Last night we
marked the halfway point of this spring’s 40 Days for Life campaign by holding
a candlelight vigil on the Boulevard. The
weather was beautiful and the sun was still out. About 25 people (from those in their teens to
those in their 70s) came together to sing, pray, and stand vigil. It was a bit windy, so some of us had trouble
keeping our candles lit (like me), though Christ’s light was clearly visible to
all. Local leaders Chris and Valerie, led us in song and prayer. We sang a couple hymns, read some of the daily reflections sent out from the 40 Days for Life co-founders, offered our own personal intercessions, and prayed an “Our Father” together. Before many in the group went to Strawberry Street Café to share a meal together, we each introduced ourselves and to what congregation we belong. A number of different churches were represented, and we even had the pastor of Elon Baptist Church join us. It was wonderful to look around the circle of people gathered and see so many familiar faces.
Afterwards we got a chance to talk with other vigil participants about the experiences they’ve had praying at that location earlier that day and in recent weeks. A woman who lived on that street parked right in front of the abortion clinic, got out, and asked us what it was we were doing gathered there. We had a really nice conversation with her explaining that we’re there to pray, offer love, hope, healing, and abortion alternatives. She shared with us some of her beliefs, both political and spiritual, and inquired what we believed about different aspects of the life issues.
Lord, thank You for
the call to witness Your love, peace, hope, and healing to others. Please help us to submit to Your will more
fully in all areas of our lives, so that we might become even better vessels
for Your compassion. Amen.
