40 Days For Life

As Catholics, we are called to be pro-life. As a mother, I do not see how you could not be pro-life. Once you have experienced the miracle of pregnancy how can you possibly deny a child his or her life? While it is easy to say you are pro-life, it can be very difficult to proclaim it freely in a world that is increasingly hostile towards the pro-life cause. As a teen, I was on fire for the pro-life cause. However, as I get older it is harder to keep up my momentum with three little ones taking up my time.

Every year, I make a promise to myself and the pro-life movement to spend 1 hour in prayer in front of an abortion clinic. 4o Days for Life is an amazing organization that organizes 40 straight days of constant prayer at abortion clinics around the world, and it is very powerful. It is a very easy opportunity to volunteer your time. Every year, lives are saved and changed, and I am proud to be a part of it. In my city, parishes each adopt a day and then you sign up for an hour with others, you will never be alone.

This is a great opportunity to spend an hour in prayer with a friend and minister to scared women. There are a lot of misconceptions about what it is like to pray at an abortion clinic. In my experience over the years, I peacefully pace back and forth on the sidewalk praying the rosary. There is no drama, no conflict just prayer and love. Consider signing up for your local 40 Days for Life campaign - you can even swap babysitting with a friend so you can each be available. The pro-life movement needs moms because we know the fears associated with pregnancy. We can relate to the worries and stresses that come with a child, but we can also attest to the power and beauty of motherhood. This is a great opportunity to be a witness by simply showing up. The 40 Days for Life runs across the world March 9 – April 17 and you can get all the details at their website.

I encourage you to pray over volunteering and open your heart to the idea of joining the pro-life movement.

Ellen is a 28 year old SAHM of 3 girls under 5. She is happily married to her prince charming and together they are striving to raise children who love the Catholic Church as much as they do. When she is not playing ballet mom or at playgroup she can be found blogging at Thrifty & Chic Mom or on Twitter. Ellen loves fashion, cooking, blogging and anything social media related.

{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

Dianna March 1, 2011 at 7:53 pm

I seriously felt a catch in my throat when I read this article! Thank you so much for posting this!

This Lent, I’m planning on participating in 40 Days for Life, and will be heading to a prayer vigil in front of the abortion facility in our city.

I’m scared to death — seriously. This is such an emotionally charged issue for me, and I have no idea what to expect.

Let’s all pray for each other, too, that we have the strength to be pro-life witnesses.

Ellen-TCMom March 2, 2011 at 10:03 pm: I am so glad you are joining in this year, it will change your life. There is nothing to be scared of, truly I have been doing this for years and my parents went every Saturday for a for many years and none of us have ever had an issue.