The image above from the USCCB (US Conference of Catholic Bishops)

“I came so that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John 10:10

by Jennifer Wright, Editor/Writer

Every October, I hear a pro-life message at Church – and rightly so. I only wish it was more clear and more often! I’ve been blessed to hear some different angles to the 'respect life' concept, but for me, everything comes down to two simple Biblical truths:

(1) Humans are made in the image and likeness of God

(2) Jesus came so that we could experience the fullness of life.

One old, one new, but two parts of a greater truth. We were made for more.

The image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27)

We can see that humans are uniquely made in the image and likeness of God because we are like God in how we create, love, and choose.

We Create: Humans create because God wanted us to have the joy of creating – like He takes joy in creating us.

We Love: Humans are loving because God wanted us to understand the joy of loving as He does and the joy of being truly loved.

We Choose: Humans can freely choose rather than merely react because God wanted more than blind devotion. He wanted a creation that – like Him – could choose the good despite easier options.

Because of these things, we are more than the rest of God’s creation. We are set apart (a.k.a holy) to be like the Creator. That makes every single human life, short or long, rich or poor, sick or well, worth protecting, revering, and loving.

That we may live (John 10:10)

Knowing what we were made to be – creative forces for love and goodness – makes the gospel message even more powerful. We fall short of living out that creative ability to improve our world, but Christ came to show us how to step up. Like us in all ways but our sin, Jesus is the perfect example of true goodness and love that transforms the world. And just like in Genesis 1, He invites us to live in the fullness of how we were created.

Every life has the potential to be a creative force to make the world a better place – and Christ’s love and sacrifice make it possible to share in the joy of salvation forever. That’s why we care deeply for each child in a mother’s womb, and each mother carrying life within her. Both of them – like all of us – can improve themselves, their families, and their communities here on this side of Heaven. All because each of us is made in the image and likeness of God.

by Rachel Deffenbaugh

In honor of Respect Life Month, our attention turns toward the significance of the lives of unborn children and the pregnancy help mission to support women and their families.

The term "pro-life" is often used with varying interpretations, and frequently debated on social media. At the core of these discussions lies a fundamental question: what makes life significant? Historically, even what constitutes as alive has been central to pro-abortion arguments, with phrases like "blob of tissue" and "no proof of life" used to describe unborn children. However, advances in science have debunked these claims, confirming that “human life begins at conception—fertilization.” Today, the primary contention is not whether an unborn baby is alive but rather whether their life holds equal significance as that of the mother.

As we observe these discussions on social media, it becomes evident that the concept of significance is subjective and varies from one person to another. Pro-abortion activists do not attribute the same significance to all lives. Their stance is measured subjectively, encasing the entire movement in fluid ambiguity. It’s not enough to uphold a viewpoint dependent on emotion (like anger or fear) or personal experience.

In contrast, those of us in pregnancy help assign meaning and purpose to unborn babies based on the belief that all people are made in God's image and that children are a blessing. Furthermore, those of us in pregnancy help assign the lives of women with meaning and purpose, refraining from judging their past or present circumstances, guided by the same values. The pro-life stance is measured by scientific consistency and biblical truth.

Shifting the Narrative

While pro-abortion activists increasingly target pregnancy centers to undermine the valuable work done for women, pregnancy help continues to emphasize the significance of life.

In addition to the biblical truth that assigns human life with meaning and purpose, another component that demonstrates the significance of life is reflected in the lives touched and transformed at every pregnancy help organization around the globe. Their mounting impact shows that life—when provided with support and care—has the potential to create a positive impact on our global community. This is why (together) we promote the significance of life because we have witnessed firsthand the power that love and unity can yield.

Instead of the pro-abortion narrative that says women are incapable, the pregnancy help movement communicates the significance of life by coming alongside each woman to emphasize both the profound significance of her unborn child's life and her own.

Constructing a Foundation of Truth—Together

Those of us in the pregnancy help movement play a pivotal role in building a bridge to the redemptive and healing power of Jesus Christ. Each action we take—whether a phone call, a pregnancy test and consultation, a gospel-centered conversation, or a warm smile—contributes to this bridge. Pregnancy help is the bedrock of her support, offering compassion, care, and assistance symbolized by each piece of the bridge.

In the face of attacks from Big Abortion and its supporters, unity within pregnancy help is more critical than ever. The centers that tirelessly support and educate women and families understand the profound significance of life, and their entire existence revolves around upholding its value. Together, we are the builders of this vital movement.

As we recognize Respect Life Month, let us carry the torch of compassion, understanding, and unwavering commitment to the significance of every life. In a world filled with debates and differing perspectives, one truth remains constant: the value of each unborn child and the vital importance of supporting women and their families. We are the defenders of this cause, advocates of hope, and builders of bridges that lead to Jesus Christ. Our mission extends far beyond this month; it's a lifelong dedication to ensuring that every life is treated as significant.

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