So many years ago, almost twenty, I had just graduated college. Brian and I were living in College Station, Texas. One of our dear friends, Lauren, had a big dream that would require a lot of prayer. She invited us to join her at Brazos Valley Coalition for Life.

We immediately agreed. That first summer was mostly spent cleaning up an office space and finding a few decorations at garage sales and college apartment move out days. (In other words, when college kids move out and decide that they don’t want something, it ends up in a pile by the dumpster. These are great days to drive around and pick up treasures. ::wink, wink::)

We took turns praying outside of an abortion clinic. We welcomed women and young children that came in to our office to talk. We prayed with women who had just had abortions. We held them as they wept in pain and sadness and hugged them and loved on them. We rejoiced with women who had chosen to find adoption alternatives and helped them find care and food.

I can remember feeling so small, but knowing that I just needed to keep praying.

Fast forward 20 years – I have a blog. I am on social media. You will find me ‘liking’ pages and status updates that mention pro-life, but do I blog about it? Not really.

I’ve been afraid to.

What if a brand I work with decides they no longer want to work with me? What if I lose readers? What if people in my family think….?

I believe the truth with every ounce of my soul. Even now, I can feel it welling up inside me – down deep in my stomach. I have to say it – it is going to explode out of me even now.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

This life is so short. You will no longer find me hiding in the corner whispering ‘I agree’ hoping that I don’t upset anyone.

I will stand up and be a voice for those who do not have a voice. I will educate others on the fact that a fetus is a baby that feels pain and has rights.

I will still love you and hug you, even if we disagree. I will respect your words with kindness and attention, but I will not sit quietly with folded hands.