AUL President's Encouraging Anecdote Heading Into The New Year

Charmaine Yoest, the President and CEO of Americans United for Life (AUL), had some encouraging words in a recent email sent out to supporters. Here are some excerpts:

Many people have been asking me how things stand, and what our strategy will be, with an incoming presidential administration that has taken such a radical stance supporting abortion. The short answer: I am, frankly, heartened by the tremendous response of our AUL supporters each time we've asked you to stand for life. First, we saw the remarkable response to AUL Action's FightFOCA petition. Pro-lifers are not giving in! The signatures have continued rising, even over the Christmas holiday, and now stand at over 350,000! If you haven't signed yet, take a minute and add your voice at: www.FightFOCA.com. I am also heartened by the response of AUL supporters to the 55-page Wish List pro-abortion forces sent to President-elect Obama. We asked you to enter comments on the document and now there are nearly 3,000 comments, mostly pro-life, on the site. You can read them here: http://change.gov/open_government/entry/advancing_reproductive_rights_and_health_in_a_new_administration. US News and World Report noted the surge in comments and observed that:

"But the volume of comments also shows that the pro-life movement is very much engaged right now and can be quickly activated."

That's encouraging! ... I have on my fireplace mantle a copy of the classic work, Streams in the Desert, which belonged to my grandparents. The entry to be read each January 6th, addresses the perennial question of uncertainty and recounts the example of the self-opening gate: There is a self-opening gate which is sometimes used in country roads. It stands fast and firm across the road as a traveler approaches it. If he stops before he gets to it, it will not open. But if he will drive right at it, his wagon wheels press the springs below the roadway, and the gate swings back to let him through. He must push right on at the closed gate, or it will continue to be closed. Then the author, Lettie Cowman, sums up by saying, "This illustrates the way to pass every barrier on the road of duty." Duty is an old-fashioned word, rarely heard today. But the AUL team believes that it is indeed our duty, and a high calling, to stand against those who would promote the Culture of Death with every last resource that God grants us, regardless of the barriers that block the road ahead. We will pray for wisdom, direction, and discernment. And then, we intend to run straight at the gate. These are difficult times. I've talked with so many of you recently who have told me that you are standing with us, despite financial challenges. We are humbled -- and emboldened -- by your commitment. Thank you for your faithful support which enables us to "press on and step out boldly."

I am so thankful for groups like AUL and for their untiring efforts to create a culture of life in America. I am also thankful for the many who regularly contribute to sites like ProLifeBlogs.

May the Lord bless you and your family as we approach the new year.