why pro-lifers are so obnoxious

About 40 shivering pro-lifers gathered today on the snow-covered mowing strip that separates our local Planned Parenthood with a busy street. We came to kickoff the spring 40 Days for Life campaign. I stood in the crowd, holding my Students for Life sign, "I am the pro-life generation."

Today's high temperature: 18 degrees. The low: 4. I think it was about 16 degrees for the hour we stood outside. Inclement weather never seems to bother pro-lifers. I admit to feeling somewhat protected by it: If the weather's horrible, there seem to be fewer people going ballistic when they see us.

But today was weird. In addition to light peppering of flip-offs and drive-by profanity, we had at least three cars approach our vigil group, slow to a crawl, roll down car windows, and glare. Most of the group pays no attention, and for good reason. Engaging people who a) seem mad and are b) behind the wheel of a vehicular weapon never ends well.

But the juxtaposition today seemed stark: I stand peacefully (in a group of people doing the same), and occasionally, people react menacingly.

My friend Jodi (a pharmacist, member of Pharmacists of Life International, and former communications director for a 40 Days for Life campaign), gave one of the short talks. Her title: Why are pro-lifers so obnoxious?

The crowd chuckled at the cute title, but Jodi explained its import:

"The wicked say: Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us;
he sets himself against our doings,
reproaches us for transgressions of the law
and charges us with violations of our training."

Wisdom 2:12

Our very presence at Planned Parenthood is obnoxious to those who feel like abortion is a right, a necessity. 

In my heart, I do not think that the majority of people who drive by screaming "F--- YOU!! I love abortion" (honest quote) are wicked. They do not understand what they're saying. 

They're wounded and hurt. They're possibly post-abortive, or have played a role in procuring one. They're misinformed, ignorant of both science and biology. The fault with this lies no small part with Planned Parenthood and other abortion clinics that rake in the cash from telling customers that a baby isn't alive until birth, that a baby in the womb doesn't feel pain, that a woman suffers no dangerous, life-long side effects from aborting her baby. 

Standing there with my little sign, many people find me obnoxious.

But I feel called to stand outside Planned Parenthood. To reproach that terrible building for its years of transgressions. To pray people out of it.

I go to offer women information about our local crisis pregnancy centers, about maternity homes, about adoption, about the people who love her, her baby, and want both to live happy lives. 

So for that, I'm obnoxious. I'm ok with that.


(I'm writing seven posts in seven days this week. To check out other bloggers who are doing the same, see the list here.)