The Coercion of Choice: A Reflection on Roe v Wade

I taught my little art class yesterday. I am amazed at how eager they all are and what complete joy it is to teach children hungry to learn. I think it may be the age group I relate to best: 8 - 12 years old. They are still innocent and joyful children, but advanced enough to have real conversations with me. When they all left, I realized: That was delightful. What blessings those sweet children are; what ALL children are.

These wonderful kids are so grateful for everything I show them. They are earnest and sincere. They look upon what I can show them in art as magical. I almost want to pay them for the privilege of teaching them! (Almost, but not quite. The cart horse deserves the grain he earns.) I watched their joyful enthusiasm, and thought how blessed they were that they had made the choice to be here in my class, and that their parents had honored that choice.

Choice.

Today is the anniversary of Roe V Wade. I was supposed to speak at the downtown Charlotte memorial rally, but the weather was too nasty and it was cancelled.  I worked my TAIL off preparing my speech. So here it is. I know I look old and tired, and had to use my notes. Focus on the content. It is an important story. I know God spoke to me very clearly as the story unfolded. What is God telling you?

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Deuteronomy 30:19

I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live,

Psalm 139:13-16 

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

John 10:10

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Jeremiah 1:5 

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”