My favorite part of Crossroads is the people we meet. People are so incredible if we just take the time to listen and understand.
Some of the people we encounter are curious or have questions about the pro-life position. The very first weekend, a couple guys sitting next to us at a table at In ‘N Out asked us what we were doing and why. Then, one of them asked, “I’m sure you guys get asked this a lot, but what about in cases of rape?”
Our walk director explained that abortion in cases of rape is only 1% of all abortions, and so that does not justify abortion. I added that rape is such a hard situation, and the woman deserves every support and care we can give. But we don’t give the death penalty to rapists, and so even in such a hard situation, we cannot take a life. They just listened and absorbed, and thanked us for talking to them when they left. Praise God for their openness.
Other people open up to us in ways I could never have imagined. It’s always a privilege to listen to folks’ stories. It’s amazing how vulnerable a stranger can be with another stranger.
That first weekend, a young dad in his thirties came up to me after Mass, his two little girls in tow. He told me, “I used to be on the fence, but when I saw her ultrasound…” pointing at his older daughter, “I said, ‘That’s her! That’s Nina!’ Now I make videos for 40 Days for Life.” How beautiful that the tiny moment of seeing his preborn daughter could change his mind.
In Jackson, California, a gas station clerk told us her mother had been raped, and became pregnant, and she was the child. She thanked us for our witness, and asked us to pray for her daughter who was pregnant now with her grandchild. What a remarkable testament to the beauty of life, even after tragedy.
When we were in Reno, I got in a conversation with a very sweet, very mature thirteen-year-old girl. She told me, “It’s so cool that you guys are so happy and have fun! Normally, people like you are so serious.” Yes! We can be joyful and excited and happy because our message is great!
In Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, I met a lady in the bathroom. I answered her questions about our mission, and just as I was about to leave, she stated, “You know, I had a son before I was married. I placed him for adoption, and we’ve been reunited for 18 years now. You’d never know he wasn’t raised with my four other children – they’re all great friends. I just don’t understand how someone can take a life.” I gave her a hug. Talk about a testimony.
This one girl in Vernal, Utah, however, completely stole my heart. We attended daily Mass there three days in a row because it was the only church for hundreds of miles. This little ten-year-old was there helping her mother take care of her three younger brothers. The second day, she came up to me timidly and asked, “Excuse me, but, what is pro-life?” She added, “I wanted to ask yesterday, but I was too scared.”
Oh, she was so precious. I explained to her we were walking for the unborn, the elderly, and to share the beauty of all human life. She said, “Oh, yes! Because the unborn are special…and just because they’re different doesn’t mean they’re not human.” My heart melted. What a sweetheart.
I’m so blessed to be able to listen to so many beautiful people, to talk to people about pro-life apologetics, and to share with them the message of the dignity and sanctity of human life.
Flood The World 