By Doug May
The pictures coming from Haiti showing hundreds of corpses lying in the street in front of the morgue in Port-au-Prince and the women crying for their children buried in collapsed buildings are cause for great anguish and weeping.
Each of us shudder as we think that I could be standing there and my children and spouse could be dead. We pray, “Dear Lord, have mercy.” Death at any age is a horrible thing, a time for weeping.
The young college student killed in an auto accident, a father in his forties struck down by a heart attack, a five-year-old with cancer or a grandmother, all are missed and mourned when death takes them away from us.
Many mourn at this time of year for the nearly 1.2 million infants in this country that die each year by abortion. Jan. 22 is the anniversary of the 1973 Supreme Court’s Roe vs. Wade Decision that legalized abortion in the United States. The weeping is done off camera in the quiet of many homes. And many still pray that one day these tiniest of infants will see the light of day and be nurtured by loving fathers and mothers.
There is still more weeping over the most pathetic of all situations. Last year in Wichita, Kansas Scott Roeder shot to death Dr. George Tiller, an abortion doctor in his church. Scott knew that killing tiny infants was wrong, but he was not the one to bring judgment on the offender. His sin was deplorable because he took another person’s life. And by so doing he disgraced the cause of all who those who long for the end of abortion and pray for the safety all infants in and out of the womb. We all weep.
At this very time, many are weeping as they consider the possibility that the new health care bill will treat abortion as an acceptable medical procedure whose costs are covered by health insurance. And to further add to the sorrow is the possibility that medical personnel will be required to participate in abortions even against their conscience. I can not put into words how sad this whole situation has become. We treat endangered species with more respect than our own offspring.
But in spite of all this, there are reasons and seasons for joy and laughter. Who doesn’t rejoice to see the outpouring of donations for the survivors of the earthquake in Haiti?
Millions around the world are praying for them and volunteering to help. We thank God for those who speak French and Creole who can speak words of comfort for those who mourn. We rejoice for the medical and rescue workers who have been putting in unbelievably long hours to find and save the injured.
Just one year ago this month, millions were rejoicing and still rejoice because Captain Sullenberger and his co-pilot landed his powerless plane safely in the Hudson River. All 155 people aboard were rescued from the icy waters by ferry boats and small crafts. Lives were saved and millions rejoiced.
When we do all that is possible to save and enhance lives it lifts the spirits of everyone. But when we talk about limiting care for the elderly it is depressing. People rejoice for life. I have seven children and I got chocked up with joy and gratitude at the birth of each one of them. We celebrate birthdays to express that joy. I know of no one who celebrates the anniversary of an abortion.
I hope all our laws will respect and support human life in every stage of its development.
Finally, we rejoice for those at Birthright here in Socorro who are encouraging and helping women with “problem pregnancies.” Phone 838-2326 or 835-4236 for information.
Doug May is a retired Lutheran pastor and his views do not represent the Mountain Mail.
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