My daughter warned me that my granddog, Ragnar, had vomited yesterday morning, not eaten his breakfast and refused water. She was worried but had to head off to her college class. I told her I would try to leave the sidewalk of the abortion center early, where I speak for the babies who cannot speak for themselves. I would pick up Ragnar and bring him home with me. She was grateful, as she was concerned about her puppy and hated leaving him alone all day.
Well,. it was a wild morning at the abortion center. For the first half hour, I was alone and cars were pouring in, women were lining up at the center’s door, and I was trying to call out to all of them while offering our literature to all the cars entering the lot. One woman, listening for that time with her car windows down, left without even entering the building. Two others left later, before the abortionist arrived and we feel fairly confident they changed their minds also and chose life. By now, other team members were arriving. And then, someone showed up who felt that God was directing her to come to the sidewalk and volunteer. I can’t tell you how welcome her unexpected presence was.
Other team members arrived earlier than usual for the afternoon team, and I was able to leave to rescue my poor granddog.
He was grateful as I let him out of his crate. He spoke his usual half human, half husky language, and let me know that he was not feeling super but was glad to see me. We hustled into my car and headed home.
“How about some lunch?” I asked Ragnar.
“ROOOOWOOOOO!”
I pulled into Arby’s drive-through.
I ordered.
The worker asked if I would like to add fries to my order.
“ROOOOWOOOO,” said Ragnar.
“Are they good?” I asked the worker.
“I like them,” the worker said.
“Fine.”
Then, and this is NO LIE, the worker asked me, “Can I offer you our creamy Oreo cookie or anything else you really don’t want?”
I laughed.
We passed on the Oreo, but Ragnar was pretty eager to sample the fries.
As we drove home, I shared my turkey wrap and fries. One bite for me, one bite for Ragnar.
“How’s your tummy now?” I asked.
“Rooooowwoooooo.”
Since he had not eaten his breakfast, I gave him a can of gourmet dog food when we got to my house.
All traces of being sick seemed to have passed...though he did burp. We started off on a long walk, but after two miles he was dragging. Maybe French Fries were not the best appetizer on an upset stomach. We returned home and he flopped on the couch.
Just please, don’t tell my daughter.....
Never mind. As soon as my daughter came to pick him up, Ragnar was telling her every bit of our day. He could not stop talking.
“Do you know what he is saying?” I asked her, worriedly.
“Not sure,” she said.
Whew.
I admit, French Fries were probably not a great idea for Ragnar, but here is what I think God showed me. Showing up when there are creatures in distress is sometimes the best thing we can do. Just be there. When the unexpected new volunteer showed up after that harrowing first half hour of trying desperately to do more than I could do, I was SO encouraged. Her mere presence and willingness to join in the battle gave my spirit a boost. Ragnar was not his usual self. I think he didn’t feel great. But instead of weathering it alone, he had a friend at his side.
Some women who have chosen life have told us that just seeing us on the sidewalks was enough to change their hearts.
“You cared more about my baby than I did,” one woman once told us. That convicted her that she needed to reevaluate her choice of abortion.
Ragnar went home happily, feeling if not better, at least loved.
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Acts 20:35
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Hebrews 13:16
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
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