Tonight, I mindlessly looked out my living room window for about 30-minutes trying to figure out how to start this blog. Honestly, what more can be said on the topic of abortion that hasn't already been said? Is there anything new I could possibly bring to the conversation? Don't I wish I had the magic words to change pro-choice people's hearts? I sure do, but I'm beginning to realize that I can only guide myself and my family.

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a post about how my first daughter was born out-of-wedlock when I was still in college. When I went to get a pregnancy test at the college clinic, the lady who worked there suggested I get an abortion. I obviously didn't heed her words. This post really resonated with a lot of people, which gives me hope for the future of our country. However, I did get one woman who said, "Glad you made the choice that was best for you."

To which I said, "Actually, I did what was best for my daughter. She deserved to live no matter the circumstances."

She then passive-aggressively informed me that I was arrogant for holding that belief. Arrogant? Does that make sense? Is it arrogant to think people should live? Let that one soak in.

Recently, the Kermit Gosnell movie came out. I followed the case when Mr. Gosnell was being arrested and tried back in 2015. Now, the movie on the events has come out and has done exceptionally well and, yet, theaters are removing it. We all know why and it just affirms how right the pro-life movement is. You don't try to hide, cover-up, and ignore things you know are right.

So, I sat my two teen daughters down this week and we talked about the Gosnell case. As I was explaining what went on in Mr. Gosnell's facility based off the Grand Jury report, their faces coiled in disgust. My 13-year old asked how people could perform abortions and I said, "I honestly don't know, honey. I truly don't. It's beyond my ability to understand. Here is what I do know. The pro-choice side is very ugly. Look at the words they use: 'Not human, a clump of cells, unwanted, parasite, mistake, and burden.' They have to use euphemisms to cover up what is really happening. They use the word 'abortion' instead of 'killing' because saying what it truly is would mean they'd have to face the reality of the situation. They want to get rid of movies that show people the horrors of abortion. They promote the philosophy of me, myself, and I. Contrast their words with the pro-life side: 'Life, baby, giving, precious, important, human, worth, and dignity.' We are not here on this earth to think only of ourselves. Our lives are meant to be a gift to others and sometimes that means sacrificing. Our lives are supposed to bring goodness, truth, and beauty into a very dark place."

I continued, "You know, people sometimes make poor choices and get pregnant out-of-wedlock or when they are teens and it's hard. No doubt it's hard. It is scary, I know. Yet, these are the times when we dig deep and rise to the occasion. This is when we strive to take a bad situation and turn it into something beautiful by bringing a new soul into the world. We don't ever want to be the type of people that decide that certain groups of people are unworthy to live. All people have dignity and worth in the eyes of God and that's how we need to see people. I want you girls to always bring more light, more positivity, more hope, and more love to this world. I want you to remember to be merciful and compassionate to those that have had abortions. They were fed a heap of lies and they are more than likely badly hurting. Fight against the message and the culture that propagates this evil message, but be loving to those that have been hurt by the message."

I told my oldest about how the lady at the college clinic suggested abortion when I found out I was pregnant with her and how I rejected the offer. She looked me straight in the eyes, smiled, and said, "Thank you." I struggled to say back, "You're welcome."

Afterward, I thought a lot about why it was so hard for me to say that back to her and I think it's because no child should ever have to thank their parent for letting them live. A parent should always do whatever they can to care, nurture, and protect their children. Children's lives should never be viewed as a choice, no matter how small. With regard to my daughter, there was never any choice. Why? Because she is a human, a beautiful soul. I don't have the authority or power to decide her fate, nor do I want to, because she is a gift. Just like I am a gift and you reading this are a gift. She is mine to love and every step of the way during her life, I must strive to always show her that she matters, that she's here for a reason, and that I'm grateful for what she brings to my life. It's the same with my other two kids. They are treasures.

Someday, when my son is old enough to understand, I'll have conversations with him, too. Like I said in the beginning, I don't know that I'll change anyone's mind who is already committed to the pro-choice side. I only have control over this little tribe of people who I hold dear and I want this family to be better than the culture. I'll be honest with my kids about abortion and I'll give them all the information on it from the religious, scientific, and moral arguments. I guess I'll work to change the culture by making sure this family is one of truth, goodness, and love.

As Respect For Life Month comes to an end, our prayers for abortion to end should not cease. Keep in your prayers those on the pro-choice side. May they come to value all human life, especially those that haven't yet made their appearance into the world but deserve to do so.