Beautiful Life Wednesday:
(What's Beautiful About Abortion?)

Why post about abortion on "Beautiful Life Wednesday" here at Woman of Faith? I do it because abortion is a thing that prevents millions of people from having a beautiful life each year.

Abortion ends life, period. There is absolutely nothing beautiful about it. But until we stop sanctioning it with our laws or otherwise turning a blind eye, I am compelled to address the issue.

Jesus said he came to "give LIFE; and that more abundantly."
Abortion is death--the absolute opposite of what God came to earth to give us.

I'd like to share the thoughts of a greater thinker than I, today. Someone who gave his life for what he believed.The following is from "Bonhoeffer on Abortion," a post I saw on John Piper's blog, "Desiring God".

Bonhoeffer’s clear and strong views on abortion (are)..decisive on the immorality of it, and pastorally compassionate toward the persons in crisis.

Destruction of the embryo in the mother’s womb is a violation of the right to live which God has bestowed upon this nascent life. To raise the question whether we are here concerned already with a human being or not is merely to confuse the issue. The simple fact is that God certainly intended to create a human being and that this nascent human being has been deliberately deprived of his life. And this is nothing but murder.

A great many different motives may lead to an action of this kind; indeed in cases where it is an act of despair, performed in circumstances of extreme human or economic destitution and misery, the guilt may often lie rather with the community than with the individual. Precisely in this connection money may conceal many a wanton deed, while the poor man’s more reluctant lapse may far more easily be disclosed.

All these considerations must no doubt have a quite decisive influence on our personal and pastoral attitude towards the person concerned, but they cannot in any way alter the fact of murder. (Quoted in Eric Metaxas, Bonhoeffer, 472, paragraphing added)

________

I pray these words speak to your heart as God intends.
As Christians, we don't hate women who feel compelled to end the life of their baby.
We just pray for life. Period.

Two decades ago I started a book with the theme of a teenager in crisis due to an unwanted, unexpected pregnancy. My writing took other directions, but if the Lord gives me the chance, I'll finish that book someday. I pray rather, He helps our country end the legalization of this bloodshed so that girls like the heroine of the story won't have to face such awful choices. Those like her would still have to face the consequences of their actions, but like so many before them, they'd likely discover that the "unwanted pregnancy" is a gift in disguise: a beautiful life!

Warmest Blessings,

Linore
website www.LinoreBurkard.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/LinoreRose
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Beautiful Life Wednesday

The New Morality

I'm posting a YouTube link made by a woman I know called "The New Morality". This intrepid lady spends many of her days parked outside an abortion mill here in Dayton, simply for the chance to speak to women before they kill their babies. I admire what she does because:

Abortion, like suicide, is a permanent response to a temporary situation.
Abortion, like suicide, is tragic.
Abortion, like suicide, stops a beating heart. And like suicide, abortion has many victims.
But UNLIKE suicide, abortion is not the victim's choice.
They call abortion a choice--would you have chosen to be aborted?
Well, I get ahead of myself.Back to the YouTube video.

To my surprise, my friend (her name is Vivian)took a poem that was originally published anonymously in a Catholic devotional and made it into a short RAP!

It speaks to baby victims of abortion. (I believe mothers are victims as well. Victims of "the new morality." Victims of coercion. Victims of poor judgment. But at least they get off with their lives--usually. I say usually because botched abortions do claim a number of maternal lives each year.)

Know anyone who likes rap? Refer them to this brief message:
Click Here

You don't have to be a rap fan to enjoy this, though.
You just have to love life!
I wish you a beautiful one...today and always.

What do you think of this message? Does it hit any nerves? Make you think?
Increase your compassion? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Warmest Blessings,

Linore
Linore Rose Burkard.com
Heart-Warming Soul-Stirring Christian Romance!

When Abortion Becomes Racism

We can't really have a fully beautiful life as long as there are other human beings without the opportunity to enjoy the same. No segment of humanity has been denied this opportunity--the very RIGHT to LIFE--more than the unborn.

The link attached to the title of this post is a powerful and important message from Pastor John Piper, one of the leading men behind the Sovereign Grace Ministries of Churches (one of which I attend here in Xenia, Ohio).

It's not a two-minute YouTube, but a full sermon. Be patient and let Mr. Piper build his message--it gets riveting. If you'd rather read than listen, here's a link to the full text.

Piper says, "I would like you to link abortion and race the same way you link lynching and race." I agree.

To whet your appetite, here's a short excerpt:

My aim is that just as once even though the Supreme Court in the Dred Scott case of 1857 held that Black slaves were property without rights as free persons, yet today we view that as unthinkable; so also even though the Supreme Court in the Roe v. Wade case of 1973 did not give the unborn the rights of free persons, nevertheless the day may come when that too is viewed as unthinkable. Racism might—and often did—result in the killing of innocent humans; in our history, it often did. But abortion always results in the killing of innocent humans. Between 1882 and 1968, 3,446 Black people were lynched in America. Today more Black babies are killed by white abortionists every three days than all who were lynched in those years (Life Education and Resource Network).
John Piper, from, When Abortion is Racism

Piper's message includes the truth of forgiveness for abortionists, those who have had abortions or forced them upon others. GOD is a forgiving God. But it doesn't make our responsibility to end the slaughter any less needful.

Sit back and listen to the sermon when you get a chance.
Rethink abortion in terms of racism.

Warmest Blessings,

Linore
website: www.LinoreBurkard.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/LinoreRose
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AuthorNewsfromLinore/

Image from: http://www.liliesofhope.com/doodleacres/2008/11/04/if-they-could-have-walked-in-my-shoes/

Hush Little Baby, Part II

Yesterday's post introduced us to author Deborah Piccurelli and her brave new work of fiction based on the sordid industry of abortion and fetal harvesting, Hush Little Baby.


Today we'll learn just a little bit about Deborah; and don't forget the drawing for a free copy of her book--comments will be accepted for the drawing until next Wednesday, 2/22, so don't be shy. : )

I asked Deborah what made her write this particular book, and here's what she said:

Two things: When I heard about fetal harvesting (a.k.a., baby body parts trafficking), it angered me. Even though this was way back in 1999, I want to make people aware that this still happens. Many people already know about it, but many do not, or some have just forgotten. Secondly, I used the characters that I did, because I had seen little people on daytime talk shows, and felt they were being exploited. I vowed to myself that I'd someday write a book showing them living normal everyday lives, just like the rest of us.

I then asked her what message did she hope readers would take away with them?

Several. Grace and forgiveness, redemption, that we shouldn't live by our feelings, but always consult the Lord for every decision we make.

As I said above, I wrote this novel to create awareness about fetal harvesting, but I also want to help alleviate it. I will be donating 10% of the proceeds to Life Dynamics, an organization that works to stop it.

And what is Deb working on now?

I am in the very early stages of a novel where (without giving too much away) a young woman overhears some very incriminating information being conveyed without realizing it. The next thing she knows, while driving to her boyfriend's home after work, her car is rammed from behind by another vehicle, causing her to crash. Devastating circumstances result from both the accident and the secret information.

Sounds intriguing, Deb! We wish you much success.
Thanks for doing the book giveaway here at Woman of Faith.

I bought a copy of Hush Little Baby for my Kindle yesterday, and I know I can't wait to read it.

[Baby image from: http://listsoplenty.com/pix/in-utero-amazing-pictures-from-the-womb]

Hush Little Baby

Due to a hectic day yesterday, my "Beautiful Life Wednesday" post is a Thursday post. Not that it matters, really. Read through for details of this week's book giveaway. And note that this is a two-part post--tomorrow we'll hear directly from Deb with some of her thoughts about why she wrote this particular book.

Today's guest is author Deborah Piccurelli who wrote Hush Little Baby.


Now, please understand: The book doesn't highlight the beauty of life directly; in fact, quite the opposite is true. But light shines brighter in darkness and Deb is giving us a fictionalized account of the darkness that is always present and seeking to destroy life. In the case of abortion darkness seems to succeed.

But we don't fight battles by closing our eyes to the enemy.

For this reason I thought her book was perfect for a "Beautiful Life" post, since nothing, not even beauty or life itself comes without a cost. We are called to be a voice for those without one. No minority population on earth has less "voice" than the silent unborn.

But don't get me wrong. Hush Little Baby is fiction. It's like a great detective show. They begin with a murder and even though murder is ugly and wrong, you watch the show to see the murderer brought to justice. You even enjoy it along the way. (Right now, the favorite in our family is "The Mentalist." Gotta love that Patrick Jane!)

Here's an early editorial review of Hush Little Baby:

The plot arcs, character arcs, subplots, etc., are all good. I've read several books that deal with abortion and fetal harvesting, etc., that are obnoxious in the handling. You have done an excellent job of showing us that real people, likeable people, can get sucked into this for very strong reasons. The characters and the story held my attention throughout the story.

Here's the back-of-the-book description:

Investigative journalist Amber Blake is a little person bent on payback for the death of her twin sister. Enlisted by her former partner and estranged husband Evan, she poses as a counselor in an abortion clinic to expose the doctor responsible for fetal harvesting. As a Christian, she struggles with concealing her beliefs to maintain her cover, while the doctor's romantic overtures tumble her stomach. Amber agrees to date him for the sake of the story . . . but nothing prepares her for what's behind a mysterious door in his office.

Wow. I have yet to read Hush Little Baby, but it's on my TBR list, I assure you.

I say we support this brave author who has dared to bring an ugly industry to light in her first novel. Will you join me?
Hush, Little Baby Amazon Purchase Link
Publisher's Purchase Link

And what do you think about this industry? About someone writing fiction to draw attention to it?

Leave a comment and you'll be entered in a drawing to get a free copy of Hush Little Baby.

I would urge you, however, if you can afford to do so, to support this author and to support the unborn by getting a copy now even if you win another later. You could give the book to someone you know, or leave it at a doctor's office.
Hush, Little Baby Amazon Purchase Link
Publisher's Purchase Link

Thank you, Deborah, for sharing this work with us and for having the chutzpah to write about a sordid industry. May God bless your efforts with His empowering grace! I'm off to get a Kindle edition of your book!"
Warmest Blessings,

Linore
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Have You Done This, Yet?

Our country's collective head-in-the-sand stance regarding the killing of unborn children has long been an issue close to my heart. Of course I signed the following petition. I hope you will, too.

I have just added my name to Concerned Women for America's
National Statement of Support for the Unborn Victims of
Abortion -- a statement that will be presented to key pro-life
members of Congress during CWA's "Celebrate Life, Embrace
Grace" event just prior to the March for Life rally.

Join with pro-life Americans from across the nation by
re-affirming your commitment to the unborn of our nation
by clicking below and adding your name to this important
national statement for the unborn victims of abortion.

Click here to have your statement presented to key pro-life
members of Congress during CWA's "Celebrate Life, Embrace
Grace" event on the day of the rally:

Sign the petition

With the help of tens of thousands of pro-life Americans from
across the nation, we can demonstrate to Congress that the
time is now to re-establish a culture of life to Capitol Hill
and beyond!

Click below to reaffirm your commitment to the voiceless
victims of abortion:

Let's Save Lives!

Warmest Blessings,

Linore
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NO Doubt About It

Part Two


Today we'll look at the New Testament for its clear and unmistakable instruction on when life begins. Again, our emphasis is not to condemn anyone for past mistakes regarding an abortion, but simply to reveal that there is only one "choice" that is biblical. Women are still told today that their babies are nothing more than a blob of tissue which they should not feel badly about aborting. If that is true, then we are all merely bigger blobs of tissue!

Matthew 6:26
Look at the birds of the air....Your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

Ephesians 4:23-24
Be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and (to) put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Matthew 22:39
And a second commandment is like (the first): You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (If we should love our neighbor, who is not even a relative, should we not love what is of our own body? A child? Is it loving to ourselves to abort that which has been created within us by God? An abortion is a traumatic event, biologically and emotionally.)

Colossians 3:9-11
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator......Christ is all and in all.

Returning to the Old Testament, here is the punishment for an involuntary abortion, caused by another: (It isn't the woman who is punished, but the perpetrator.)

"If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life" (Ex.21:22-23).

One website says: "God does not make exceptions that tolerate injury to any pregnant mother, or any child in the womb. (He provides them strong protection) In fact CURSES "come upon" and "overtake" nations that refuse to administer justice (Deut. 28:15)."

Links, information, a great many more Biblical references and more, can be found at Pro-Life America.

Feel free to share your thoughts on the matter.
Blessings, my friends.

NO DOUBT ABOUT IT!

The President continues to call for his health care "reform" bill. But when there is legalized abortion, can it be called "reform?" How long will our nation continue to enjoy the blessings of God while we are killing our most helpless future citizens?

For those who may doubt whether or not the Lord really condemns abortion, I offer the following verses from the Bible: Just read them once, and I think you'll agree there can be no doubt about it--abortion is the murder of a child. I don't raise this issue to condemn any woman who has undergone this traumatic event; I have, on the contrary, a great deal of compassion for her. "But for the grace of God, there go I." This is not to condemn, but to enlighten. Let's start right at the beginning of the Bible:

Genesis 1:26a "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.
Genesis 1:27-28 "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.'"

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."

Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you;"

Notice these verses are from the Old Testament. Tomorrow I'll share some from the New Testament that speak equally strongly of how God is the creator of life, from the womb, and that there are no "accidents" in the divine scheme.

Blessings, my friends.