Until Abortion Ends
Posted By KDunn on May 16, 2012
An exciting and promising movement is beginning among pro-lifers – especially the youth (Surprising? Not lately!) – with a project called “Until Abortion Ends.” This project has sparked the passion and dedication of many religious pro-lifers as they publically vow, via the online blog, to sacrifice something they enjoy in a prayerful effort to end legal abortion. By offering up one of their favorite things, such as ice cream, junk food, coffee or video games, these young people are recognizing the power of sacrifice in making a change for the Kingdom of God.
Marion Jones, the daughter of film producer Jason Jones, who produced the film “Bella”, founded the project with the organization, “I Am Whole Life,” of which Marion is the National Director. A strong believer in the power of prayer, Jones feels that “Until Abortion Ends” gives people an opportunity to unite in prayer and sacrifice in their effort to protect the dignity of human life.[1]
The movement is certainly catching as many see the eternal value of fasting and abstinence, and have the opportunity to be devoted to the unborn on a daily basis. To be clear, this project is not to be understood as an act of public protest, like a hunger strike, for example, but is instead an act of submission to the workings of our all-powerful God. Many leaders, including the late Pope John Paul II, have emphasized that the battle against the culture of death is primarily a spiritual one. It must be recognized that what is necessary for the culture of life to prevail is the conversion of hearts towards the reverence for human life. Yet, it is the Evil One who seeks to sabotage this conversion. Therefore, it is only through prayer and sacrifice that a great change can be made in the hearts of man, as we put the issue in God’s hands. JPII sums this truth up very well in his encyclical, Evangelium Vitae, as he writes,
“Jesus himself has shown us by his own example that prayer and fasting are the first and most effective weapons against the forces of evil (cf. Mt 4:1-11). As he taught his disciples, some demons cannot be driven out except in this way (cf. Mk 9:29). Let us therefore discover anew the humility and the courage to pray and fast so that power from on high will break down the walls of lies and deceit: the walls which conceal from the sight of so many of our brothers and sisters the evil of practices and laws which are hostile to life.[2]
It is clear that “Until Abortion Ends” is following this directive from the late Holy Father to use prayer and sacrifice as a weapon against the culture of death. Of course, people throughout the ages have recognized this call to sacrifice in order to make a change. But it is inspiring to see pro-lifers publically unite in such a powerful and personal way.
I am so excited to see this movement of personal sacrifice spread like wildfire. It is a beautiful thing, to unite ourselves in prayer to let GOD take charge, as He is the only one who can ultimately change hearts and minds. It is truly a promising movement that involves no losses – only benefits. Through abstaining from our favorite things, and offering them up for the culture of life, we are not only praying to end abortion. We are also improving our own habits by detaching ourselves from this material world and attaching ourselves to the Kingdom of God. Our prayers never go to waste, so we can be confident that making little sacrifices for the unborn is a rewarding investment, even if we don’t see the results until we reach Heaven. But, with the rapid growth of the pro-life movement, I have a strong feeling that it won’t be long before these young people will be celebrating the triumph of the culture of life with a big scoop of ice cream. ;)
As for me, I’ll be giving up sleeping in — one of my favourite pass-times.. Thank God for His infinite grace that makes it possible for us to do things for Him. “For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37 :)
