What God Intends As a Blessing : Gentle Reminder from a Sidewalk Counselor

Ernie- a grandfather ministering on the sidewalks of an abortion center

Every Tuesday, rain, snow, or HOT sunshine, Ernie shows up at the busiest abortion center in the Southeast. He wore a sunhat this week in the brutally scorching sun. Ernie is a Cities4Life volunteer who speaks gently over the microphone to the women rushing in to abort their children. He appeals to them in his grandfatherly voice with a heart that is inclined deeply to the Lord, but also to the joy of grandchildren.

When we asked Ernie why he volunteers on the sidewalk of an abortion center faithfully each week, he answered: Abortion is against God's word first and foremost. Also, I'm a grandfather of 8 grandchildren, 2 of which are adopted, and I want grandparents to have the blessings I have with my grandchildren.

So often, when called by the Lord to do something outside our comfort zone, like speak to those who don't know God about the incredible joyful truth of the Gospel, we feel we are ill-equipped. We wonder: Why would anyone listen to me?? 

However, God made each of us with a unique and valuable insight based on our sum of experiences that no one else on earth shares. Every person is perfectly designed and equipped by God to tell their story for His glory. Ernie's words remind me of that. He is an unassuming man with a simple message. Abortion is wrong, and deprives families of the love and joy of grandchildren.

It is easy to be so caught up in the present that you lose sight of the future. I love the gentle wisdom of this kind man, called by the Lord to remind women not to destroy what God intends as a blessing.
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1 Corinthians 1:26-27

For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;

Ephesians 4:1

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.