Million Strong

+JMJ+

It may be impossible to fully capture the gift that was the Pilgrimage to Washington, D.C. to stand in prayerful witness for the millions of unborn children who have been slaughtered because of legal abortion in the United States. Just a few weeks ago, I learned that between 1968-2003, over. 2.6 BILLION lives were killed by legal abortion world wide: and those are only the reported abortions...can you imagine how different the world would look if those people were here? I am not looking for a gloomy 'over-population' picture either...it has been proven by demographers that we are in the midst of a population implosion, with places in Europe at negative birth rates and the U.S. just making replacement level, the over-population myth has done its damage over the past 30-40 years.

As we departed for the March for Life this year, I was rather at a loss for control--which was a good thing! With over 100 pilgrims to accommodate, it was a huge undertaking, but a true blessing. Amidst the chaos and some bus-challenges, we finally departed for the Nation's Capitol--and there was a true sense of openness to whatever the Holy Spirit would reveal to the hearts of the many making this journey marked by sacrifice, sorrow and conviction that all human life is sacred and has inherent dignity.

As I continue to move closer to fully saying Fiat to my own vocation, there were so many moments during our intense 60 hour pilgrimage that affirmed God's call in my own life. I felt truly available and present to my students...and I hope they received that avilablitiy. I really had a conviction of being a spiritual mother to them, and even re-heard God call me through their vocies to consecrating myself fully to Him as His humble bride.

On Friday evening, before we hit the road back to Chicago, we were privilege to attend the Pro Life Oscars, (Life Prizes). The witnesses given by pro life heroes really sealed the deal for many of my students. I was blown away by the Christian Rock Band Barlow Girl--we didn't think we'd be able to stay for their performance, but they played an hour early, allowing us to fully participate in the worship/concert. The charge of the Holy Spirit infusing the room was brilliant, and it was yet another moment that I felt my call affirmed. Their song "Million Strong" keeps playing in my head..."How can we be silent when fire burns inside us? We're a million strong and getting stronger still..they'll remember we were here...with a million voices breaking silence till they'll remember we were here..."

On our way home, several students gave testimonies...and it was humbling to be witness to how God had worked in their lives, how they felt called to be involved in the Pro Life movement in new and dynamic ways...and how little things over those 60 hours had had a profound impact on them.

At age 24, there are a few things I know. One of them is that nothing can replace the priviledge of cooperating with God to provide a space where young adults can say Yes to His call in their lives...nothing can compare to giving a Total Surender to the will of the Father...and nothing can compare to loving our brothers and sisters, born and unborn, with our whole hearts.