It's Not Political...It's Personal

Abortion has been politicized since Margaret Sanger began her legacy in the early 1900's. For those of you unfamiliar with Ms. Sanger, she was the founder of and inspiration behind Planned Parenthood. Even Ms. Sanger, were she alive today to interview, would tell you that although it has become political, abortion is and always will be first and foremost personal. (Of course that would probably be the only thing we would agree on!)

Sadly, those of us who have not directly experienced abortion have missed the personal aspect of it. We have acted with dogged determination in our desire to see Roe v. Wade overturned and to "save the babies" however we can -- whether by voting pro-life, holding prayer vigils, or protesting abortion and/or abortion clinics. For all intents and purposes abortion has been political to us.

But the Church...ah, the body of Christ.... Within the walls and community of the Church abortion should be treated as the personal issue it is. For those that have experienced it, our focus should be on loving them as Jesus loved the woman caught in adultery. Our responsibility is to be Christ to them, to restore them gently [Galatians 6:1].

Too many of our churches, pastors, and ministry leaders see abortion as a political issue and as such, they opt to distance themselves from it. I encourage them, however, to look at abortion as a personal issue and to treat it accordingly.

And lest I be misunderstood here, let me say how very much I value those who deal with the political side of abortion. People at organizations like National Right to Life that has fought for life issues with perseverance and integrity; LifeNews.com that keeps us informed of what's going on politically so we can be intelligently involved; Concerned Women of America that also informs and lobbies; Priests for Life that remains on the frontlines, standing for the cause of Life in Jesus' name in the public and political arenas. Each of these organizations has an inestimable value in the political arena, standing strong for the cause of Life. I shudder to think where we would be without these and other like-minded organizations.

However politics should never overshadow the personal aspect of abortion within the Church. That's where we have been, whether due to lack of information or due to God's silence.... But let it be known He is silent no longer. Those of us at In Our Midst and similar ministries across this country will testify that the voice of God is no longer silent on this issue. His heart cries out through our own. Abortion is personal. It is affecting God's people in destructive and detrimental ways and the time to begin the healing is now.

Let the healing begin!