By Anastasia Brooks
I clearly remember the first time I met with Melanie Lyon, Executive Director for Voices for Life, over coffee. She was giving an overview of the mission and what volunteer opportunities there were for the local community as I was interested in getting involved in the pro-life movement. At the end of our meeting, she suggested I go to Chicago in a few weeks with her and other volunteers to pray and advocate outside an abortion clinic. At the time I brushed her off as I wasn’t willing to give the time commitment while subconsciously knowing I wasn’t ready to.
Almost a year later she and I were getting coffee to plan a Galentine’s event, once again she brought up going to Chicago on Valentine’s Day. Without hesitation, I nonchalantly told her I’d be there. At this point I had done door to door canvassing, felt experienced enough to potentially deal with any negativity and was confident to be an advocate on the front lines. Never did it once cross my mind that my “yes” was a moment of courage.
Another volunteer asked how I was feeling about going. I openly shared how it was hitting then that I wasn’t sure how I’d do in front of a clinic knowing, there were abortions going on.
It’s one thing to read about abortions occurring; it’s another matter being outside a clinic while it’s occurring.
As we started the day by gathering to carpool, there was a spirit of recognition knowing we would be advocating for the most vulnerable and unprotected in modern day society.
Upon arriving we were warmly welcomed by a woman who was a fierce advocate but gentle in spirit. Her focus was ensuring women entering the clinic knew they had options and how loved they were. Not once did you see her look with disdain at the clinic escorts as they blew dog whistles, dehumanizing the woman and unborn child treating them as cattle who needed to be reined in. While the escorts failed to see the dignity of life, they were treated with compassion and value by those on the opposite side.
Every car that pulled through trained sidewalk advocates called out to the women. At one point a volunteer observed potential human trafficking. Two luxury vehicles pulled into the entrance with two women crying in each. The drivers, both men, passed a baby from one car to the other. Witnessing this, one of our volunteers immediately pulled out her phone to call the police. The police took the call seriously, dispatching two officers who remained at the scene for some time. While we are unaware of the outcome, action was taken to protect life and hopefully prevent the intended victims from further victimization.
Amidst all of this, passing vehicles honked in support of us praying and advocating. I never expected our outreach to be supported to the extent it was.
One of our new volunteers shared afterwards, “I felt encouraged by the honking and smiles, thumbs up and waving of those driving who supported us, but I also felt encouraged by those flipping us off. That’s who I’m there for. I want to leave a lasting impact on them and I hope our presence promotes conversations.”
Another volunteer who is well seasoned in outreach said “I was very filled with peace and struck that where there is great darkness, there is also great light.”
As I shared my experience with a family member about how this trip was further conviction and a push to continuously fight for the unborn until abortion becomes unthinkable in society, they said “Heroes are viewed as doing great actions and saving others. Anastasia you were a hero today silently praying and being a witness for the unborn.”
Abby Johnson once said, “When you come to pray, you are saving lives even if you don’t know it. Women see you and instead of pulling into the parking lot, they drive right by. When you are on the sidewalk, women see you as an outward sign of their inward conscience.”
This quote from Abby Johnson only reinforces how we are quiet heroes within the abortion crisis. While I felt unqualified at the beginning the Lord provided the strength, courage and support necessary to be a witness. From the sidewalk counselor who treated the pregnant woman and clinic escorts with compassion to those praying outside the clinic, this silent heroism filled me with hope. All of this I could not have borne without witnessing the courage, and dedication to be a voice for the voiceless.
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