Sanctity: of ultimate importance and inviolability (never to be broken, infringed, or dishonored).
In 1973, in the wake of Roe v. Wade, National Sanctity of Human Life Day was proclaimed to memorialize those lost to abortion. Forty-nine years later, many find themselves celebrating the overturn of this divisive verdict. However, despite the hope this may have incited, we find that the reality of unexpected pregnancy still exists. For those still in crisis, it is our job to hold hope for them.
We must all stand firm in the truth that every human being, by virtue of their inherent worth and dignity, deserves to live free from the violence of abortion. We must heed the call to inspire the hearts and minds of individuals of all ages, in churches and communities throughout Denver, to come together in a sacred commitment to protect and rescue human life – the woman, man and preborn.
In Christ, we know the hope available to us through the gift of eternal life. However, often those in crisis struggle to simultaneously hold trauma in one hand and hope in the other. This is where the Body of Christ is called to fill in the gap.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
But what does it actually look like to hold hope for one another? First, let us commit ourselves to prayer for all experiencing unexpected pregnancy. By signing up for the Alternatives prayer email, you can intercede on behalf of our clients through specific prayer requests. Sign up here. Another way to hold hope for others is through a partnership with Alternatives. Connect Alternatives to your church to share about how we can collectively offer meaningful alternatives to abortion. To find out more about how to connect your church with Alternatives, check out our church engagement page below. Finally, give the gift of being present to those in your life who may be struggling silently. In a society that likes to shout its agenda, a listening ear is often one of the most beautiful gifts we can give.
Together, we can build a culture that values the sanctity of each life from conception to natural death, comfort those who mourn and continue to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus to all in the coming year.
“The young women will dance for you, and the men – old and young – will join in the celebration. I will turn their mourning into joy. I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing.” Jeremiah 31:13