at life because they were not perfect in your eyes. I am fed up watching you voice your concerns over the cost of raising a mentally-disabled child. I am fed up with your advocating a preference for perfect babies.
There’s another word for that philosophy: eugenics. That’s what your own founder Margaret Sanger advocated for. That’s what tyrants throughout history have advocated for. Have you not considered the human cost? When we devalue a group of people because of their race, or gender, or even their physical and mental abilities, where does it end?
And I say I completely and utterly reject the lies you help spread and the doctrines you help push for. My parents thought I was good enough to be born, and God thought I was good enough to be conceived. Who are you to say otherwise? Who are you, to think you are an authority to speak over who should live and who should die?
You do not speak for me. You do not speak for families. And most of all, you do not speak for life. But I come from two families that do. My family, and the One Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. And because of their love and devotion to the truth, I have say.
God Bless.
When I was conceived many years ago, my parents had a lot of things going against having me. They were still in college, and even with the support of their parents, they were saddled with debt, and their jobs at the time consisted of flipping burgers at fast food restaurants. By all rights, having me made no financial sense at all. But they did. They choose life for me, and therefore, I have a say.
When I was only a few years old, my parents discovered that I had a mental disorder known as Aspergers Syndrome, a form of autism that manifests itself in the form of social awkwardness, intense interests and learning disabilities. And it is becoming clearer to me each day that people with mental disorders are being looked down upon, especially by Planned Parenthood, who by their own admission, consider mental disorders a factor in determining whether to get an abortion. But my parents chose life for me, and therefore, I have a say.
In college I discovered, using data from Planned Parenthood-supported Guttmacher Institute, that 13% of all abortions per year are conducted because of a perceived physical or mental defect (compared to a sum of 1.5% aborted because of rape or incest, two things you most often use to justify your position). And then I think about that wrongful life suit, about the family who claim that they would have aborted their child if they knew she had Down Syndrome. Down Syndrome, which constitutes a death sentence for an average of 93% of babies in the womb, all because they had a mental disorder. All because they weren’t the “perfect”, healthy baby.
Cecile, I am a man with a mental disorder, and I have a say. You may or may not think I am a second-class citizen. You may or may not think my parents should have aborted me because they didn’t have enough finances to support me. You may or may not think that I should have been aborted because I have a mental disorder. But Aspergers Syndrome does not prevent me from being a man, endowed with certain, inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Therefore, I have a say.
And I say I am fed up. Now many like you may say that because I am a man, abortion does not concern me, but it does. I am fed up watching many wonderful babies like myself never have a chance at life because they were not perfect in your eyes. I am fed up watching you voice your concerns over the cost of raising a mentally-disabled child. I am fed up with your advocating a preference for perfect babies.
There’s another word for that philosophy: eugenics. That’s what your own founder Margaret Sanger advocated for. That’s what tyrants throughout history have advocated for. Have you not considered the human cost? When we devalue a group of people because of their race, or gender, or even their physical and mental abilities, where does it end?
And I say I completely and utterly reject the lies you help spread and the doctrines you help push for. My parents thought I was good enough to be born, and God thought I was good enough to be conceived. Who are you to say otherwise? Who are you, to think you are an authority to speak over who should live and who should die?
You do not speak for me. You do not speak for families. And most of all, you do not speak for life. But I come from two families that do. My family, and the One Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. And because of their love and devotion to the truth, I have say.
God Bless.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Emily Lah's Mom Was Pregnant With Her on Her Wedding Day
I have a say because my parents choose life for me 32 years ago. They
were young and 3 months away from their big wedding day when my mom
found out she was expecting a baby. She could have chosen to save face
and have the perfect wedding but instead she choose life. That one
choice has changed her life and the life of many others. It was not
easy for my parents to start a family so young and they had many
struggles and trials. They carried their crosses in away that changed
my life forever. I learned how to trust God with every cross that was
mine to carry.
If I would not have been born then...
~One less person would have helped the poor 20 hours a week for 2 years in my former college town
~One less person would have been a missionary in Haiti
~One less person would have chosen a career path to help low income families have decent and affordable housing
~One less person would give 10%+ of their income the Church and those in need of help
~One less person would have been there for a friend or neighbor in need a shoulder to cry on and a person to pray for them
~My husband would be single and still looking for his Soulmate
~Three beautiful girls who love God with their whole heart would not have been born
I have a say because EVERY LIFE has an IRREPLACEABLE ripple effect on the world.
God Bless,
Emily Lah
If I would not have been born then...
~One less person would have helped the poor 20 hours a week for 2 years in my former college town
~One less person would have been a missionary in Haiti
~One less person would have chosen a career path to help low income families have decent and affordable housing
~One less person would give 10%+ of their income the Church and those in need of help
~One less person would have been there for a friend or neighbor in need a shoulder to cry on and a person to pray for them
~My husband would be single and still looking for his Soulmate
~Three beautiful girls who love God with their whole heart would not have been born
I have a say because EVERY LIFE has an IRREPLACEABLE ripple effect on the world.
God Bless,
Emily Lah
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Steve Keller Has a Say
I have a say because of the complete unselfishness of my two wonderful parents and because of the tender loving mercy of God.
My parents, who were both born in the time period shortly before WWII, were both victims of Polio in their childhood. They both ended up losing the use of their legs and were confined to wheelchairs. They met in college, got married, and proceeded to have and raise children. I am the youngest of five. The fourth child we never had a chance to know in this life, as it was a miscarriage. I have a say because, even after that miscarriage, even after the trials and troubles of having and caring for three children while confined to wheelchairs, my parents tried again.
I have a say because of the gentle love and care of God. I was born about two months early in October of 1977. To say I was premature is an understatement. I was nearly a miscarriage myself. They didn't expect me to live and I was baptized almost immediately. God had a plan though and cared for me and brought me through that time. Now I am married with two beautiful girls and a third child on the way. My parents unselfishly took the risk of trying a fifth time and gave me a chance. God gave me the gift of life and I intend to use this gift and this chance to have my say. I intend to have my say and to speak up for all those who may not ever have a chance to have their say.
My parents, who were both born in the time period shortly before WWII, were both victims of Polio in their childhood. They both ended up losing the use of their legs and were confined to wheelchairs. They met in college, got married, and proceeded to have and raise children. I am the youngest of five. The fourth child we never had a chance to know in this life, as it was a miscarriage. I have a say because, even after that miscarriage, even after the trials and troubles of having and caring for three children while confined to wheelchairs, my parents tried again.
I have a say because of the gentle love and care of God. I was born about two months early in October of 1977. To say I was premature is an understatement. I was nearly a miscarriage myself. They didn't expect me to live and I was baptized almost immediately. God had a plan though and cared for me and brought me through that time. Now I am married with two beautiful girls and a third child on the way. My parents unselfishly took the risk of trying a fifth time and gave me a chance. God gave me the gift of life and I intend to use this gift and this chance to have my say. I intend to have my say and to speak up for all those who may not ever have a chance to have their say.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Rose Tenney Has a Say - Abortion is NOT Health Care
How I would like to take back my stupidity and selfishness of 29 years ago – I am one of the women who foolishly believed the lie of Planned Parenthood and a woman’s health center.
My first sin was participating in sex outside of marriage. Then when I ended up pregnant, I was frightened but excited at the thought of becoming a mother. However, the father of that child insisted that I not have the baby, and even convinced me that I would never get over giving up that child for adoption. That’s when I learned he was selfish and I was a fool. In anger and in fear, I allowed him to pressure me until I gave in and went to the “health center” where for $200 a harsh and insensitive doctor cut my child into pieces and turned his back on me, asking the nurse what was wrong with me. I clung to the nurse’s hand and cried. This was not what I needed, and I realized at the moment I felt the instruments inside me that what I was doing was wrong. All I had left was a vast emptiness which quickly was filled with self-hatred.
I never saw the father again. For the next few months, I went through the motions of living and even planned my suicide because I didn’t think I deserved to live. One of my friends, an angel of the moment, realized what I was planning and convinced me that I was wrong to think I didn’t deserve life and love, even though I’d done such an awful thing. At that moment, the long path of healing began for me. Eventually, I married a man who loves me and I love him – he even accepted that I had had an abortion and not told very many people about it.
After several years of marriage, we were not getting pregnant and that was our dearest wish – to have children. I went to a mission at my parish and after several evenings of sermons and invitations to penance, I finally, after eleven years, went to confession and laid it all out to that wonderfully understanding priest. Although I was terribly distressed, he absolved me of my sin and introduced me to the graces of the Rosary.
Today, many years later, I am humbled to be the mother of four children, and you can be certain I am teaching them to value life and to love themselves enough not to indulge in selfish sins. I do not know if I will have to tell them about my past; even my mother does not know the truth about what I did so many years ago, although she may have suspected it.
I pray for all other women who went through my experiences and hope that they too will seek God’s forgiveness. Please pray for all of us.
Thank you for letting me have my say. Abortion and birth control are lies. They are not health care. They cause more trouble than they prevent.
My first sin was participating in sex outside of marriage. Then when I ended up pregnant, I was frightened but excited at the thought of becoming a mother. However, the father of that child insisted that I not have the baby, and even convinced me that I would never get over giving up that child for adoption. That’s when I learned he was selfish and I was a fool. In anger and in fear, I allowed him to pressure me until I gave in and went to the “health center” where for $200 a harsh and insensitive doctor cut my child into pieces and turned his back on me, asking the nurse what was wrong with me. I clung to the nurse’s hand and cried. This was not what I needed, and I realized at the moment I felt the instruments inside me that what I was doing was wrong. All I had left was a vast emptiness which quickly was filled with self-hatred.
I never saw the father again. For the next few months, I went through the motions of living and even planned my suicide because I didn’t think I deserved to live. One of my friends, an angel of the moment, realized what I was planning and convinced me that I was wrong to think I didn’t deserve life and love, even though I’d done such an awful thing. At that moment, the long path of healing began for me. Eventually, I married a man who loves me and I love him – he even accepted that I had had an abortion and not told very many people about it.
After several years of marriage, we were not getting pregnant and that was our dearest wish – to have children. I went to a mission at my parish and after several evenings of sermons and invitations to penance, I finally, after eleven years, went to confession and laid it all out to that wonderfully understanding priest. Although I was terribly distressed, he absolved me of my sin and introduced me to the graces of the Rosary.
Today, many years later, I am humbled to be the mother of four children, and you can be certain I am teaching them to value life and to love themselves enough not to indulge in selfish sins. I do not know if I will have to tell them about my past; even my mother does not know the truth about what I did so many years ago, although she may have suspected it.
I pray for all other women who went through my experiences and hope that they too will seek God’s forgiveness. Please pray for all of us.
Thank you for letting me have my say. Abortion and birth control are lies. They are not health care. They cause more trouble than they prevent.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Anne Hazel Has a Say
Cecile Richards, you are right.
Not every voice is heard.
I am the youngest of eight: two boys, five girls (the oldest is a boy in Heaven…the 7 of us living were all born within 8 years, no twins). If my Mom and Dad had listened to your ideology, I would not be here because according to you they had too many children. I thank God that they had all of us and as I was growing up I wished we had a bigger family. My Mom and Dad have been married 43 years and they raised us with a lot of love and self-sacrifice and on one pay. For the nine of us we had 3 bedrooms (who says you can’t put 5 girls in one bedroom!) and one bathroom. They raised all of us Catholic and we all practice our Faith with devotion. My childhood is filled with happy memories. We have found spouses that are like ourselves, faithful Catholics as well, thank God! You don’t speak for me or for any of my brothers and sisters.
None of us have ever used contraception and we all see life as a beautiful gift. Among the five of us that are married we have 15 children (8 years old and younger) and we are not done yet, God willing! We are all raising our children in the beautiful Catholic Faith.
I also have 2 sisters that are consecrated virgins. I doubt you would invite any of us pro-life women to have a say. Why do only women who use contraception have a say? I have the most wonderful husband. I knew he was a gentleman the first time I saw him. I thank God every day for my husband. We have two little children and one in Heaven. I miscarried our second baby at a mere 13 weeks and he was a perfectly formed baby boy. At thirteen weeks we even knew he was a boy – go ahead and keep saying they are just a clump of cells, or a “product of conception” or whatever dehumanizing terms you give to our little ones. What my husband and I saw on that very heartrending day when I miscarried him was a baby, plain and simple. Why is it that you think that men should not have a say? Men have no say because they are men? Men have just as much say as women because as far as I know, women are not asexual beings. All men have a say because they are our fathers, brothers and husbands. We all have a say because we are alive. How false feminism is destroying our culture! What has happened to the day in which men protected their mothers, sisters and wives? There are still many men who love women for who they are and not for what they can get from them. These men have a say and even if you don’t want to hear them, we do. Don’t speak for us.
You say women know that birth control is basic healthcare. You don’t speak for me, Cecile Richards. Count me out! I have a husband that loves me more than to reject what defines me as a woman, namely motherhood. Is rejection of motherhood basic healthcare? I love my husband more than to reject his masculinity and fatherhood by using birth control. We have never used it and we never will. Birth control is a rejection of the other. Is that basic healthcare? You call it “protected sex”…protection from what? Is it protection from the one you love? I pray every woman will come to know what real love is. Birth control prevents children. When will we stop talking about children as unloved, unintended and a burden? Is the rejection of children basic healthcare? Many times birth control aborts a tiny baby. Is murder basic healthcare? “They are going to have sex anyways” so provide our youth with birth control? How is degrading young girls basic healthcare? Birth control pills cause so many problems to the woman’s body and you call this basic healthcare? If you were so concerned about women, why has Planned Parenthood eliminated the voice of millions of little girls who will never have a say? By the way, many abortionists are men. You let them have a say every
time they kill a little baby girl, but you will not allow true men to have a say?
The families that love life are having many children…we are growing in numbers and we love the Catholic Church and we are not going away. Cecile Richards,
HERE COMES THE CATHOLIC CHURCH!
Anne Hazel
Not every voice is heard.
I am the youngest of eight: two boys, five girls (the oldest is a boy in Heaven…the 7 of us living were all born within 8 years, no twins). If my Mom and Dad had listened to your ideology, I would not be here because according to you they had too many children. I thank God that they had all of us and as I was growing up I wished we had a bigger family. My Mom and Dad have been married 43 years and they raised us with a lot of love and self-sacrifice and on one pay. For the nine of us we had 3 bedrooms (who says you can’t put 5 girls in one bedroom!) and one bathroom. They raised all of us Catholic and we all practice our Faith with devotion. My childhood is filled with happy memories. We have found spouses that are like ourselves, faithful Catholics as well, thank God! You don’t speak for me or for any of my brothers and sisters.
None of us have ever used contraception and we all see life as a beautiful gift. Among the five of us that are married we have 15 children (8 years old and younger) and we are not done yet, God willing! We are all raising our children in the beautiful Catholic Faith.
I also have 2 sisters that are consecrated virgins. I doubt you would invite any of us pro-life women to have a say. Why do only women who use contraception have a say? I have the most wonderful husband. I knew he was a gentleman the first time I saw him. I thank God every day for my husband. We have two little children and one in Heaven. I miscarried our second baby at a mere 13 weeks and he was a perfectly formed baby boy. At thirteen weeks we even knew he was a boy – go ahead and keep saying they are just a clump of cells, or a “product of conception” or whatever dehumanizing terms you give to our little ones. What my husband and I saw on that very heartrending day when I miscarried him was a baby, plain and simple. Why is it that you think that men should not have a say? Men have no say because they are men? Men have just as much say as women because as far as I know, women are not asexual beings. All men have a say because they are our fathers, brothers and husbands. We all have a say because we are alive. How false feminism is destroying our culture! What has happened to the day in which men protected their mothers, sisters and wives? There are still many men who love women for who they are and not for what they can get from them. These men have a say and even if you don’t want to hear them, we do. Don’t speak for us.
You say women know that birth control is basic healthcare. You don’t speak for me, Cecile Richards. Count me out! I have a husband that loves me more than to reject what defines me as a woman, namely motherhood. Is rejection of motherhood basic healthcare? I love my husband more than to reject his masculinity and fatherhood by using birth control. We have never used it and we never will. Birth control is a rejection of the other. Is that basic healthcare? You call it “protected sex”…protection from what? Is it protection from the one you love? I pray every woman will come to know what real love is. Birth control prevents children. When will we stop talking about children as unloved, unintended and a burden? Is the rejection of children basic healthcare? Many times birth control aborts a tiny baby. Is murder basic healthcare? “They are going to have sex anyways” so provide our youth with birth control? How is degrading young girls basic healthcare? Birth control pills cause so many problems to the woman’s body and you call this basic healthcare? If you were so concerned about women, why has Planned Parenthood eliminated the voice of millions of little girls who will never have a say? By the way, many abortionists are men. You let them have a say every
time they kill a little baby girl, but you will not allow true men to have a say?
The families that love life are having many children…we are growing in numbers and we love the Catholic Church and we are not going away. Cecile Richards,
HERE COMES THE CATHOLIC CHURCH!
Anne Hazel
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Sarah Scott Has a Say!
When I was 14 months along a sonogram showed that our baby had fluid built up around her head and abdomen. My OB was somber, and said that irrespective of the cause of the problem, things did not look good for our little one.
It was recommended that we go for a second ultrasound and an opinion from a high risk specialist. We did so. We also had an amniocentesis done. As we waited a week for the results, I prayed as I researched all of the possible scenarios on the internet.
I prayed that our baby would live. I prayed that whatever the abnormality, that our baby would survive birth and be ours to hold and love for even a short time. I found myself praying that our baby would have Downs Syndrome, for at least that condition was not fatal.
However, our baby was found to have Trisomy 18, a condition considered to be fatal, either in utero, at birth, or shortly after birth. Our baby girl did in fact die at 17.5 weeks along. I had felt her move inside me, and then felt the lack of movement. I knew when her spirit left me.
When I held her in my hand at the hospital after having her induced, I appreciated God’s mercy in rescuing her from earthly suffering, and I thanked God for sparing our family (we have six young children) from the trauma of witnessing that suffering despite our willingness to do so had that been God’s will. I also thanked God for the opportunity my husband and I had to exhibit our faith in action to our children. They now know what it means to love life from the moment of conception, and they know that they were so loved.
And so now as I watch the news and view our current society, I am outraged and overcome.
I want my say, and so I pray….
Dear God please let all of your faithful be spurred to action as we witness a society brazenly baring its ugliest sides without hint of remorse.
Homosexual marriage.
Free contraception.
Wrongful life suit for a Downs Syndrome baby that would have been aborted had the parents only known.
Is there any dignity left in our people? Is there any humanity? Faith?
I pray that the dialogue in our nation be elevated. I pray that instead of discussing marriage as a civil union we discuss it as a most Holy Sacrament; a vocation through which men and women are called to attempt to create life and then to welcome that life, if so blessed.
I pray that spouses view one another as partners on the journey to heaven – that they strive to grow in holiness together; that they forever seek to minister to one another spiritually, emotionally, and physically without selfishness.
I pray that men and women at all ages and stages of life find the courage to defy the societal call to immorality and discover the beauty and dignity to be found in living lives of intentional and willful chastity, whether single, married, or religious.
I pray that contraception be replaced with virginity, natural family planning, or abstaining, and that the heavenly gift of human sexuality finds its rightful place within loving marriages.
I pray that every life be recognized as a wondrous miracle of God, worthy of protection and respect.
I pray that parents welcome the children that God blesses them with, understanding that from the very moment of conception their child’s soul was hand-picked by God and entrusted to them for some heavenly purpose that they need to grow to comprehend.
I pray that every woman who considers abortion chooses adoption instead.
I am so thankful that I will always have my say, for I will always PRAY!!!!
Prayer is my greatest weapon. And my husband and I are teaching our children to pray.
Yes, secular society, I am one of your greatest threats as I sit quietly in my happy home holding the multi-colored beads of my Pro-Life Rosary.
My name is Sarah Scott. I love my husband. I love my children. I love my Catholic faith. I love my God, and I am grateful for my life.
I am grateful for the beautiful faith of my mother and father. My mother had two full-term still-born babies back to back. She and my father were so sad. Sad beyond words. But their faith was never shaken. They went on to have five living children in all…I am the youngest, born when my mother was 40. Thank you, Mom and Dad. You were my first and best example of faith in action.
It was recommended that we go for a second ultrasound and an opinion from a high risk specialist. We did so. We also had an amniocentesis done. As we waited a week for the results, I prayed as I researched all of the possible scenarios on the internet.
I prayed that our baby would live. I prayed that whatever the abnormality, that our baby would survive birth and be ours to hold and love for even a short time. I found myself praying that our baby would have Downs Syndrome, for at least that condition was not fatal.
However, our baby was found to have Trisomy 18, a condition considered to be fatal, either in utero, at birth, or shortly after birth. Our baby girl did in fact die at 17.5 weeks along. I had felt her move inside me, and then felt the lack of movement. I knew when her spirit left me.
When I held her in my hand at the hospital after having her induced, I appreciated God’s mercy in rescuing her from earthly suffering, and I thanked God for sparing our family (we have six young children) from the trauma of witnessing that suffering despite our willingness to do so had that been God’s will. I also thanked God for the opportunity my husband and I had to exhibit our faith in action to our children. They now know what it means to love life from the moment of conception, and they know that they were so loved.
And so now as I watch the news and view our current society, I am outraged and overcome.
I want my say, and so I pray….
Dear God please let all of your faithful be spurred to action as we witness a society brazenly baring its ugliest sides without hint of remorse.
Homosexual marriage.
Free contraception.
Wrongful life suit for a Downs Syndrome baby that would have been aborted had the parents only known.
Is there any dignity left in our people? Is there any humanity? Faith?
I pray that the dialogue in our nation be elevated. I pray that instead of discussing marriage as a civil union we discuss it as a most Holy Sacrament; a vocation through which men and women are called to attempt to create life and then to welcome that life, if so blessed.
I pray that spouses view one another as partners on the journey to heaven – that they strive to grow in holiness together; that they forever seek to minister to one another spiritually, emotionally, and physically without selfishness.
I pray that men and women at all ages and stages of life find the courage to defy the societal call to immorality and discover the beauty and dignity to be found in living lives of intentional and willful chastity, whether single, married, or religious.
I pray that contraception be replaced with virginity, natural family planning, or abstaining, and that the heavenly gift of human sexuality finds its rightful place within loving marriages.
I pray that every life be recognized as a wondrous miracle of God, worthy of protection and respect.
I pray that parents welcome the children that God blesses them with, understanding that from the very moment of conception their child’s soul was hand-picked by God and entrusted to them for some heavenly purpose that they need to grow to comprehend.
I pray that every woman who considers abortion chooses adoption instead.
I am so thankful that I will always have my say, for I will always PRAY!!!!
Prayer is my greatest weapon. And my husband and I are teaching our children to pray.
Yes, secular society, I am one of your greatest threats as I sit quietly in my happy home holding the multi-colored beads of my Pro-Life Rosary.
My name is Sarah Scott. I love my husband. I love my children. I love my Catholic faith. I love my God, and I am grateful for my life.
I am grateful for the beautiful faith of my mother and father. My mother had two full-term still-born babies back to back. She and my father were so sad. Sad beyond words. But their faith was never shaken. They went on to have five living children in all…I am the youngest, born when my mother was 40. Thank you, Mom and Dad. You were my first and best example of faith in action.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Marie Cherry Used to Contracept....and She Has a Say!
I am proud to say that I have a say! My story isn’t as amazing as the others shared here. And no great hurdles have been thrown in my path, but I think that my story…especially the first part…is shared by so many women of my generation.
I was raised in a Catholic home from the time I was born. My family went to Mass every Sunday and every Holy Day. We always looked for (and found!) a church when we were out of town. Those things made me “really Catholic” among my friends. My parents kept close tabs on me and my brother.
As I reached my teens, I found myself in a Catholic girls high school. I suppose it was a more gentle high school experience than public school would have offered and the sisters and other teachers expected more of us, both academically and personally, than might have been expected at a public school. But the truly authentic Catholic flavor was missing from my life…although I had no idea at the time.
I went on to get a bachelors degree—all the while attending Sunday Mass. I met a great guy who joined the church and we got married. We had welcomed three daughters into our family by the time I was 32. The whole time I considered myself pretty Catholic—mostly because I was a regular at Mass. I’d even been to some daily Masses. Sure, we contracepted, but considering that contraception was taught in my Catholic high school, I didn’t consider it a problem.
I suppose that I began to wake up to the fact that contraception didn’t fit in with God’s plan just before our second daughter turned one through some reading I was doing and while we didn’t stop contracepting completely, we had just enough of a break to conceive our third child. When newly pregnant, I began spotting. An ultrasound didn’t show a baby growing and my blood levels were not rising properly. I was told that the pregnancy was a blighted ovum. My doctor said I could wait and miscarry naturally or have a D&C. I chose to wait and miscarry naturally. Although the baby wasn’t planned, and I was just six weeks pregnant, we mourned the loss of that child. Days became weeks, and my body wasn’t giving up the pregnancy. I returned to the doctor for a follow up appointment and after looking at my blood test results, my doctor quickly scheduled an ultrasound. The baby was there—just the way an eight week old baby was supposed to be. I went on to carry her to term without further incident. That experience really solidified my pro-life beliefs and I am so very thankful that we didn’t choose the D&C.
Just before her birth I was told about a local Catholic homeschool group. At that point I just liked the idea of continuing to help my daughter learn and thought it would be the best environment for her. I figured the Catholic support group was just like any other support group except the women attended Catholic churches. I couldn’t make a meeting for about 8 more months. That meeting was the turning point in our lives. It was the first exposure to people who had that authentic Catholic flavor in their lives. It was the first time that I had met a group of people who actually knew, embraced and followed Church teaching without exception. It was eye opening to say the least. I owe my real conversion to a priest in an online forum. Although I don’t know his name, I am forever grateful to him. I posed a question and in it said something about contracepting…pretty casually as I recall. He gently let me know that it wasn’t all right. That what the Church taught was what the Church taught. There weren’t any loopholes and that while individual priests or teachers might espouse something different, that wasn’t authentic. I was blown away. I pondered that for a while and within a week or so plucked up the courage to speak to my husband. We were nearing our 10th wedding anniversary and I asked him to give me a non-contracepting marriage as an anniversary gift. He (God Bless Him!) agreed, although he didn’t get it at all. He did a lot of reading and soul searching and in time he wholeheartedly accepted the Church’s teaching.
I may have come late to the party, but I am completely on board! In addition to strengthening our marriage, we have found the true treasures of our faith. I truly believe that in accepting God’s plan for our lives, we have been given innumerable graces. That 10th anniversary is nearly 10 years in the past and this fall we will celebrate our 20th anniversary. We have welcomed two boys and another daughter during those years for a grand total of six children.
I have lived on both sides of the contracepting fence…and I know which side is greener and I’m staying on it! Cecile Richards doesn’t begin to speak for me…I have my own say!
I was raised in a Catholic home from the time I was born. My family went to Mass every Sunday and every Holy Day. We always looked for (and found!) a church when we were out of town. Those things made me “really Catholic” among my friends. My parents kept close tabs on me and my brother.
As I reached my teens, I found myself in a Catholic girls high school. I suppose it was a more gentle high school experience than public school would have offered and the sisters and other teachers expected more of us, both academically and personally, than might have been expected at a public school. But the truly authentic Catholic flavor was missing from my life…although I had no idea at the time.
I went on to get a bachelors degree—all the while attending Sunday Mass. I met a great guy who joined the church and we got married. We had welcomed three daughters into our family by the time I was 32. The whole time I considered myself pretty Catholic—mostly because I was a regular at Mass. I’d even been to some daily Masses. Sure, we contracepted, but considering that contraception was taught in my Catholic high school, I didn’t consider it a problem.
I suppose that I began to wake up to the fact that contraception didn’t fit in with God’s plan just before our second daughter turned one through some reading I was doing and while we didn’t stop contracepting completely, we had just enough of a break to conceive our third child. When newly pregnant, I began spotting. An ultrasound didn’t show a baby growing and my blood levels were not rising properly. I was told that the pregnancy was a blighted ovum. My doctor said I could wait and miscarry naturally or have a D&C. I chose to wait and miscarry naturally. Although the baby wasn’t planned, and I was just six weeks pregnant, we mourned the loss of that child. Days became weeks, and my body wasn’t giving up the pregnancy. I returned to the doctor for a follow up appointment and after looking at my blood test results, my doctor quickly scheduled an ultrasound. The baby was there—just the way an eight week old baby was supposed to be. I went on to carry her to term without further incident. That experience really solidified my pro-life beliefs and I am so very thankful that we didn’t choose the D&C.
Just before her birth I was told about a local Catholic homeschool group. At that point I just liked the idea of continuing to help my daughter learn and thought it would be the best environment for her. I figured the Catholic support group was just like any other support group except the women attended Catholic churches. I couldn’t make a meeting for about 8 more months. That meeting was the turning point in our lives. It was the first exposure to people who had that authentic Catholic flavor in their lives. It was the first time that I had met a group of people who actually knew, embraced and followed Church teaching without exception. It was eye opening to say the least. I owe my real conversion to a priest in an online forum. Although I don’t know his name, I am forever grateful to him. I posed a question and in it said something about contracepting…pretty casually as I recall. He gently let me know that it wasn’t all right. That what the Church taught was what the Church taught. There weren’t any loopholes and that while individual priests or teachers might espouse something different, that wasn’t authentic. I was blown away. I pondered that for a while and within a week or so plucked up the courage to speak to my husband. We were nearing our 10th wedding anniversary and I asked him to give me a non-contracepting marriage as an anniversary gift. He (God Bless Him!) agreed, although he didn’t get it at all. He did a lot of reading and soul searching and in time he wholeheartedly accepted the Church’s teaching.
I may have come late to the party, but I am completely on board! In addition to strengthening our marriage, we have found the true treasures of our faith. I truly believe that in accepting God’s plan for our lives, we have been given innumerable graces. That 10th anniversary is nearly 10 years in the past and this fall we will celebrate our 20th anniversary. We have welcomed two boys and another daughter during those years for a grand total of six children.
I have lived on both sides of the contracepting fence…and I know which side is greener and I’m staying on it! Cecile Richards doesn’t begin to speak for me…I have my own say!
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Amber Has End Stage Kidney Failure...And She Has a Say!
I have a say because I am a woman. I have a say because I have End Stage Renal Disease. My children have a say because I chose them above what was thought to be the "best choice".
I have had Chronic Kidney Disease for the last 12 years. During these twelve years my kidney function has gone from 95% to 14%. Yes, you read that right, I am currently at End Stage Renal Disease.
I had 2 children while my kidneys were still "good". In 2002 I spent a month on bedrest at home and 6 weeks in the hospital, trying to get my oldest here safely. Again, in 2004, we spent 3 months on modified bedrest (I had a toddler) and my 2nd was born safely. Getting them here was not easy, I had a PIC line to receive treatments, labs every few weeks, Bio-Physical Profiles once a week towards the end. Many things that some would consider it a "hard pregnancy", yet I knew in my heart that we would pull through. People have gone through worse. I was not Catholic at the time and I was told that having more children would not be in our best interest.
I converted to Catholicism in 2005. In May 2005 I had a large Pulmonary Embolism (bloodclot in my lung). The ER doctor had tears in his eyes when he told me. He wasn't even going to look for that. But my nephrologist (kidney doctor) insisted he do more than an X-ray. My family doctor pretty much told me I would have died if I waited any longer. My guardian angel sure was looking out for me.. But I was in the hospital for a week.
In 2006, we were preparing for dialysis. I went through the class and everything. It took me 3 years to go from 25 percent to 20 (in 2009). I've been mentally prepared for kidney failure for a long time. Many people don't have that blessing. Some people have instant failure, so they feel bitter and don't understand. Some people didn't know they had a problem, and are angry. Some people refuse to do certain things to help themselves get better. I've not had the problem. I'm not bitter at all. I've been ready for a long time. Willing for the next step towards transplant. Praying for peace, knowing it's inevitable. Praying for a miracle, even for the miracle of medicine. My husband and I were happy with the 2 children we were blessed with, both would be considered miracles. We decided that we would adopt or try for other children after a transplant.
In 2009 we got a real surprise. I was pregnant. We found out fairly early. I was terrified. I was on coumadin because of my clot, I had 20% kidney function. I didn't know what would happen to my child. I went to my high risk doctor, prepared to hear him yell at me. After all he said it wouldn't be wise, he did help me get through the other two, but warned me not to try again. When we got there, he told us we were 4 weeks pregnant. Really early. He told me that he thought an abortion may be the best thing. "No baby, in your condition, will make it to a point of viability." I told him, "No, Doc. If you can't/won't help me, I will find someone else". He then told me, "Okay, let's get you as far as we can. I am saying 20 weeks will be as far as we get."
Wow, 20 weeks. Well the baby would have a chance, no matter how small. We took our chance. I was terrified. I loved my baby and the thought of not being able to carry him or her was sickening. They told me I may have to start dialysis as soon as the baby was born. We went to the doctor, did everything he told us to do. Every week the baby looked great, my blood pressure stayed stable, my labs fluctuated between 19%-21%. We were trucking along. When I got to 25 weeks, the doctors were in shock. I just kept telling them, let's try another week. Everything looks good. Let's keep going.
My baby ended up being born at 38 weeks gestation! The doctors were amazed. They never would have guessed that. I got very tired of hearing "You aren't going to make it to X week" then we passed that week! Every day I prayed "just one more day God, let him grow for one more day".
Today he is a wonderful little toddler who adds joy to all our lives! All 3 of my children are healthy. Unheard of, unthinkable.
I have a say, because I trust myself and God enough to tell the doctors "Lets try anyway".
I have had Chronic Kidney Disease for the last 12 years. During these twelve years my kidney function has gone from 95% to 14%. Yes, you read that right, I am currently at End Stage Renal Disease.
I had 2 children while my kidneys were still "good". In 2002 I spent a month on bedrest at home and 6 weeks in the hospital, trying to get my oldest here safely. Again, in 2004, we spent 3 months on modified bedrest (I had a toddler) and my 2nd was born safely. Getting them here was not easy, I had a PIC line to receive treatments, labs every few weeks, Bio-Physical Profiles once a week towards the end. Many things that some would consider it a "hard pregnancy", yet I knew in my heart that we would pull through. People have gone through worse. I was not Catholic at the time and I was told that having more children would not be in our best interest.
I converted to Catholicism in 2005. In May 2005 I had a large Pulmonary Embolism (bloodclot in my lung). The ER doctor had tears in his eyes when he told me. He wasn't even going to look for that. But my nephrologist (kidney doctor) insisted he do more than an X-ray. My family doctor pretty much told me I would have died if I waited any longer. My guardian angel sure was looking out for me.. But I was in the hospital for a week.
In 2006, we were preparing for dialysis. I went through the class and everything. It took me 3 years to go from 25 percent to 20 (in 2009). I've been mentally prepared for kidney failure for a long time. Many people don't have that blessing. Some people have instant failure, so they feel bitter and don't understand. Some people didn't know they had a problem, and are angry. Some people refuse to do certain things to help themselves get better. I've not had the problem. I'm not bitter at all. I've been ready for a long time. Willing for the next step towards transplant. Praying for peace, knowing it's inevitable. Praying for a miracle, even for the miracle of medicine. My husband and I were happy with the 2 children we were blessed with, both would be considered miracles. We decided that we would adopt or try for other children after a transplant.
In 2009 we got a real surprise. I was pregnant. We found out fairly early. I was terrified. I was on coumadin because of my clot, I had 20% kidney function. I didn't know what would happen to my child. I went to my high risk doctor, prepared to hear him yell at me. After all he said it wouldn't be wise, he did help me get through the other two, but warned me not to try again. When we got there, he told us we were 4 weeks pregnant. Really early. He told me that he thought an abortion may be the best thing. "No baby, in your condition, will make it to a point of viability." I told him, "No, Doc. If you can't/won't help me, I will find someone else". He then told me, "Okay, let's get you as far as we can. I am saying 20 weeks will be as far as we get."
Wow, 20 weeks. Well the baby would have a chance, no matter how small. We took our chance. I was terrified. I loved my baby and the thought of not being able to carry him or her was sickening. They told me I may have to start dialysis as soon as the baby was born. We went to the doctor, did everything he told us to do. Every week the baby looked great, my blood pressure stayed stable, my labs fluctuated between 19%-21%. We were trucking along. When I got to 25 weeks, the doctors were in shock. I just kept telling them, let's try another week. Everything looks good. Let's keep going.
My baby ended up being born at 38 weeks gestation! The doctors were amazed. They never would have guessed that. I got very tired of hearing "You aren't going to make it to X week" then we passed that week! Every day I prayed "just one more day God, let him grow for one more day".
Today he is a wonderful little toddler who adds joy to all our lives! All 3 of my children are healthy. Unheard of, unthinkable.
I have a say, because I trust myself and God enough to tell the doctors "Lets try anyway".
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Ambria Martin, FOCUS Missionary (next year) Has a Say
I'm so thankful that my parents 23 years ago decided to give me life. I'm the product of an unwed cohabiting couple that was unplanned.Yet to them I was seen as a gift and thus given a beautiful chance at life. At first my life was rough, I was born over a month early, weighing in at 4lbs and almost immediately placed in an incubator. There were moments when the doctors didn't know how I would end up. My parents fought for me though not just in the physical sense but in the spiritual sense. My mother prayed and prayed that I would be a healthy child. God granted her that prayer and I've grown up with an amazingly healthy life. I've been given wonderful gifts throughout this life but the biggest is the gift of two siblings, an older half brother and a younger sister. A few months ago I found out that I'm going to be a Catholic missionary on a college campus next year. I'm so glad that God has granted me the gift to allow me this type of job. I have been given the chance to have a say and i'm so blessed to have parents who cherished that. I don't know how many lives God will change by being able to use me as a tool on a college campus but I can only imagine-- his love is that infinite. While I have a say, my other half sibling didn't. One woman's choice changed my entire family and ultimately brought her grave pain. I want to say right now Cecile, that your idea of a "choice" has killed a member of my family and they didn't even get the chance to ask, "can I live?". No one else was given the chance to speak on that woman's choice yet we all live with the loss of a beautiful person. I have a say and I refuse to allow you mask this issue without showing what an abortion actually does to a family. One woman had a choice and her choice was selfish and manipulative. It continues to devastate my family. I speak on behalf of my half sibling and the rest of the unborn who weren't given the chance that I was and I'm not going anywhere
Friday, March 23, 2012
Julie Brase Pregnant and on Methotrexate Has a Say!
Although I am not Catholic, I have a say. In 1995 I was 27 and had a stroke. I was diagnosed with a rare auto immune disease call Takayasu Arteritis three days after my stroke. My left carotid and subclavian arteries were 100% occluded and remain in that state to this day.
Two years later my right carotid, subclavian and vertebral arteries were closing (80-90%) so I had a stint placed in each artery (total of three). My doctor decided to put me on methotrexate. Anyone who has ever been on this medication or in the medical field knows that you DO NOT get pregnant on methotrexate. It causes spina bifida and miscarriage (and is actually used to cause an abortion).
Yet here I found myself pregnant. Two of my doctors told me to abort my baby. The first reason was the methotrexate, the second was my disease and the fact I had a previous stroke (I have fully recovered). I immediately refused, my husband agreed. One of my doctors said that no one can tell a woman to end the life of their child and that he would be here if I needed him (this was my neurologist). My OB told me after it was over that he never wanted me as an OB patient again as he worried so much during my pregnancy. He was half joking but I wouldn't want me as a patient either with the same circumstances.
It was a scary time for my whole family. I already had two children, I didn't want to leave them motherless or my husband a widow. Yet I had an instant calm the day I found out I was pregnant, I somehow knew it would be ok. I had to give myself heparin (blood thinner) shots in my stomach twice a day, got gestational diabetes from the prednisone and couldn't have a c-section because of the danger of blood clots. I cried many nights worrying about my baby but never did I fear for my own life. I knew God had His hand in this and it was His plan.
I went into labor three weeks early. One of the many miracles in my life was that my anesthesiologist wrote a paper on my specific disease and anesthesia. My disease is very rare, there are only about 300 people world wide who have it. I couldn't push when it came time to push because doctors feared the pressure caused on my already weak arteries. So I couldn't push and I couldn't have a c-section, yet the birth went like clockwork. I won't go into the details on how they did it but out she came screaming 5 minutes before Super Bowl kickoff .
She was born perfectly healthy, all 10 fingers and toes. Today she is an absolutely beautiful 13 year old who is brilliant, artistic and loves to ride horses. She was destined to live and she has a purpose. There is a reason each and everyone of us were created...God doesn't make mistakes.
Here is a picture of my lovely daughter
I state again that I'm not Catholic but in this fight, we are all Catholics now!
Two years later my right carotid, subclavian and vertebral arteries were closing (80-90%) so I had a stint placed in each artery (total of three). My doctor decided to put me on methotrexate. Anyone who has ever been on this medication or in the medical field knows that you DO NOT get pregnant on methotrexate. It causes spina bifida and miscarriage (and is actually used to cause an abortion).
Yet here I found myself pregnant. Two of my doctors told me to abort my baby. The first reason was the methotrexate, the second was my disease and the fact I had a previous stroke (I have fully recovered). I immediately refused, my husband agreed. One of my doctors said that no one can tell a woman to end the life of their child and that he would be here if I needed him (this was my neurologist). My OB told me after it was over that he never wanted me as an OB patient again as he worried so much during my pregnancy. He was half joking but I wouldn't want me as a patient either with the same circumstances.
It was a scary time for my whole family. I already had two children, I didn't want to leave them motherless or my husband a widow. Yet I had an instant calm the day I found out I was pregnant, I somehow knew it would be ok. I had to give myself heparin (blood thinner) shots in my stomach twice a day, got gestational diabetes from the prednisone and couldn't have a c-section because of the danger of blood clots. I cried many nights worrying about my baby but never did I fear for my own life. I knew God had His hand in this and it was His plan.
I went into labor three weeks early. One of the many miracles in my life was that my anesthesiologist wrote a paper on my specific disease and anesthesia. My disease is very rare, there are only about 300 people world wide who have it. I couldn't push when it came time to push because doctors feared the pressure caused on my already weak arteries. So I couldn't push and I couldn't have a c-section, yet the birth went like clockwork. I won't go into the details on how they did it but out she came screaming 5 minutes before Super Bowl kickoff .
She was born perfectly healthy, all 10 fingers and toes. Today she is an absolutely beautiful 13 year old who is brilliant, artistic and loves to ride horses. She was destined to live and she has a purpose. There is a reason each and everyone of us were created...God doesn't make mistakes.
Here is a picture of my lovely daughter
I state again that I'm not Catholic but in this fight, we are all Catholics now!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Pregnant With Breast Cancer, Erika Was Told to Abort
My daughter a say because I didn't take the popular breast cancer organizations' word about my breast cancer diagnosis. I was 28 years old and 20 weeks pregnant when I was diagnosed with BRCA1 breast cancer. The popular cancer organizations recommendation was to "terminate" my pregnancy so I could receive life-saving chemotherapy and surgery. As a Catholic I was appalled. As a mother who had miscarried four times previously, almost losing my life once, I could not imaging willingly killing my unborn child. However, I also was not content to sit idly by while my baby, and the tumor, grew.
I sought world-class help from MD Anderson Cancer Center. Once there, I learned that 1 in 3000 breast cancer diagnoses are made during pregnancy. MD Anderson had revolutionized breast cancer treatment while pregnant 20 years ago when it began giving a particular combination, strength, and schedule of chemotherapy to pregnant women. Not only were all the babies born side-effect free, the mothers that received treatment had better survival rates than their counterparts who aborted or were not pregnant at diagnosis.
I began FAC chemotherapy less than a month after my diagnosis. I was seven and a half months pregnant when I joined my eighteen month old son for his second annual Walk for Life in our hometown. On Thanksgiving day 2009, my beautiful daughter was born to a mother with as little hair as the newborn. There were no complications during the pregnancy or afterwards. Two or three short weeks after her delivery, I began another round of chemotherapy. When my daughter, Rachel, was only two months old I underwent a bilateral mastectomy. She is now 2 years old and the apple of everyone's eye.
She and I have given speeches to the local cancer organizations to enlighten women about the real options when faced with cancer during pregnancy. When she was a year old, I was given the local Right to Life groups "Life Award" in honor of not only talking the pro-life talk, but also walking the walk. I have made it my mission to educate as many people as possible about this frightening situation. It is my hope that my daughter will not have "termination" forced upon her if she inherits my genetic predilection for breast cancer. I have a say in her and my son's education about this horrible "choice". They have both "walked" for babies since they were babies. We will continue to have our say as we stand up for those who cannot.
I sought world-class help from MD Anderson Cancer Center. Once there, I learned that 1 in 3000 breast cancer diagnoses are made during pregnancy. MD Anderson had revolutionized breast cancer treatment while pregnant 20 years ago when it began giving a particular combination, strength, and schedule of chemotherapy to pregnant women. Not only were all the babies born side-effect free, the mothers that received treatment had better survival rates than their counterparts who aborted or were not pregnant at diagnosis.
I began FAC chemotherapy less than a month after my diagnosis. I was seven and a half months pregnant when I joined my eighteen month old son for his second annual Walk for Life in our hometown. On Thanksgiving day 2009, my beautiful daughter was born to a mother with as little hair as the newborn. There were no complications during the pregnancy or afterwards. Two or three short weeks after her delivery, I began another round of chemotherapy. When my daughter, Rachel, was only two months old I underwent a bilateral mastectomy. She is now 2 years old and the apple of everyone's eye.
She and I have given speeches to the local cancer organizations to enlighten women about the real options when faced with cancer during pregnancy. When she was a year old, I was given the local Right to Life groups "Life Award" in honor of not only talking the pro-life talk, but also walking the walk. I have made it my mission to educate as many people as possible about this frightening situation. It is my hope that my daughter will not have "termination" forced upon her if she inherits my genetic predilection for breast cancer. I have a say in her and my son's education about this horrible "choice". They have both "walked" for babies since they were babies. We will continue to have our say as we stand up for those who cannot.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Bishop Michael Sheridan Has a Say
There are so many reasons why I thank my parents for choosing life for me – not least of which was the opportunity to receive the gifts of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist, which give life in Christ. I remember that, even as a child, I treasured those occasions when I could speak about being a Catholic, when I could participate in the sacraments and the prayer life of the Church. It is, however, the gift of my vocation to the priesthood that is the crowning jewel in my life in Christ. Despite my unworthiness, I have been called to teach and to give witness boldly to the truth of God’s revelation; to offer the Sacrifice of Christ and bring His mercy and forgiveness to sinners. And for that vocation I will be eternally grateful. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of life. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for accepting that gift.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
She Made Mistakes...and Now She Has a Say
I have a say….because I’ve proven to myself and to my detriment, that what the pro choice movement teaches is propaganda and harmful and forever devastating in the life of women. You believe yourself to be “protecting” our rights as women? Well I want to thank you for “protecting” me from the most joyous and life affirming job I’ve ever had- Motherhood. Thank you for making me believe that you can trick your body’s hormones to avoid pregnancy and the potential consequences are so limited that it’s a great answer to everyone’s “problem”. You work hard to convince women that killing their child is a reasonable choice to provide a resolution to a very difficult set of circumstances. You teach them that there are very limited chances for negative outcomes regarding abortion and that too is a lie. I hate myself at times for believing the lies told and for wanting to believe them as a way to escape my own poor moral standing and selfish choices. I did finally have a child after a long struggle as my hormones were so disordered that my body could not support a young fetus long enough for it to successfully gestate. I cried so many tears and was on my knees begging God for forgiveness for the choices that I made all too easily and freely and with your help. I take responsibility for what I chose, but I hate that you are at work and will be at work trying to undermine what I, as a Christian parent, will be teaching my daughter as she matures. The endless television commercials and print ads that remind young girls that they are “in control” of their own sex lives-what a sorry, sick and sad joke born of Satan.
Ironically, having my child has made the punishment for the choices I have made even worse. Though I have experienced boundless joy in sharing in the life of the precious creation that is my lovely daughter, I am also painfully and acutely aware at what I have destroyed. I loved my daughter from the moment I knew she existed, though I threw other children out like meaningless garbage because they didn’t fit into the life I was living. To have a child after you have aborted makes it so painfully clear… you cannot love one tiny embryo the instant that you discover it exists, yet declare the other to be a non-human mass of cells that can be discarded and forgotten. The joy of parenting my child is indescribable and limitless, though I am constantly reminded that it will happen but ONCE for me: One first tooth, one first step, one first day of school, one first soccer goal. Every “first” is a painful and shameful reminder of those babies I chose to view as burdens or as not fitting into my plan for life. I hang onto each of those first moments and I lament each one’s passing. Sometimes people think I am overly emotional about the passing of a normal milestone in the life of a child, but what they don’t know is that I am in mourning for not having had that moment with other children. I have shed many tears for the death and destruction I have caused. I pray that I am forgiven and I would like to believe that I am, but I have to live with what I have done. If I meet my children in heaven, will they know me? What will they call me, as I surely was not a mother to them? You are not protecting anything but Satan’s plan to destroy us from the inside out. What better, more effortless plan could there be for destroying God’s creation than to turn mother against child, and let us destroy our own?
Ironically, having my child has made the punishment for the choices I have made even worse. Though I have experienced boundless joy in sharing in the life of the precious creation that is my lovely daughter, I am also painfully and acutely aware at what I have destroyed. I loved my daughter from the moment I knew she existed, though I threw other children out like meaningless garbage because they didn’t fit into the life I was living. To have a child after you have aborted makes it so painfully clear… you cannot love one tiny embryo the instant that you discover it exists, yet declare the other to be a non-human mass of cells that can be discarded and forgotten. The joy of parenting my child is indescribable and limitless, though I am constantly reminded that it will happen but ONCE for me: One first tooth, one first step, one first day of school, one first soccer goal. Every “first” is a painful and shameful reminder of those babies I chose to view as burdens or as not fitting into my plan for life. I hang onto each of those first moments and I lament each one’s passing. Sometimes people think I am overly emotional about the passing of a normal milestone in the life of a child, but what they don’t know is that I am in mourning for not having had that moment with other children. I have shed many tears for the death and destruction I have caused. I pray that I am forgiven and I would like to believe that I am, but I have to live with what I have done. If I meet my children in heaven, will they know me? What will they call me, as I surely was not a mother to them? You are not protecting anything but Satan’s plan to destroy us from the inside out. What better, more effortless plan could there be for destroying God’s creation than to turn mother against child, and let us destroy our own?
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Michael Parsons and His Severely Handicapped Daughter Have a Say
I could write this essay about so many different subjects. I could build s story around my parents who raised nine kids on a teacher's salary and what a wonderful job they did. Or I could talk to you about the three foster children I adopted, since the other side likes to claim that pro-lifers only care about those in the womb and not the ones already here. I could expound on infertility and a host of other topics. However, the subject of this essay is my severely disabled daughter, Shannon.
When I was pregnant with our firstborn, I prayed that she would be a saint. When observing Shannon suffer the most I have told God--surely this is not what I had in mind. But I must remind myself that it is what He had planned. As our Lord told St. Faustina, "If angels were capable of envy, they would envy us for two things: one is the receiving of Holy Communion, and the other is suffering." That is because suffering unites us with the cross and brings conversion to sinners. Shannon was deprived of oxygen and so she has a severe form of cerebral palsy and requires a feeding tube. She cannot walk, talk or eat, but she can love and be loved. She seems to be fully aware and understand everything going on around her. Like Terri Schiavo, Shannon can be a real lightning rod for people.
There are those people who can see only what's on the surface and those who have the grace see the into the deep. For those who only see the surface, they largely find Shannon's life not worth living, as she admittedly does have tremendous suffering. We've heard people comment about wanting to be euthanized if they were ever to become a quadriplegic, etc. This category also includes the cars who honk or speed past the bus illegally when her wheelchair is being loaded and unloaded each day. It represents the spry elderly people who give us dirty looks at Mass when the lift on our van is taking too long. They only see the inconvenience and not the person who represents Jesus in front of them. They are in such a rush to get somewhere, but where are they going exactly?
The second category is the people who see into the deep--those who see Shannon for who she is--a treasure, a rare beauty. My nephew who wants to be a priest once said about Shannon, "I feel lucky to be in the presence of a real saint. Her eyes are so special, that you can see sometimes that she is not always here, that she is already somewhere else spiritually." This category includes all the people who love her including some family members and her dedicated teachers and therapists who work with her to achieve all she can physically. It is the beautiful elderly lady at Church who asks, "How is my angel?" It is my mother who tirelessly works with Shannon in our home to give us breaks. This category represents so many wonderful people.
Cecile Richards--I have a say and I choose to give a voice to those like my daughter who cannot speak. I will never give up. Are you a person on the surface, or can you see into the deep?
When I was pregnant with our firstborn, I prayed that she would be a saint. When observing Shannon suffer the most I have told God--surely this is not what I had in mind. But I must remind myself that it is what He had planned. As our Lord told St. Faustina, "If angels were capable of envy, they would envy us for two things: one is the receiving of Holy Communion, and the other is suffering." That is because suffering unites us with the cross and brings conversion to sinners. Shannon was deprived of oxygen and so she has a severe form of cerebral palsy and requires a feeding tube. She cannot walk, talk or eat, but she can love and be loved. She seems to be fully aware and understand everything going on around her. Like Terri Schiavo, Shannon can be a real lightning rod for people.
There are those people who can see only what's on the surface and those who have the grace see the into the deep. For those who only see the surface, they largely find Shannon's life not worth living, as she admittedly does have tremendous suffering. We've heard people comment about wanting to be euthanized if they were ever to become a quadriplegic, etc. This category also includes the cars who honk or speed past the bus illegally when her wheelchair is being loaded and unloaded each day. It represents the spry elderly people who give us dirty looks at Mass when the lift on our van is taking too long. They only see the inconvenience and not the person who represents Jesus in front of them. They are in such a rush to get somewhere, but where are they going exactly?
The second category is the people who see into the deep--those who see Shannon for who she is--a treasure, a rare beauty. My nephew who wants to be a priest once said about Shannon, "I feel lucky to be in the presence of a real saint. Her eyes are so special, that you can see sometimes that she is not always here, that she is already somewhere else spiritually." This category includes all the people who love her including some family members and her dedicated teachers and therapists who work with her to achieve all she can physically. It is the beautiful elderly lady at Church who asks, "How is my angel?" It is my mother who tirelessly works with Shannon in our home to give us breaks. This category represents so many wonderful people.
Cecile Richards--I have a say and I choose to give a voice to those like my daughter who cannot speak. I will never give up. Are you a person on the surface, or can you see into the deep?
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Catherine was Told to Abort but She Has a Say
As a Mother Who Was Told to Abort - I Have a Say
For years, I was told I was infertile, incapable of becoming pregnant. The cause was unknown.
I was heartbroken, but accepted that it was God's will for my life.
In my mid thirties, when I was diagnosed with an auto immune disease, I was put on high doses of steroids, a medication called plaquenil, and some pain killers to take if I need them. These medications did their job. Slowly but surely my body stopped attacking itself, and began to heal. Unbeknownst to me, these medications also allowed my body to conceive a child. I was so focused on my new diagnoses, I hadn't even considered pregnancy. I was more than 8 weeks along before it occurred to me that I was probably pregnant. When a test confirmed my suspicions, I was shocked! I consulted with an OB over the phone who reassured me, and made an appointment to see my rheumatologist the next day.
I was completely unprepared for that doctor's visit. He chastised me for being irresponsible. He threw a pen across the room in disgust, slammed down my chart, and told me that if I didn't abort the pregnancy I would lose the baby anyway, and probably destroy my kidneys in the process. For good measure, he added in that if that wasn't enough, the medications I had been taking would probably cause the baby to be deformed. (Oh, dear, he believed imperfect children should never be born.. how shocking! )
I fired that doctor on the spot, but left his office in tears, traumatized. How could anyone be so heartless?
My next appointment was with a neonatologist who specialized in high risk pregnancies. We started our visit with a discussion. He was honest. Yes, these were not ideal circumstances, but he was completely supportive of my decision NOT to abort. He promised to do whatever was medically possible to see me to viability, and we both agreed to leave the rest in God's hands.
When we finished our meeting, he conducted an examination which included an ultrasound. It was the first time I saw our twins. Not one, but TWO babies! And according to all measurable standards - they were perfectly formed, and thriving.
As time went on, complications did occur. Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome, and some preterm labor definitely kept me in constant contact with God. We set a goal to get to 18 weeks before I needed to be hospitalized and continuously monitored. At 18 weeks, I was fine! Ultrasounds and other tests two to three times a week continued to amaze everyone. The babies were stable, my kidneys were fine, and my pre-term labor had stopped!
The boys were born at 32 weeks. I was not admitted to the hospital until the day before they were born. They came home after a short stay in the NICU, and have grown and thrived. Today I have strong, healthy, intelligent boys.
It makes me shudder to think that someday in America, another woman in my position may not be deemed worthy of the care I was given. After all, I was sick, and my babies didn't have very good odds of survival.
Any sensible panel would have looked at the numbers and said, no way. Especially considering they were twins, and with the Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome was factored in. Using some sort of statistics rubric, the logical conclusion would be that the babies would have been born as micro preemies and spent months in the NICU.
My children have always been overachievers. They gestated two months longer than expected, and their NICU stay was less than two weeks, rather than the two months that was originally estimated on the day they were born.
The only "imperfection" worth noting is that they have Asperger Syndrome. I'm sure that if they can ever isolate the gene for that, someday, it will be a viable excuse for abortion as well - and what a shame that will be. My boys are beautiful, amazing, and so very loved.
We are a homeschooling family. Our curriculum includes daily lessons in Catholicism. They are being raised to have a say, too. ;)
For years, I was told I was infertile, incapable of becoming pregnant. The cause was unknown.
I was heartbroken, but accepted that it was God's will for my life.
In my mid thirties, when I was diagnosed with an auto immune disease, I was put on high doses of steroids, a medication called plaquenil, and some pain killers to take if I need them. These medications did their job. Slowly but surely my body stopped attacking itself, and began to heal. Unbeknownst to me, these medications also allowed my body to conceive a child. I was so focused on my new diagnoses, I hadn't even considered pregnancy. I was more than 8 weeks along before it occurred to me that I was probably pregnant. When a test confirmed my suspicions, I was shocked! I consulted with an OB over the phone who reassured me, and made an appointment to see my rheumatologist the next day.
I was completely unprepared for that doctor's visit. He chastised me for being irresponsible. He threw a pen across the room in disgust, slammed down my chart, and told me that if I didn't abort the pregnancy I would lose the baby anyway, and probably destroy my kidneys in the process. For good measure, he added in that if that wasn't enough, the medications I had been taking would probably cause the baby to be deformed. (Oh, dear, he believed imperfect children should never be born.. how shocking! )
I fired that doctor on the spot, but left his office in tears, traumatized. How could anyone be so heartless?
My next appointment was with a neonatologist who specialized in high risk pregnancies. We started our visit with a discussion. He was honest. Yes, these were not ideal circumstances, but he was completely supportive of my decision NOT to abort. He promised to do whatever was medically possible to see me to viability, and we both agreed to leave the rest in God's hands.
When we finished our meeting, he conducted an examination which included an ultrasound. It was the first time I saw our twins. Not one, but TWO babies! And according to all measurable standards - they were perfectly formed, and thriving.
As time went on, complications did occur. Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome, and some preterm labor definitely kept me in constant contact with God. We set a goal to get to 18 weeks before I needed to be hospitalized and continuously monitored. At 18 weeks, I was fine! Ultrasounds and other tests two to three times a week continued to amaze everyone. The babies were stable, my kidneys were fine, and my pre-term labor had stopped!
The boys were born at 32 weeks. I was not admitted to the hospital until the day before they were born. They came home after a short stay in the NICU, and have grown and thrived. Today I have strong, healthy, intelligent boys.
It makes me shudder to think that someday in America, another woman in my position may not be deemed worthy of the care I was given. After all, I was sick, and my babies didn't have very good odds of survival.
Any sensible panel would have looked at the numbers and said, no way. Especially considering they were twins, and with the Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome was factored in. Using some sort of statistics rubric, the logical conclusion would be that the babies would have been born as micro preemies and spent months in the NICU.
My children have always been overachievers. They gestated two months longer than expected, and their NICU stay was less than two weeks, rather than the two months that was originally estimated on the day they were born.
The only "imperfection" worth noting is that they have Asperger Syndrome. I'm sure that if they can ever isolate the gene for that, someday, it will be a viable excuse for abortion as well - and what a shame that will be. My boys are beautiful, amazing, and so very loved.
We are a homeschooling family. Our curriculum includes daily lessons in Catholicism. They are being raised to have a say, too. ;)
Theresa Thomas, Mother of 9 on Earth and 5 in Heaven!
Oldest of 13, Mother of 9 on Earth, five in heaven
I have a say because my parents were unselfish, dedicated and valued life above material goods. The greatest gift to me as a child were my 12 other brothers and sisters. Having many siblings benefits children in many ways- they learn to share, they learn compassion, they learn to be unselfish and to work in a team for the good of others. In fact, large families are an antidote to selfishness, as their members learn to give and accept respect in so many intimate ways. This naturally spills out into society and makes it better. In a large family, no one gets the constant limelight so children learn to support others’ gifts and talents, and know when the time comes for their personal victories they have an audience of support and love for them.
I grew up in a family that also took in foster children- infants from the time they were born until they could be placed with adoptive families. This experience grew our family’s heart as well. College aged kids got up in the middle of the night to tend to the babies so Mom could rest on occasion, and the younger children learned to think outside themselves by sharing their toys and times with the little ones. Our youngest brother came to our family first as a foster child.
My own large family of nine has blessed my husband and me in many ways. God has invited me to be a better person through raising my children. I can’t imagine my life without them, and when I think about it deliberately, I am reduced to tears of thanksgiving for their presence in my life.
So many married women reject motherhood for a career, or willingly leave their children to find "fulfillment, excitement, money and power" in the workplace, but the real fulfillment comes from forming a human person- day to day formation of and sacrifice for another living human being- and not just any- your child.
The excitement is knowing he will go out in the world knowledgeable in truth and wisdom and contribute to society in positive ways, and exhibit virtue and goodness and character.
The reward is not money- it is something greater that you can take with you to heaven- your children and relationship with them.
Real power is being able to influence your child's mind, his thoughts words, intellect, talents and gifts, spirit and soul... And, in this very personal powerful way, to influence the world- generous mothers influence the world FAR more than any policy makers, legislators, diplomats and presidents-through the individual people they help form.
I have a say because my parents had a say, and they said with a loud and united voice, “YES!” to life!
I have a say because my parents were unselfish, dedicated and valued life above material goods. The greatest gift to me as a child were my 12 other brothers and sisters. Having many siblings benefits children in many ways- they learn to share, they learn compassion, they learn to be unselfish and to work in a team for the good of others. In fact, large families are an antidote to selfishness, as their members learn to give and accept respect in so many intimate ways. This naturally spills out into society and makes it better. In a large family, no one gets the constant limelight so children learn to support others’ gifts and talents, and know when the time comes for their personal victories they have an audience of support and love for them.
I grew up in a family that also took in foster children- infants from the time they were born until they could be placed with adoptive families. This experience grew our family’s heart as well. College aged kids got up in the middle of the night to tend to the babies so Mom could rest on occasion, and the younger children learned to think outside themselves by sharing their toys and times with the little ones. Our youngest brother came to our family first as a foster child.
My own large family of nine has blessed my husband and me in many ways. God has invited me to be a better person through raising my children. I can’t imagine my life without them, and when I think about it deliberately, I am reduced to tears of thanksgiving for their presence in my life.
So many married women reject motherhood for a career, or willingly leave their children to find "fulfillment, excitement, money and power" in the workplace, but the real fulfillment comes from forming a human person- day to day formation of and sacrifice for another living human being- and not just any- your child.
The excitement is knowing he will go out in the world knowledgeable in truth and wisdom and contribute to society in positive ways, and exhibit virtue and goodness and character.
The reward is not money- it is something greater that you can take with you to heaven- your children and relationship with them.
Real power is being able to influence your child's mind, his thoughts words, intellect, talents and gifts, spirit and soul... And, in this very personal powerful way, to influence the world- generous mothers influence the world FAR more than any policy makers, legislators, diplomats and presidents-through the individual people they help form.
I have a say because my parents had a say, and they said with a loud and united voice, “YES!” to life!
Friday, March 16, 2012
Shannon Harkins - Adopted at Birth (just like Jesus!!!)
My Mother couldn't have any more children. My parents decided they would adopt a child through Catholic Charities. They decided to adopt a little boy so that my older brother would have someone to play with. Then came the call that I was 'available'. My birth mother was a 16 year old girl who was at a home for unwed mothers in Charlotte, NC, and my father was soon to be deployed to Vietnam. My birth mother made the decision to give me life instead of taking my life. It would have been so much easier for her, I am sure, to do the latter, but she didn't kill me in her womb. I am so thankful to her for giving me the gift of life and for giving me such a wonderful childhood! I was so very blessed with two loving parents because of her gift of LIFE!
My parents were given 24 hours notice that I would be arriving if they wanted me... and they chose me! I was sometimes confused by adoption as I grew up - always wishing that I knew who I looked like or who I got my red hair from. Then, one day I realized, Jesus, too, was adopted! I was in the most perfect company! I would say to all those mothers out there that are thinking of aborting their innocent baby... give them the gift of LIFE!!! They are counting on you! You are there to protect them and love them and God has chosen you, specifically, for this task! Give them the gift of life and give them a say... and I can say this because my birth mother gave me a say!!! May the peace of Jesus and Mary be with you all! "Here comes the Catholic Church!!!"
My parents were given 24 hours notice that I would be arriving if they wanted me... and they chose me! I was sometimes confused by adoption as I grew up - always wishing that I knew who I looked like or who I got my red hair from. Then, one day I realized, Jesus, too, was adopted! I was in the most perfect company! I would say to all those mothers out there that are thinking of aborting their innocent baby... give them the gift of LIFE!!! They are counting on you! You are there to protect them and love them and God has chosen you, specifically, for this task! Give them the gift of life and give them a say... and I can say this because my birth mother gave me a say!!! May the peace of Jesus and Mary be with you all! "Here comes the Catholic Church!!!"
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Rebecca Willen "I Will Have My Say!"
I have a say. What do those words even mean? They mean that I, a young Catholic
woman, have the right and the ability to be a significant factor in my country. I can say what I wish, and I possess the right as a human being to have my voice heard among millions of my fellow citizens.
I…have…a…say.
Who am I? I’m a 19-year-old woman, a college student, formerly homeschooled, a
musician, a writer, a lover of books. More importantly as far as my character is concerned, I am a Catholic. I was blessed to have good Catholic parents, both converts, both devout. I have two older sisters, both of whom I look up to and love; one is a Carmelite nun. Right now, I attend Christendom College, a deeply Catholic school. I have hopes and dreams for the future. That is who I am as an individual.
But what am I as a person? I am a “rational animal”, according to Aristotle; I am “made in the image and likeness of God” according to the Faith. I am a human being; as such I have the rational powers, beyond the animals; I can think, reason, feel emotion; I possess a soul. It only takes logical thought, no deep insights by the Holy Spirit, to come to the knowledge of the facts about humanity. Each person is unique, each person is important, each person has natural rights and is governed by natural law. I am included in that. As a human being, I have the natural right
and duty to be a good citizen of the country in which I live.
As a citizen of the United States of America, I have the right to freedom of speech. That means I can say whatever I please – with the expectation that I have a role in the government and the functioning of my country. As a good citizen, it is my duty to take the appropriate means to accomplish whatever serves the greater good of my country. In voting, I vote for the good of my country and my fellow citizens. In my conversations with others, I promote the morals and good habits which are for their good and therefore, by extension, for my country. I use respectful, legitimate methods for letting my opinion be known so that those who make the laws of my country can properly assess the views of all citizens.
I have a say! And I will die for that right! Look to the Communist countries of the last century, to those living under the Third Reich, to the men and women in the Reign of Terror, to all who have been denied the right to hold conflicting opinions from their government. They were killed, thousands were slaughtered even, for one treasonous word, one act outside of the established norms. In every case there were brave men and women who refused to let their words be beaten down, who faced execution and laughed, that they might have a say! Martyrs throughout the centuries died for what they believed! Are we ready and willing to do the same?
America’s first revolutionaries would be ashamed of us if we could not stand up for our beliefs – they faced powder and shot for the right we hold. I challenge my fellow youth: whether it means taunts, teasing, or outright persecution, whether it means ostracism or death, let us always remember that we have a say! Let us say what we have to say with strength, vigor, and courage!
Have you ever wondered whether we might have had a cure for cancer now, whether we
could have been lead to world peace, whether we might not have had grand technological breakthroughs, in the last forty years? Too bad, we will never know if any of the lives that are ended minute by minute would have been a great hero.
Cecile, I have a say – and I say that you do not rule my thoughts and words. I will
have my say. I have been given life – I did not gain it myself. It was a gift from two loving, generous, self-sacrificing parents. I was given my life in love, and I believe I have the duty to help those who are being denied my gift.
I stand for life, for all the lives that have been abruptly ended by sterile knives, for all those infants who face a death worse than any we can. At least we will die having lived. They must die in ignorance of why their lives are ending; no knowledge of the sun and sky, no friends, alone in the dark. They are silent. In my own small way I speak for them.
I have a say.
woman, have the right and the ability to be a significant factor in my country. I can say what I wish, and I possess the right as a human being to have my voice heard among millions of my fellow citizens.
I…have…a…say.
Who am I? I’m a 19-year-old woman, a college student, formerly homeschooled, a
musician, a writer, a lover of books. More importantly as far as my character is concerned, I am a Catholic. I was blessed to have good Catholic parents, both converts, both devout. I have two older sisters, both of whom I look up to and love; one is a Carmelite nun. Right now, I attend Christendom College, a deeply Catholic school. I have hopes and dreams for the future. That is who I am as an individual.
But what am I as a person? I am a “rational animal”, according to Aristotle; I am “made in the image and likeness of God” according to the Faith. I am a human being; as such I have the rational powers, beyond the animals; I can think, reason, feel emotion; I possess a soul. It only takes logical thought, no deep insights by the Holy Spirit, to come to the knowledge of the facts about humanity. Each person is unique, each person is important, each person has natural rights and is governed by natural law. I am included in that. As a human being, I have the natural right
and duty to be a good citizen of the country in which I live.
As a citizen of the United States of America, I have the right to freedom of speech. That means I can say whatever I please – with the expectation that I have a role in the government and the functioning of my country. As a good citizen, it is my duty to take the appropriate means to accomplish whatever serves the greater good of my country. In voting, I vote for the good of my country and my fellow citizens. In my conversations with others, I promote the morals and good habits which are for their good and therefore, by extension, for my country. I use respectful, legitimate methods for letting my opinion be known so that those who make the laws of my country can properly assess the views of all citizens.
I have a say! And I will die for that right! Look to the Communist countries of the last century, to those living under the Third Reich, to the men and women in the Reign of Terror, to all who have been denied the right to hold conflicting opinions from their government. They were killed, thousands were slaughtered even, for one treasonous word, one act outside of the established norms. In every case there were brave men and women who refused to let their words be beaten down, who faced execution and laughed, that they might have a say! Martyrs throughout the centuries died for what they believed! Are we ready and willing to do the same?
America’s first revolutionaries would be ashamed of us if we could not stand up for our beliefs – they faced powder and shot for the right we hold. I challenge my fellow youth: whether it means taunts, teasing, or outright persecution, whether it means ostracism or death, let us always remember that we have a say! Let us say what we have to say with strength, vigor, and courage!
Have you ever wondered whether we might have had a cure for cancer now, whether we
could have been lead to world peace, whether we might not have had grand technological breakthroughs, in the last forty years? Too bad, we will never know if any of the lives that are ended minute by minute would have been a great hero.
Cecile, I have a say – and I say that you do not rule my thoughts and words. I will
have my say. I have been given life – I did not gain it myself. It was a gift from two loving, generous, self-sacrificing parents. I was given my life in love, and I believe I have the duty to help those who are being denied my gift.
I stand for life, for all the lives that have been abruptly ended by sterile knives, for all those infants who face a death worse than any we can. At least we will die having lived. They must die in ignorance of why their lives are ending; no knowledge of the sun and sky, no friends, alone in the dark. They are silent. In my own small way I speak for them.
I have a say.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Erika Vandiver - Breast Cancer During Pregnancy
My daughter a say because I didn't take the popular breast cancer organizations' word about my breast cancer diagnosis. I was 28 years old and 20 weeks pregnant when I was diagnosed with BRCA1 breast cancer. The popular cancer organizations recommendation was to "terminate" my pregnancy so I could receive life-saving chemotherapy and surgery. As a Catholic I was appalled. As a mother who had miscarried four times previously, almost losing my life once, I could not imaging willingly killing my unborn child. However, I also was not content to sit idly by while my baby, and the tumor, grew.
I sought world-class help from MD Anderson Cancer Center. Once there, I learned that 1 in 3000 breast cancer diagnoses are made during pregnancy. MD Anderson had revolutionized breast cancer treatment while pregnant 20 years ago when it began giving a particular combination, strength, and schedule of chemotherapy to pregnant women. Not only were all the babies born side-effect free, the mothers that received treatment had better survival rates than their counterparts who aborted or were not pregnant at diagnosis.
I began FAC chemotherapy less than a month after my diagnosis. I was seven and a half months pregnant when I joined my eighteen month old son for his second annual Walk for Life in our hometown. On Thanksgiving day 2009, my beautiful daughter was born to a mother with as little hair as the newborn. There were no complications during the pregnancy or afterwards. Two or three short weeks after her delivery, I began another round of chemotherapy. When my daughter, Rachel, was only two months old I underwent a bilateral mastectomy. She is now 2 years old and the apple of everyone's eye.
She and I have given speeches to the local cancer organizations to enlighten women about the real options when faced with cancer during pregnancy. When she was a year old, I was given the local Right to Life groups "Life Award" in honor of not only talking the pro-life talk, but also walking the walk. I have made it my mission to educate as many people as possible about this frightening situation. It is my hope that my daughter will not have "termination" forced upon her if she inherits my genetic predilection for breast cancer. I have a say in her and my son's education about this horrible "choice". They have both "walked" for babies since they were babies. We will continue to have our say as we stand up for those who cannot.
I sought world-class help from MD Anderson Cancer Center. Once there, I learned that 1 in 3000 breast cancer diagnoses are made during pregnancy. MD Anderson had revolutionized breast cancer treatment while pregnant 20 years ago when it began giving a particular combination, strength, and schedule of chemotherapy to pregnant women. Not only were all the babies born side-effect free, the mothers that received treatment had better survival rates than their counterparts who aborted or were not pregnant at diagnosis.
I began FAC chemotherapy less than a month after my diagnosis. I was seven and a half months pregnant when I joined my eighteen month old son for his second annual Walk for Life in our hometown. On Thanksgiving day 2009, my beautiful daughter was born to a mother with as little hair as the newborn. There were no complications during the pregnancy or afterwards. Two or three short weeks after her delivery, I began another round of chemotherapy. When my daughter, Rachel, was only two months old I underwent a bilateral mastectomy. She is now 2 years old and the apple of everyone's eye.
She and I have given speeches to the local cancer organizations to enlighten women about the real options when faced with cancer during pregnancy. When she was a year old, I was given the local Right to Life groups "Life Award" in honor of not only talking the pro-life talk, but also walking the walk. I have made it my mission to educate as many people as possible about this frightening situation. It is my hope that my daughter will not have "termination" forced upon her if she inherits my genetic predilection for breast cancer. I have a say in her and my son's education about this horrible "choice". They have both "walked" for babies since they were babies. We will continue to have our say as we stand up for those who cannot.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Pattie Curran Has a Lot to Say
I Have a LOT to say. My Boys Have a Say, too. :0)
I really like this I have a say campaign. Fr. John Hollowell has been posting courageous stories of pro-life women (and their families) who have a say in response to Cecile Richards, CEO of Planned Parenthood, and her "I have a say" campaign. I've always been pro-life. My heart aches for those who are pro-choice, for those who choose abortion. I have a say.. Having two kids with genetic illnesses and having had 18 pregnancy losses gives me a lot to say!
Little did I know that my pro-life views would be put to the test. I didn't know back then what God would allow to happen or that it would draw me closer to Him and the Catholic Church. After my third son was born, we lost our fourth child, who is buried in San Antonio. I was 14 weeks pregnant. We battled to keep his body. It was a difficult time. You can read about our journey with Thomas here.
Around the same time as we lost Thomas, my middle son was diagnosed with a genetic disorder. A few years, several pregnancy losses later, my youngest son was diagnosed with the same genetic disease. In 2000, doctors felt my boys might be headed to bone marrow transplant. My oldest, non-affected son was a perfect match for Sean, but my youngest, Joseph, did not have a sibling match. Back in 2000, we were told that without a sibling donor, they would not consider Joseph for transplant because only 50% of the SDS kids with sibling transplants survived, and they had no survivors from unrelated transplants. That is when we entered the world of fertility treatment.
I still remember the look on the fertility specialist's face when we sat to talk to him. I remember telling him that we would only opt for fertility treatments that were in line with the teachings of the Catholic Church. He asked, "You already have three children why would you want more?" When we explained that we had two sons with a genetic illness, he couldn't believe we wanted more and that we would CHOOSE to chance having another child with the same illness.
Continue reading Pattie's story by clicking here
I really like this I have a say campaign. Fr. John Hollowell has been posting courageous stories of pro-life women (and their families) who have a say in response to Cecile Richards, CEO of Planned Parenthood, and her "I have a say" campaign. I've always been pro-life. My heart aches for those who are pro-choice, for those who choose abortion. I have a say.. Having two kids with genetic illnesses and having had 18 pregnancy losses gives me a lot to say!
Little did I know that my pro-life views would be put to the test. I didn't know back then what God would allow to happen or that it would draw me closer to Him and the Catholic Church. After my third son was born, we lost our fourth child, who is buried in San Antonio. I was 14 weeks pregnant. We battled to keep his body. It was a difficult time. You can read about our journey with Thomas here.
Around the same time as we lost Thomas, my middle son was diagnosed with a genetic disorder. A few years, several pregnancy losses later, my youngest son was diagnosed with the same genetic disease. In 2000, doctors felt my boys might be headed to bone marrow transplant. My oldest, non-affected son was a perfect match for Sean, but my youngest, Joseph, did not have a sibling match. Back in 2000, we were told that without a sibling donor, they would not consider Joseph for transplant because only 50% of the SDS kids with sibling transplants survived, and they had no survivors from unrelated transplants. That is when we entered the world of fertility treatment.
I still remember the look on the fertility specialist's face when we sat to talk to him. I remember telling him that we would only opt for fertility treatments that were in line with the teachings of the Catholic Church. He asked, "You already have three children why would you want more?" When we explained that we had two sons with a genetic illness, he couldn't believe we wanted more and that we would CHOOSE to chance having another child with the same illness.
Continue reading Pattie's story by clicking here
Monday, March 12, 2012
Theresa Lawson, Mother of 11, Has a Say!
My husband and I are the parents of 11 beautiful children, and, now the grandparents of 12 (4 in heaven and two more due this summer). He is a farmer and I am a registered nurse.
We chose to use Natural Family Planning to space our children...and most of them are 2.5 to 3 years apart. And yes, we WANTED every one of them! We also have three little intercessors in heaven.
When we married, he wanted 5 children, and I wanted 6. We laugh at God's sense of humor...he got his 5 and I got my 6! When our 7th baby was conceived unexpectedly (others may call that baby a 'mistake' but God doesn't make mistakes!) my husband had a difficult time accepting the pregnancy. We lost that baby @ 5 months, and, when he looked at the little baby girl we had lost, he said God could give us as many babies as He wanted...and we would willingly take them all!!
My husband also chose to be the sole provider for our family, so I could stay home with our children. We have spent 24 years homeschooling our children...8 girls and 3 boys. They are all open to God's gift of life...this year alone we will have added 4 new grandchildren to the bunch. And, we have another daughter getting married in August, who, along with her fiance, are very open to God's gift of children...however, many God sends them!
We are so grateful for the many blessings Our Lord has showered upon our family. And yes, it has been a very sacrificial journey. Much of what you write about in your blog also pertained to our family. People used to leave bags of clothes on our front porch...it was like 'Christmas' when our children opened those bags! But, they never complained.
We live on a farm, and have had many animals over the years. The work involved in caring for those animals was a wonderful life experience for each of them...and taught them to be responsible for something other than themselves.
Truly, its been a good life!! And we are very blessed. And, yes, WE HAVE A SAY!! As Catholics, we are grateful that we didn't buy into the contraceptive mentality. If we had, we wouldn't have the countless blessings we are experiencing today. We have learned to trust God above all...for truly, He is in charge!
We chose to use Natural Family Planning to space our children...and most of them are 2.5 to 3 years apart. And yes, we WANTED every one of them! We also have three little intercessors in heaven.
When we married, he wanted 5 children, and I wanted 6. We laugh at God's sense of humor...he got his 5 and I got my 6! When our 7th baby was conceived unexpectedly (others may call that baby a 'mistake' but God doesn't make mistakes!) my husband had a difficult time accepting the pregnancy. We lost that baby @ 5 months, and, when he looked at the little baby girl we had lost, he said God could give us as many babies as He wanted...and we would willingly take them all!!
My husband also chose to be the sole provider for our family, so I could stay home with our children. We have spent 24 years homeschooling our children...8 girls and 3 boys. They are all open to God's gift of life...this year alone we will have added 4 new grandchildren to the bunch. And, we have another daughter getting married in August, who, along with her fiance, are very open to God's gift of children...however, many God sends them!
We are so grateful for the many blessings Our Lord has showered upon our family. And yes, it has been a very sacrificial journey. Much of what you write about in your blog also pertained to our family. People used to leave bags of clothes on our front porch...it was like 'Christmas' when our children opened those bags! But, they never complained.
We live on a farm, and have had many animals over the years. The work involved in caring for those animals was a wonderful life experience for each of them...and taught them to be responsible for something other than themselves.
Truly, its been a good life!! And we are very blessed. And, yes, WE HAVE A SAY!! As Catholics, we are grateful that we didn't buy into the contraceptive mentality. If we had, we wouldn't have the countless blessings we are experiencing today. We have learned to trust God above all...for truly, He is in charge!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
My Sister In Law Jacqueline Chapman Hollowell Has a Say
As a woman, and as a person, I have a say. I refuse to let Cecile Richards speak for me. I believe that life is sacred and I believe that the love between a husband and wife should always be open to life. I am tired of my views being attacked and insulted and I am tired of hearing that my views are contrary to the well-being of women, and moreover, disrespectful of women. As a woman who implements these beliefs in my life, I can wholeheartedly say that I have never been happier, nor have I ever felt more loved and respected.
I am tired of hearing that birth control is so revolutionary, that without it, women have no choices, no freedom and no opportunities. My main frustration with hearing such things and with Cecile Richards’ recent plea to women is that I know that there is a natural alternative: natural family planning. In His perfect wisdom, God created a woman’s body in such a way that during each cycle, there are times when she is fertile and times when she is not fertile. If a couple has decided that it is not the time for them to have a baby, they abstain from sex during that time of fertility. Instead of taking a pill at a time when it is very likely they could get pregnant, and just having sex anyways, they sacrifice the gift of engaging in the marital act of love. It is so simple, so natural and so perfect. I feel blessed to have such a knowledge of my body, and more importantly to truly understand the purpose of sexuality created by God. I feel blessed to be able to share the joys of married love with my husband.
I am also tired of the misconception that by not using birth control, you have no choice but to have many, many babies. This is simply not the case - with natural family planning, each family decides what is right for them. All that matters is that you remain open to life in all that you do, turning yourself over to God, allowing him to guide you in your decisions. Not all are called to have a soccer team, and that is perfectly okay. But some are, and that’s great too. In fact, it’s very great for me. I have a say because of such openness to life. As the 11th of 14 children, if my parents had not been open to life, I probably would not be here. I am grateful to my parents who sacrificed so much for myself and my siblings.
I am tired of hearing that birth control is so revolutionary, that without it, women have no choices, no freedom and no opportunities. My main frustration with hearing such things and with Cecile Richards’ recent plea to women is that I know that there is a natural alternative: natural family planning. In His perfect wisdom, God created a woman’s body in such a way that during each cycle, there are times when she is fertile and times when she is not fertile. If a couple has decided that it is not the time for them to have a baby, they abstain from sex during that time of fertility. Instead of taking a pill at a time when it is very likely they could get pregnant, and just having sex anyways, they sacrifice the gift of engaging in the marital act of love. It is so simple, so natural and so perfect. I feel blessed to have such a knowledge of my body, and more importantly to truly understand the purpose of sexuality created by God. I feel blessed to be able to share the joys of married love with my husband.
I am also tired of the misconception that by not using birth control, you have no choice but to have many, many babies. This is simply not the case - with natural family planning, each family decides what is right for them. All that matters is that you remain open to life in all that you do, turning yourself over to God, allowing him to guide you in your decisions. Not all are called to have a soccer team, and that is perfectly okay. But some are, and that’s great too. In fact, it’s very great for me. I have a say because of such openness to life. As the 11th of 14 children, if my parents had not been open to life, I probably would not be here. I am grateful to my parents who sacrificed so much for myself and my siblings.
A Woman Who Contracepted Now Speaks Out
Anonymous, whose life was affected by the false teachings of our culture, and the birth control pill, has a say:
I have a say because my life was affected by a false understanding of love and the beauty of family and married life. I got married when I had just turned 22. My husband and I used contraception (the birth control pill) while we were completing our college education and we continued as we began our graduate studies. We were both involved in ministry, and were focused more on doing work for the church rather than having a family of own. When my husband wasn’t working as a pastor or I as an educator, we spent our time living as single people, traveling, eating out, enjoying life and seeking entertainment in sports, movies, and other activities. It was a marriage that could not last because we were not offering ourselves to each other as a total gift.
After 5 years, we decided to try to have a child. We began being open to life that year but it was too late. We reached a crisis in our relationship which brought it to an end in a very painful way. At this time, I was introduced to Pope John Paul II’s encyclical, “On the Dignity and Vocation of Women” and I went to a talk that was given by Janet Smith on contraception. Through a great many tears, mixed with joy and sorrow, I began to discover my purpose in life as a woman, as well as the beauty and wonder of my Mother, the Church who was not ashamed to teach the truth about love and sexuality. I am now seeking to offer my life for those who have been led astray, as I was, by a culture that praises death and selfishness over the beauty of holiness and life-giving love.
To read Pope John Paul II’s encyclical on the “Dignity and Vocation of Women”, click here to visit this site:
You may listen to Janet Smith’s talk “Contraception, Why Not?” by clicking here:
I have a say because my life was affected by a false understanding of love and the beauty of family and married life. I got married when I had just turned 22. My husband and I used contraception (the birth control pill) while we were completing our college education and we continued as we began our graduate studies. We were both involved in ministry, and were focused more on doing work for the church rather than having a family of own. When my husband wasn’t working as a pastor or I as an educator, we spent our time living as single people, traveling, eating out, enjoying life and seeking entertainment in sports, movies, and other activities. It was a marriage that could not last because we were not offering ourselves to each other as a total gift.
After 5 years, we decided to try to have a child. We began being open to life that year but it was too late. We reached a crisis in our relationship which brought it to an end in a very painful way. At this time, I was introduced to Pope John Paul II’s encyclical, “On the Dignity and Vocation of Women” and I went to a talk that was given by Janet Smith on contraception. Through a great many tears, mixed with joy and sorrow, I began to discover my purpose in life as a woman, as well as the beauty and wonder of my Mother, the Church who was not ashamed to teach the truth about love and sexuality. I am now seeking to offer my life for those who have been led astray, as I was, by a culture that praises death and selfishness over the beauty of holiness and life-giving love.
To read Pope John Paul II’s encyclical on the “Dignity and Vocation of Women”, click here to visit this site:
You may listen to Janet Smith’s talk “Contraception, Why Not?” by clicking here:
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Faith Has a Say
I am my parents' tenth child! Sometimes when I think about that, it boggles my mind. I have a say because my parents didn't contracept. They believed that every child was a beautiful gift from God.
My mother was a diabetic. The doctors told her she should not get pregnant. She had 13 children! (Only nine of us are still living). Nowadays everyone goes on and on about how hard having one or two children is. What if my parents had decided that two or three or even six children were enough for them! I wouldn't be here. And that means my own five children wouldn't be here either.
What does a mother of thirteen look like? Well, my mother was slim and elegant. She loved beauty. She decorated our house so that it was cozy and charming. She loved dressing stylishly, though she had to do so on a limited budget, but she was clever and frugal and pulled it off amazingly. She was a voracious reader. She loved British literature, art history and theology. She loved learning new things. And she loved us children. She read to us and sang to us. One of my fondest and earilest memories is of my mother holding the latest baby in her lap with us all gathered around her while she sang to us. She had a lovely voice. She was a great cook too, very good at coming up with delicious, hearty inexpensive meals to feed us all. She was a hard worker, in spite of her health problems and she lived life to the fullest. When she was 77, she passed away. Her health had declined steadily during the last decade of her life. She couldn't play bridge the way she used to. She went blind and couldn't read anymore. She was very depressed until she realized something she could still do: pray. She spent the last ten years of her life praying almost nonstop. She had a peaceful and holy death.
My mother's life is testimony to the deep beauty one can live when one is open to life. People with a Planned Parenthood worldview have such a narrow, shallow understanding of things. They can not know what true joy is. Poor, vapid souls don't know how cramped and twisted their hearts are.
So I thank my parents, and especially my mother, for letting me have a say.
My mother was a diabetic. The doctors told her she should not get pregnant. She had 13 children! (Only nine of us are still living). Nowadays everyone goes on and on about how hard having one or two children is. What if my parents had decided that two or three or even six children were enough for them! I wouldn't be here. And that means my own five children wouldn't be here either.
What does a mother of thirteen look like? Well, my mother was slim and elegant. She loved beauty. She decorated our house so that it was cozy and charming. She loved dressing stylishly, though she had to do so on a limited budget, but she was clever and frugal and pulled it off amazingly. She was a voracious reader. She loved British literature, art history and theology. She loved learning new things. And she loved us children. She read to us and sang to us. One of my fondest and earilest memories is of my mother holding the latest baby in her lap with us all gathered around her while she sang to us. She had a lovely voice. She was a great cook too, very good at coming up with delicious, hearty inexpensive meals to feed us all. She was a hard worker, in spite of her health problems and she lived life to the fullest. When she was 77, she passed away. Her health had declined steadily during the last decade of her life. She couldn't play bridge the way she used to. She went blind and couldn't read anymore. She was very depressed until she realized something she could still do: pray. She spent the last ten years of her life praying almost nonstop. She had a peaceful and holy death.
My mother's life is testimony to the deep beauty one can live when one is open to life. People with a Planned Parenthood worldview have such a narrow, shallow understanding of things. They can not know what true joy is. Poor, vapid souls don't know how cramped and twisted their hearts are.
So I thank my parents, and especially my mother, for letting me have a say.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Janice Crowe Almost Aborted But Realized She Had a Say
I had a say:
Many years ago, in 1971 I found myself not only graduating from college, but pregnant. My first trip to the doctor, to make sure, was met by a doctor and nurse not only confirming that I was pregnant, but that I should have an abortion. I had not asked for that information, or lecture. I was raised to believe life was sacred. But after over an hour of their preaching to me about how I was going to be wasting my degree and my life if I were to continue and give birth, I said yes. They sent me on my way with a packet of pills, instructions, and was told to be at another address with money in hand the next day.
That night I sat looking at that packet of pills and I had a say, and I said no.
I cringe to think what I would have done if they had pressured me to have the abortion that day.
Instead I gave birth to a wonderful baby girl who has never in this life ever disappointed me. She has been my joy, and in many ways my salvation. She was and remains my angel. She was the greatest gift of my life.
I was not a Catholic at that time, but my family was raised as Catholic. I found that this Church represented everything I already believed in.
It is this Church that my beautiful grand daughters are being raised in now.
I had a say, and I have been blessed in more ways than I can count.
And now, I have a say also: How many babies must die? How many doctors, nurses, or just plain people in the business of providing as many abortions as they can will continue their jobs of wiping out generations of children? My very country has waged a war against me, as they wage war against my Church! Against ALL churches in the Christian faith! I have a say: And I say it must end. This assault on Christians must stop. They have entered a war I do not believe they can win, for our God is a Mighty God. We must all stand up and say a giant “NO!” in unison.
I know of many Catholics that are not practicing the faith, or were not, but they are coming back, because they are seeing the Truth at this moment and they Know what must be done.
Not only do I have a say, WE have a say. They awoke the sleeping giant, and there is no way to put us back into that sleeping state.
I thank you, and the rest of our good Priests and Bishops for leading the way!
Many years ago, in 1971 I found myself not only graduating from college, but pregnant. My first trip to the doctor, to make sure, was met by a doctor and nurse not only confirming that I was pregnant, but that I should have an abortion. I had not asked for that information, or lecture. I was raised to believe life was sacred. But after over an hour of their preaching to me about how I was going to be wasting my degree and my life if I were to continue and give birth, I said yes. They sent me on my way with a packet of pills, instructions, and was told to be at another address with money in hand the next day.
That night I sat looking at that packet of pills and I had a say, and I said no.
I cringe to think what I would have done if they had pressured me to have the abortion that day.
Instead I gave birth to a wonderful baby girl who has never in this life ever disappointed me. She has been my joy, and in many ways my salvation. She was and remains my angel. She was the greatest gift of my life.
I was not a Catholic at that time, but my family was raised as Catholic. I found that this Church represented everything I already believed in.
It is this Church that my beautiful grand daughters are being raised in now.
I had a say, and I have been blessed in more ways than I can count.
And now, I have a say also: How many babies must die? How many doctors, nurses, or just plain people in the business of providing as many abortions as they can will continue their jobs of wiping out generations of children? My very country has waged a war against me, as they wage war against my Church! Against ALL churches in the Christian faith! I have a say: And I say it must end. This assault on Christians must stop. They have entered a war I do not believe they can win, for our God is a Mighty God. We must all stand up and say a giant “NO!” in unison.
I know of many Catholics that are not practicing the faith, or were not, but they are coming back, because they are seeing the Truth at this moment and they Know what must be done.
Not only do I have a say, WE have a say. They awoke the sleeping giant, and there is no way to put us back into that sleeping state.
I thank you, and the rest of our good Priests and Bishops for leading the way!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Michelle - Mom of 9
I have a say. My birth mother was 19 and pregnant by man who had fathered another child and abandoned them. Because it was the mid 60’s, abortion was not legal, but it was readily available in the major city I was born in. But, due to her Catholic upbringing, she chose life for me.
I grew up and came back to my Catholic faith. God has blessed and entrusted me with a great bunch of children. I have been married nearly a quarter of a century to a solidly, good man.
I grew up and came back to my Catholic faith. God has blessed and entrusted me with a great bunch of children. I have been married nearly a quarter of a century to a solidly, good man.
Anita Thomer - "The Real Rebel"
I was an 80’s kid. A Doc Martens, Cold War, lots of eyeliner, “Tear down this wall!", New Wave, question authority, Vaclav Havel, trench coats, punk
rock kind of girl. Yeah, I’m Generation X. One of the survivors. And I have a say.
Mine was always the smallest class, youth group, choir, debate team, chess club, etc. in decades. No matter where I went I was either the youngest person there or the oldest. I searched for years for my generation. Where did they go? Oh. That’s right. They were contracepted or, failing that, killed before they could be born.
The few of us left fancied ourselves to be rebels. We just weren’t sure what we needed to be rebelling against.
You know what used to drive me crazy? The fact that all the ‘rebels’ wore the same leather jackets and listened to the same records. Me? I went to Mass on Sunday. My parents were the real rebels.
Over the last couple decades I have seen every subversive current - every subculture - bubble up to the surface to be repackaged, sterilized, and mainstreamed. They have all been effectively neutralized. All, that is, except one: The Catholic Church.
I have done the college thing. I have done the activism thing. I have done the career thing. I am not sheltered. I am not oppressed. I am no shrinking violet. I will not be sterilized. I will not be silenced. I am fully human. I am a wife and a mother. I am a woman. I am Catholic. I am a soldier of Christ in the Church Militant and I am a force to be reckoned with.
I’m still wearing my Doc Martens. I’m on my feet a lot taking care of our five kids (so far) and teaching them… at home. Take note, culture of death: I will share the truth with them. I will share the truth with every soul I encounter. I will be heard. I will continue to embrace life with both earth-shaking intensity and infectious joy. I will continue to shatter your illusions with the reality of my living example. I will counter your empty promises every time I hold my husband’s hand. And when the weary people approach - as they so often do - and say, “You two seem so happy together. What is your secret?” I will tell them.
rock kind of girl. Yeah, I’m Generation X. One of the survivors. And I have a say.
Mine was always the smallest class, youth group, choir, debate team, chess club, etc. in decades. No matter where I went I was either the youngest person there or the oldest. I searched for years for my generation. Where did they go? Oh. That’s right. They were contracepted or, failing that, killed before they could be born.
The few of us left fancied ourselves to be rebels. We just weren’t sure what we needed to be rebelling against.
You know what used to drive me crazy? The fact that all the ‘rebels’ wore the same leather jackets and listened to the same records. Me? I went to Mass on Sunday. My parents were the real rebels.
Over the last couple decades I have seen every subversive current - every subculture - bubble up to the surface to be repackaged, sterilized, and mainstreamed. They have all been effectively neutralized. All, that is, except one: The Catholic Church.
I have done the college thing. I have done the activism thing. I have done the career thing. I am not sheltered. I am not oppressed. I am no shrinking violet. I will not be sterilized. I will not be silenced. I am fully human. I am a wife and a mother. I am a woman. I am Catholic. I am a soldier of Christ in the Church Militant and I am a force to be reckoned with.
I’m still wearing my Doc Martens. I’m on my feet a lot taking care of our five kids (so far) and teaching them… at home. Take note, culture of death: I will share the truth with them. I will share the truth with every soul I encounter. I will be heard. I will continue to embrace life with both earth-shaking intensity and infectious joy. I will continue to shatter your illusions with the reality of my living example. I will counter your empty promises every time I hold my husband’s hand. And when the weary people approach - as they so often do - and say, “You two seem so happy together. What is your secret?” I will tell them.
Kathy Brents
I am grateful for the courage and sacrifice of my great-grandparents who came to this country from Poland in the early 1900s to escape religious persecution and an overbearing government to seek out and secure the blessings of liberty which are protected by the United States Constitution for their themselves and their future family. I am grateful that they were successful in this and became U.S. citizens so that I might have a say. I am grateful that they were open to life and welcomed 7 of the most amazing children into their family, who then proceeded to have dozens of children, who then proceeded to have dozens more (of which I am one), and we have continued the tradition, as have our children.
And since I do have a say, I say yes to life and no to the national disgrace of Planned Parenthood. I am a Catholic, a U.S. citizen and a woman. Cecile Richards and her supporters do not speak for me. Neither do Nancy Pelosi, Sandra Fluke, Kathleen Sebelius, or unfortunately my own President. I will fight for my rights (real rights, granted by God and stated in our Constitution), but what a sad turn of events that I have to. President Obama, you swore an oath to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, and I pray that God will open your eyes to the treacherous course you are putting our country on by not doing this. And if he does not, then I pray that he will at least open the eyes of the voters of America in November.
And since I do have a say, I say yes to life and no to the national disgrace of Planned Parenthood. I am a Catholic, a U.S. citizen and a woman. Cecile Richards and her supporters do not speak for me. Neither do Nancy Pelosi, Sandra Fluke, Kathleen Sebelius, or unfortunately my own President. I will fight for my rights (real rights, granted by God and stated in our Constitution), but what a sad turn of events that I have to. President Obama, you swore an oath to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, and I pray that God will open your eyes to the treacherous course you are putting our country on by not doing this. And if he does not, then I pray that he will at least open the eyes of the voters of America in November.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Amy Ivsan - 2 Kids, No Husband, Wrapped in Grace
I have a say because if any person should not have a say, due to disobedience and willfulness, it should be me; yet the merciful Lord fashioned me so I could one day say that I have a say.
Most importantly, my body has been a vehicle to bring two lives into the world so they could say that they have a say. One child I had before my Catholic conversion. The second child arrived years after my conversion. I have never been married. Needless to say neither of my children entered this world into an ideal situation, yet they were a part of God's perfect plan.
The first sentence in the first chapter of the late Dr. Scott Peck's book, The Road Less Traveled, is "Life is hard." His one sentence has truly characterized my existence, and particularly my conversion experience. I elected to enter the Church in my twenties, or should I say God handpicked me out of the mire of my own design, and told me to become Catholic? If I knew all I would have to endure, I probably wouldn't have had the courage to join the Church, but Grace has kept me going.
Conversion requires a cross.
Sanctification requires suffering.
Love IS sacrificial with a bitter sting.
And I suffer from what Archbishop Fulton Sheen calls staurosphobia. Fear of the cross.
My most recent cross and one of my mightier challenges involves the arrival of my son, Tereso Michael John Paul Bagley. He was born June 18th, 2010. When I was pregnant, his father was extradited to Texas facing a 25 year to life sentence. The thought of bringing another fatherless child into this world at my age was unpalatable, yet I embraced the privilege of life. Even though the father came back, we are now separated because he nearly strangled me unconsciousness and beat me very badly. I had a broken nose, black eye, concussion, and inner ear injury resulting in vertigo. My child was placed in foster care when he was nine months old, due to domestic violence and drug abuse on the part of the father. He beat me when I was pregnant, he beat me after the child was born, and on one occasion he had baby in one hand and hunting knife in the other, pressed to my back. I had no money, no family, no where to go, and a baby to protect.
Today I am free of this situation, I am working, I am getting a place soon, and my son back in three months. I live with no regrets and would go through it 100 times over, just to protect and bring his little life into being. I have a significantly older child, a teenager, whose father has never been in her life. Another drug addict. I guess you could say I have a heart for the heartless, and a love for the unlovable. I am not a holier than thou person. I do not even wish I could say I am married, homeschool, and make my own soap. That was never God's plan for my life. Yet part of His plan was to use me as a vehicle to bring two lives into this world. The special grace God afforded me with both pregnancies, is a deep-seeded, inexplicable, interior knowledge that life is majestic. Abortion is NEVER an option. He showed me how strong of a mother I was that I could even protect my son, in an impossible situation, and make painful decisions in his interest to guarantee his safety until I could.
Once a woman experiences a term of pregnancy and births a baby into being, you feel invincible, like you have a capability and strength to do anything. You are instilled instantaneously with nurturing love, and biological motherhood becomes expanded by the practice of spiritual motherhood. All people are God's children, and as a mother, they become our children in the maternal sense. Motherhood is the highest calling in my opinion, with graces to be experienced and delivered unlike any other vocation. We share in God's creative plan. It is too deep and extraordinary to put into feeble words. Two things I often reflect upon is, 'I can do all things in Him who strengthens me,' and, '...having done everything(humanly possible) stand firm with faith as your shield.'
As I have embraced motherhood within imperfect circumstances, I realize ever more strongly today all impediments and interference to God's action of creation and its ultimate consequence of the destruction of life is purely evil and satanic. I have never forgotten Fr. Corapi's strongest of words, "Never forget Satan wants your children dead in a garbage can!" And fifty million unborn American children to date, that we know of, are dead in the landscape of a satanic dump yet their most precious of souls are carved in the Palm of Crucified Christ. The slaughter of holy innocents has become the foundation of the demise of civilization, rapidly deteriorating, on the altar of satanic sacrifice. Cecile Richards is a voice and advocate for the devil's agenda. She does not represent or speak for the interest of women, but destroys their vocation and identity through her profession.
I have a say, and I have children who will one day have a say. As youths, their testimony lies in being. I have a say Cecile, and you are being warned, "Here comes the Catholic church." We are a force to be reckoned with because in the end we win. I have a say and it can be summed up in two words. Imago dei.
Visit Amy's Blog, "Sacred Heart of Jesus - You Got Me!" by clicking here
Most importantly, my body has been a vehicle to bring two lives into the world so they could say that they have a say. One child I had before my Catholic conversion. The second child arrived years after my conversion. I have never been married. Needless to say neither of my children entered this world into an ideal situation, yet they were a part of God's perfect plan.
The first sentence in the first chapter of the late Dr. Scott Peck's book, The Road Less Traveled, is "Life is hard." His one sentence has truly characterized my existence, and particularly my conversion experience. I elected to enter the Church in my twenties, or should I say God handpicked me out of the mire of my own design, and told me to become Catholic? If I knew all I would have to endure, I probably wouldn't have had the courage to join the Church, but Grace has kept me going.
Conversion requires a cross.
Sanctification requires suffering.
Love IS sacrificial with a bitter sting.
And I suffer from what Archbishop Fulton Sheen calls staurosphobia. Fear of the cross.
My most recent cross and one of my mightier challenges involves the arrival of my son, Tereso Michael John Paul Bagley. He was born June 18th, 2010. When I was pregnant, his father was extradited to Texas facing a 25 year to life sentence. The thought of bringing another fatherless child into this world at my age was unpalatable, yet I embraced the privilege of life. Even though the father came back, we are now separated because he nearly strangled me unconsciousness and beat me very badly. I had a broken nose, black eye, concussion, and inner ear injury resulting in vertigo. My child was placed in foster care when he was nine months old, due to domestic violence and drug abuse on the part of the father. He beat me when I was pregnant, he beat me after the child was born, and on one occasion he had baby in one hand and hunting knife in the other, pressed to my back. I had no money, no family, no where to go, and a baby to protect.
Today I am free of this situation, I am working, I am getting a place soon, and my son back in three months. I live with no regrets and would go through it 100 times over, just to protect and bring his little life into being. I have a significantly older child, a teenager, whose father has never been in her life. Another drug addict. I guess you could say I have a heart for the heartless, and a love for the unlovable. I am not a holier than thou person. I do not even wish I could say I am married, homeschool, and make my own soap. That was never God's plan for my life. Yet part of His plan was to use me as a vehicle to bring two lives into this world. The special grace God afforded me with both pregnancies, is a deep-seeded, inexplicable, interior knowledge that life is majestic. Abortion is NEVER an option. He showed me how strong of a mother I was that I could even protect my son, in an impossible situation, and make painful decisions in his interest to guarantee his safety until I could.
Once a woman experiences a term of pregnancy and births a baby into being, you feel invincible, like you have a capability and strength to do anything. You are instilled instantaneously with nurturing love, and biological motherhood becomes expanded by the practice of spiritual motherhood. All people are God's children, and as a mother, they become our children in the maternal sense. Motherhood is the highest calling in my opinion, with graces to be experienced and delivered unlike any other vocation. We share in God's creative plan. It is too deep and extraordinary to put into feeble words. Two things I often reflect upon is, 'I can do all things in Him who strengthens me,' and, '...having done everything(humanly possible) stand firm with faith as your shield.'
As I have embraced motherhood within imperfect circumstances, I realize ever more strongly today all impediments and interference to God's action of creation and its ultimate consequence of the destruction of life is purely evil and satanic. I have never forgotten Fr. Corapi's strongest of words, "Never forget Satan wants your children dead in a garbage can!" And fifty million unborn American children to date, that we know of, are dead in the landscape of a satanic dump yet their most precious of souls are carved in the Palm of Crucified Christ. The slaughter of holy innocents has become the foundation of the demise of civilization, rapidly deteriorating, on the altar of satanic sacrifice. Cecile Richards is a voice and advocate for the devil's agenda. She does not represent or speak for the interest of women, but destroys their vocation and identity through her profession.
I have a say, and I have children who will one day have a say. As youths, their testimony lies in being. I have a say Cecile, and you are being warned, "Here comes the Catholic church." We are a force to be reckoned with because in the end we win. I have a say and it can be summed up in two words. Imago dei.
Visit Amy's Blog, "Sacred Heart of Jesus - You Got Me!" by clicking here
Emma Brockhaus
I am so grateful to my parents for choosing life for me and my siblings. I am the second oldest of six children whom my parents are currently homeschooling. Not only did they say yes to life, but they also said yes to Natural Family Planning. After using NFP for several years they prayerfully decided to become teaching couples. They have a beautiful testimony of the wonderful effects NFP has had on their marriage and life and wanted to share it with everyone. They have been teaching it for almost 15 years now. Every time I have to babysit my younger siblings while they do this I think of what a selfless thing they are doing. I am proud they chose life and I am proud they are teaching others how to do the same thing. I hope that I can be as wonderful of a role model to my children, to live out my say by being a testimony to God’s love for everyone. God gave us free will so that we could love completely and fully let us not abuse that gift. :)
Birgit Jones a "Catholic sista" has a say
I have a say because...
Sometime in the 70’s I found myself the recipient of unwanted advances by a neighborhood boy – I was barely 14 years old. Weeks later I would reluctantly tell my mother the facts of that encounter and she would surmise that my persistent bout of nausea wasn’t the flu after all. She would fall to the floor with the shock of it all and I would be forced to let go of the denial that had kept me halfway sane. The ensuing months were a blur and yet time stood still. My early high school career came to a screeching halt and was substituted with a ‘homebound’ teacher and an algebra tutor. Time, however, marched on and adjustments were made. This wasn’t an era of ‘baby mommas’ and ‘baby daddies’, this was a more sheltered time and after a while we began to attend Mass in a neighboring town.
Then early summer hit and with it ‘the time’. I remember the kind-faced nurse with the gold watch who held my hand – no visitors in the labor/delivery area were allowed then. She kept me somewhat calm by talking about mundane things – like my nice tan. The hours ticked by and the pain increased. There was a recurring little stream of tears at the corner of my eyes but I never called out. I just looked at that gold watch on the nurse’s arm.
Then there he was – a blue eyed bundle of around 7 pounds. They laid him in my lap and I timidly poked at him – counted the fingers and toes, because that’s what I’d heard you did, and then quickly bundled him up again. I felt more fear than joy – more spent than at peace. I don’t remember much more of the hospital stay but I do remember the early days of being back at home. My jeans fit again quickly and I hesitantly went outside for a walk on the sidewalk in front of our house. I looked ‘normal’ again but couldn’t quite get the idea of what had happened to make sense in my 14-year-old brain. The sun was still shining but somehow it didn’t sink its warmth into my skin.
Inside the house were my sisters and that little wooden cradle with ‘him’ in it. My parents had stepped up in support of us and decided to adopt the child and raise him as my brother. We were a family of firm Catholic faith and there could be no other option. They would add this child of mine to their brood even though my mother was 4 months pregnant at the time of his birth. He would soon have a little brother! The adoption papers were drawn up and there was no fuss or disagreement – after all I was still a minor. This plan was for the best – for all of us. Sacrifices were made in families every day – for the good of all – especially the smallest, weakest members. This was our Catholic faith in action!
The blue-eyed angel grew a full head of blonde hair and five months later his dark-eyed, black-haired ‘twin’ would become his sidekick. He always knew that I was ‘special’ and that he was adopted, even before he knew what that meant, because my parents wanted him to know the truth from the beginning. ‘The Boys’, as we called them, would grow up together as brothers with a bond that grew stronger and matured with adulthood. Our little family of 7 lived an idyllic life in our small town and acceptance was regained from most. The whispers would always be there but we all grew accustomed to them and we circled the wagons around our family and our Catholic faith...
To finish reading, visit Birgit's blog by clicking here
Sometime in the 70’s I found myself the recipient of unwanted advances by a neighborhood boy – I was barely 14 years old. Weeks later I would reluctantly tell my mother the facts of that encounter and she would surmise that my persistent bout of nausea wasn’t the flu after all. She would fall to the floor with the shock of it all and I would be forced to let go of the denial that had kept me halfway sane. The ensuing months were a blur and yet time stood still. My early high school career came to a screeching halt and was substituted with a ‘homebound’ teacher and an algebra tutor. Time, however, marched on and adjustments were made. This wasn’t an era of ‘baby mommas’ and ‘baby daddies’, this was a more sheltered time and after a while we began to attend Mass in a neighboring town.
Then early summer hit and with it ‘the time’. I remember the kind-faced nurse with the gold watch who held my hand – no visitors in the labor/delivery area were allowed then. She kept me somewhat calm by talking about mundane things – like my nice tan. The hours ticked by and the pain increased. There was a recurring little stream of tears at the corner of my eyes but I never called out. I just looked at that gold watch on the nurse’s arm.
Then there he was – a blue eyed bundle of around 7 pounds. They laid him in my lap and I timidly poked at him – counted the fingers and toes, because that’s what I’d heard you did, and then quickly bundled him up again. I felt more fear than joy – more spent than at peace. I don’t remember much more of the hospital stay but I do remember the early days of being back at home. My jeans fit again quickly and I hesitantly went outside for a walk on the sidewalk in front of our house. I looked ‘normal’ again but couldn’t quite get the idea of what had happened to make sense in my 14-year-old brain. The sun was still shining but somehow it didn’t sink its warmth into my skin.
Inside the house were my sisters and that little wooden cradle with ‘him’ in it. My parents had stepped up in support of us and decided to adopt the child and raise him as my brother. We were a family of firm Catholic faith and there could be no other option. They would add this child of mine to their brood even though my mother was 4 months pregnant at the time of his birth. He would soon have a little brother! The adoption papers were drawn up and there was no fuss or disagreement – after all I was still a minor. This plan was for the best – for all of us. Sacrifices were made in families every day – for the good of all – especially the smallest, weakest members. This was our Catholic faith in action!
The blue-eyed angel grew a full head of blonde hair and five months later his dark-eyed, black-haired ‘twin’ would become his sidekick. He always knew that I was ‘special’ and that he was adopted, even before he knew what that meant, because my parents wanted him to know the truth from the beginning. ‘The Boys’, as we called them, would grow up together as brothers with a bond that grew stronger and matured with adulthood. Our little family of 7 lived an idyllic life in our small town and acceptance was regained from most. The whispers would always be there but we all grew accustomed to them and we circled the wagons around our family and our Catholic faith...
To finish reading, visit Birgit's blog by clicking here
Larry Flurry
I have a say because I am the middle child of my blessed Mother who gave birth to twelve children. I am the middle child because my oldest brother died of SIDS at two months and I was never fortunate enough to meet him.
My story will be horrifying to liberals who believe that it is somebody else's responsibility to raise children when you are a poor woman who has 11 mouths to feed. We were not raised to depend upon anyone but each other, the older kids watched us when we were babies and my Mother would not accept any help from government or from the Catholic Church, in my youth the Church wanted a $2,000 investment for an annulment and my Mother said that she would pay as soon as one of us became a doctor or a lawyer and she never took Communion again. My Mother worked two jobs for 14 years to feed and clothe us and would not even discuss with the older kids any form of help from anyone. This is our family and we will get by with hard work and attention to our lessons and our Church. Our family was and still is a tight band of proto-typical Irish Roman Catholics who will argue and fuss amongst ourselves but any outward try at dividing us will make you wish you hadn't. We stand strong, together and unified against any outside influence. I learned to chop veggies at 6-7, simmer at ten and by twelve I was the only kid trusted to cook dinner. I would get home from school to a note of what had been defrosted and what I should make of it. Usually there was a recipe but somtimes my Mom just said surprise us with something good so at 45 now I am an excellent cook. I and my most excellent brothers and sisters have a say because our Mom said no to murdering one of us because she wasn't sure how we would be able to afford one more. She was a single parent because she chose husbands poorly but with the olders teaching the youngers we grew up just fine without a father type figure. She never left our Faith because she believed God in our lives was among the most important things she could pass on. I was an altar boy in St. Anthony's in Allston,Ma from around ten until I left for the Navy at 17. When MS took her mobility and she couldn't go to Mass anymore Father Harrington, Father Murphy or Father Calveccio brought Mass to her Sunday afternoons. We grew up just fine, poor but knowing GOD for our Mother wouldn't have it any other way. I'm sure it would've been much more convenient for her to have murdered several of us in her womb and had more to share with the lucky ones, but she didn't see her babies that way. We weren't inconvenient, we were blessings to her bestowed by a loving GOD. I/we have a say because I wore my brother's hand-me-down shoes with three pairs of socks because having me alive was worth more than new shoes for every kid every year. I have a say because I grew up strong and proud of my family and my faith because I lived with a great example of it. I have a say because I completely repudiate the notion that some politician can force me to pay for something I find reprehensible. I have a say because I'm alive today because my Mother 45 years ago figured I was a blessing and not a curse or a disease or inconvenience. I have a say because my Mother had her say 45 years ago. GOD bless her, you and our faith, we all have a say and we should stand together and say NO to this abominable section of the 2,500 page obamastrosity of a healthcare takeover. I have a say because I am, and will continue to be alive because my Mother had a say.
My story will be horrifying to liberals who believe that it is somebody else's responsibility to raise children when you are a poor woman who has 11 mouths to feed. We were not raised to depend upon anyone but each other, the older kids watched us when we were babies and my Mother would not accept any help from government or from the Catholic Church, in my youth the Church wanted a $2,000 investment for an annulment and my Mother said that she would pay as soon as one of us became a doctor or a lawyer and she never took Communion again. My Mother worked two jobs for 14 years to feed and clothe us and would not even discuss with the older kids any form of help from anyone. This is our family and we will get by with hard work and attention to our lessons and our Church. Our family was and still is a tight band of proto-typical Irish Roman Catholics who will argue and fuss amongst ourselves but any outward try at dividing us will make you wish you hadn't. We stand strong, together and unified against any outside influence. I learned to chop veggies at 6-7, simmer at ten and by twelve I was the only kid trusted to cook dinner. I would get home from school to a note of what had been defrosted and what I should make of it. Usually there was a recipe but somtimes my Mom just said surprise us with something good so at 45 now I am an excellent cook. I and my most excellent brothers and sisters have a say because our Mom said no to murdering one of us because she wasn't sure how we would be able to afford one more. She was a single parent because she chose husbands poorly but with the olders teaching the youngers we grew up just fine without a father type figure. She never left our Faith because she believed God in our lives was among the most important things she could pass on. I was an altar boy in St. Anthony's in Allston,Ma from around ten until I left for the Navy at 17. When MS took her mobility and she couldn't go to Mass anymore Father Harrington, Father Murphy or Father Calveccio brought Mass to her Sunday afternoons. We grew up just fine, poor but knowing GOD for our Mother wouldn't have it any other way. I'm sure it would've been much more convenient for her to have murdered several of us in her womb and had more to share with the lucky ones, but she didn't see her babies that way. We weren't inconvenient, we were blessings to her bestowed by a loving GOD. I/we have a say because I wore my brother's hand-me-down shoes with three pairs of socks because having me alive was worth more than new shoes for every kid every year. I have a say because I grew up strong and proud of my family and my faith because I lived with a great example of it. I have a say because I completely repudiate the notion that some politician can force me to pay for something I find reprehensible. I have a say because I'm alive today because my Mother 45 years ago figured I was a blessing and not a curse or a disease or inconvenience. I have a say because my Mother had her say 45 years ago. GOD bless her, you and our faith, we all have a say and we should stand together and say NO to this abominable section of the 2,500 page obamastrosity of a healthcare takeover. I have a say because I am, and will continue to be alive because my Mother had a say.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Bernadette Talty, 1 of 12, Has a Say!
I have a say because my parents never denied the gift of life to me or any of my nine siblings. We grew up on Long Island in a humble Levitt house with one bathroom for a family of 12. We donned the huge passenger bus. We wore hand me downs and drove clunkers. We could not be happier with the way our lives turned out!
Our parents sacrificed long and hard to ensure that we were raised in a stable home. Of course, with a family that size, there were ups and downs. We didn't have cable, we didn't have the new designer clothes....we didn't even have last year's designer clothes! But what we do have cannot be measured with a swipe of a credit card.
I have a say because my parents didn't believe in picking and choosing who would live and who would die before birth. We were all placed in the care of a patron saint on our birth certificates and brought into our faith through Baptism. We were all educated in Catholic schools. We were all raised with the faith in Christ and as grown children, we now raise our kids with that same faith and devotion. I know the fight is long, the battle seemingly never-ended but Christ will endure and His Mother shall crush the head of the serpent.
We must stay true to humility but at the same time, fight the good fight! And while not all of us will submit emails or create blogs, the tenacity that we all share is strong and powerful! We began to recognize the vitriol that is Planned Parenthood before we could even receive Communion. We picketed their evil before most people recognized what the clinic was.
We learned that being Catholic is different than being a practicing Catholic.
We were taught to always be on the lookout for the wolf in sheep's clothing.
We will stand true to morality, no matter what any president deems necessary for 'collective salvation'.
We are part of the Catholic Church and we will not be silenced!
Our parents sacrificed long and hard to ensure that we were raised in a stable home. Of course, with a family that size, there were ups and downs. We didn't have cable, we didn't have the new designer clothes....we didn't even have last year's designer clothes! But what we do have cannot be measured with a swipe of a credit card.
I have a say because my parents didn't believe in picking and choosing who would live and who would die before birth. We were all placed in the care of a patron saint on our birth certificates and brought into our faith through Baptism. We were all educated in Catholic schools. We were all raised with the faith in Christ and as grown children, we now raise our kids with that same faith and devotion. I know the fight is long, the battle seemingly never-ended but Christ will endure and His Mother shall crush the head of the serpent.
We must stay true to humility but at the same time, fight the good fight! And while not all of us will submit emails or create blogs, the tenacity that we all share is strong and powerful! We began to recognize the vitriol that is Planned Parenthood before we could even receive Communion. We picketed their evil before most people recognized what the clinic was.
We learned that being Catholic is different than being a practicing Catholic.
We were taught to always be on the lookout for the wolf in sheep's clothing.
We will stand true to morality, no matter what any president deems necessary for 'collective salvation'.
We are part of the Catholic Church and we will not be silenced!
Joe Sales, 1.5 Pounds at Birth, Has a Say
I want to thank my Mom and entire family for choosing life because I have been able to experience everything that life has to offer so far. When I was born, I was 1lbs (pound) 15oz (ounces). My entrance into this world was a rough one. I could have died. I was born three months premature. I am a Twin. While I was a baby, I was really sick. My Mom and Grandma brought me to the family doctor quite often who said that It was normal.
My mom and grandma had enough of what my family doctor was saying so they decided to get a second opinion. They brought me to the local hospital. The hospital decided that It was in my best interest to send me to another hospital an hour or so away which was more equipped to deal with the problem. The problem was very life threatening. While at this other hospital, I had an emergency surgery. If my mom and grandma didn't get that second opinion, I would have been dead. A lot of family and friends of the family spent many hours in prayer. Even to this very day, My mom, grandma, and others refer to me as a miracle baby. Same goes for my twin brother. My twin brother was born with mild cerebral palsy. We both had our fair share of surgeries especially in our younger years. However, We both live on to tell our story of Life and faith.
This story is a bit different than those stories about babies saved from abortion,etc... but still one thing that stands out in this story is that is life was chosen over death. Not only do I thank my Mom, grandma, and other family members for choosing life, I also thank them for raising me in a good Catholic family because to this very day, I live out my faith in word and action as best as I can. I am proud to profess that I am a Roman Catholic.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Robin Kvaternik DOESN'T have a say
Mrs. Richard and Mr. Obama,
My name is Robin Kvaternik and I don't have a say... I don't have a say, because I am Canadian. And even though I don't have a say, I have a voice. Believe me, I will be heard. I am on a campaign to support my brothers and sisters in Christ. I am on a world wide campaign to have every Catholic Church I can find lift our voices and SAY a prayer... A prayer to end your tyrany. I've sent my prayer through every archdiocese in Canada...Now I'm headed over seas. We may not have a say but He who hears our prayers does. And you better be afraid of what He has to say!
May the Lord Bless you all! I urge you all to do the same! If you can speak another language, write to as many Bishops as you can (world wide) simply ask them to pass a memo on to their Churches to say a prayer for our Church in America... Some religions retaliate with violence, I say we retaliate with prayer!
On second thought, I do have something to say...
Mrs. Richards and Mr. Obama, The Catholic Church has outlasted every major empire. You may want to think twice on this one...
My name is Robin Kvaternik and I don't have a say... I don't have a say, because I am Canadian. And even though I don't have a say, I have a voice. Believe me, I will be heard. I am on a campaign to support my brothers and sisters in Christ. I am on a world wide campaign to have every Catholic Church I can find lift our voices and SAY a prayer... A prayer to end your tyrany. I've sent my prayer through every archdiocese in Canada...Now I'm headed over seas. We may not have a say but He who hears our prayers does. And you better be afraid of what He has to say!
May the Lord Bless you all! I urge you all to do the same! If you can speak another language, write to as many Bishops as you can (world wide) simply ask them to pass a memo on to their Churches to say a prayer for our Church in America... Some religions retaliate with violence, I say we retaliate with prayer!
On second thought, I do have something to say...
Mrs. Richards and Mr. Obama, The Catholic Church has outlasted every major empire. You may want to think twice on this one...
Marnie Falcon
I am a woman. I am the oldest of five. God blessed us with parents that taught us the important things in life. The first was to love God with all our heart, all our mind and all our soul. Then they taught us to love and respect all people we came in contact with. We were lucky as all the families around us were big families and we fit right in.
After many years of discerning my vocation, our Lord let me to married life. I was ready for a big family. My husband and I were open to life and very soon our home was blessed with a baby boy. The day he was born, like Hannah, I gave him back to our Lord if his will was for my little one to serve Him at the altar. Years have passed and my husband and I are still open to life. The Lord has chosen not to bless us that way, but He has blessed us with a child that is in love with Jesus and his Church.
I can't help but feel sorry for those who are so closed to life and the joy that children bring. I feel sorry because no matter how they spin it, selfishness is at the core of their argument. That's no way to live and that's no way to die.
I have a say, but so does He. His say trumps mine, His say trumps yours Cecile!
Thank you so much Father John and thank you for shepherding the faithful at your parish, but also those of us so geographically far away, but so close in the Truth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Pax Christi,
Marnie Falcón
After many years of discerning my vocation, our Lord let me to married life. I was ready for a big family. My husband and I were open to life and very soon our home was blessed with a baby boy. The day he was born, like Hannah, I gave him back to our Lord if his will was for my little one to serve Him at the altar. Years have passed and my husband and I are still open to life. The Lord has chosen not to bless us that way, but He has blessed us with a child that is in love with Jesus and his Church.
I can't help but feel sorry for those who are so closed to life and the joy that children bring. I feel sorry because no matter how they spin it, selfishness is at the core of their argument. That's no way to live and that's no way to die.
I have a say, but so does He. His say trumps mine, His say trumps yours Cecile!
Thank you so much Father John and thank you for shepherding the faithful at your parish, but also those of us so geographically far away, but so close in the Truth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Pax Christi,
Marnie Falcón
Shannon Lawson
I have a say. I am a woman. I come from a loving family of two loving and sacrificial parents who instilled in me a great work ethic.
I am college-educated and hold a master's degree. I also choose to stay home and raise my children. I have a say because I chose to save my sexuality for my husband, as he did for me.
I have a say because we have always been open to life and have been blessed with four children, two whose lives were cut short through miscarriage, and two beautiful blessings here on earth.
We choose to recognize children as the blessings that they are. I refuse to be sucked into this culture's mentality that children are burdens or mere possessions to "plan". When asked if my children are planned (and yes, people do ask that), I respond that we do not plan, only hope. We hoped that God would bless us, and he did.
We also hope that more and more women will wake up and realize that they are being lied to. Contraception can be tempting because it gives the guise of having control over our bodies. But, it is just that, a guise, a lie. Contraception makes us think we are in control, but even that is a lie. How many people do you know whose birth control has failed?
It is scary to render all control to God, but my life is joyful and very fulfilling. My husband and I have a wonderful marriage rooted in our prayer-life. Our children are happy--not rich--but truly happy and content children.
I have a say, because I am tired of Cecile and others like her assuming that they are standing up for women. They are not; they are enslaving women as they line their pockets.
I am college-educated and hold a master's degree. I also choose to stay home and raise my children. I have a say because I chose to save my sexuality for my husband, as he did for me.
I have a say because we have always been open to life and have been blessed with four children, two whose lives were cut short through miscarriage, and two beautiful blessings here on earth.
We choose to recognize children as the blessings that they are. I refuse to be sucked into this culture's mentality that children are burdens or mere possessions to "plan". When asked if my children are planned (and yes, people do ask that), I respond that we do not plan, only hope. We hoped that God would bless us, and he did.
We also hope that more and more women will wake up and realize that they are being lied to. Contraception can be tempting because it gives the guise of having control over our bodies. But, it is just that, a guise, a lie. Contraception makes us think we are in control, but even that is a lie. How many people do you know whose birth control has failed?
It is scary to render all control to God, but my life is joyful and very fulfilling. My husband and I have a wonderful marriage rooted in our prayer-life. Our children are happy--not rich--but truly happy and content children.
I have a say, because I am tired of Cecile and others like her assuming that they are standing up for women. They are not; they are enslaving women as they line their pockets.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)