For many pro-life advocates, the excitement of the potential overturn of Roe v. Wade has been tempered somewhat by the news of vandalism and arson at our sister organizations across the country. Over the last month, three separate pro-life organizations have become the target of abortion activists’ rage. While these acts of violence should cause us to take reasonable precautions, we will never back down from this fight. We must be prepared to deal with fear, strife, anger, and destruction. But God is for us and in him we have unrelenting hope that allows us to face down our fears. Evil may prowl on this earth looking for prey, but we have God’s assurance that He will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6).
When the news of the draft decision of Roe v. Wade broke, we saw pro-abortion activists take to the streets in protest. They marched through our cities, climbed skyscrapers, and claimed that abortion is a human right. But much of the violence came after dark. In a night that some referred to as the “Kristallnacht” of the abortion debate, Wisconsin Family Action saw its office burned and vandalized. “If abortions aren’t safe then you aren’t either” was the slogan spray-painted on the walls. Sadly, this was not the end. Two more incidents of vandalism occurred in both North Carolina and Buffalo, NY with similar slogans. A radical pro-abortion group known as Jane’s Revenge has taken responsibility at least two of the attacks.
While these acts may instill fear in some, we should never let this fear drive us from our mission. We should heed the example of Wisconsin Family Action President Julaine Appling, who defiantly stated “We will repair our offices, remain on the job, and build an even stronger grassroots effort. We will not back down. We will not stop doing what we are doing. Too much is at stake.” Indeed, our work is too important to give up amidst these threats.
“We will repair our offices, remain on the job, and build an even stronger grassroots effort. We will not back down. We will not stop doing what we are doing. Too much is at stake.”
But how can we stare down the lions like Daniel did? How can we walk through the fire like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? In adversity, we must put our hope in our Creator and Savior, and because of this faith, we can be free to work towards the glory of His kingdom.
Evil entered the world through man’s sin and will remain until Christ returns for His final judgement. We see this evil all around us, but especially when our own brothers and sisters—or even we ourselves—are being targeted. But we must not despair or retreat. We must bravely face down our greatest fears knowing that we should not be “frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.” (Philippians 1:28)
We will take precautions, but we will continue to fight for the lives of all people, including the most vulnerable, the unborn. We are on the cusp of living in a nation where abortion is no longer protected on a federal level, and we will not back down when victory is at hand.
“So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
