Who I Fight For

Over the years I've had many crises of faith. My earliest occurred when I was about 12, learning about evolution and trying to reconcile scientific facts with religious myth. I cried to my mother that I wanted to have faith but sometimes science was so convincing!

It was then I learned that, being Catholic, there's nothing wrong with evolution in the eyes of the church (Thanks Pope Pius XII!).

Since then, I've decided to follow my own moral grounds regarding what my faith is. I identify as Roman Catholic; I keep up to date on my church news and the various changes they've made to mass, I know the name of the Pope, and still pray every night.

However, there are a few things that I really have qualms about- two very popular hot button topics nowadays: Gay marriage (and homosexuality in general) and abortion. Pope Francis is doing some good PR work regarding the former, but the latter is still causing great debate.

I've written about both in the past. With 40 Days for Life currently underway, and a very important vote for North Dakota in a little less than a month, I really want to explain something.

For years I have considered volunteering at the Red River Women's Clinic- the only one of its kind in North Dakota. I have never done so, fearful of what anyone I know would think of me for doing so. I was incredibly involved in my church throughout high school and was afraid someone who once thought I was faithful enough to be a nun would suddenly see me as a godless heathen. My faith has always been important to me and something I turn to for counsel.

Last month I made a decision that I needed to get over it, and actually follow through and escort. I am not "pro-abortion." I am pro-choice. Because that's what I'm fighting for when I stand outside that clinic. I'm not saying that what protesters say isn't true. The signs that read men and women regret abortions- probably very true in some cases. But that doesn't mean that they shouldn't have had one. I will never know their story, nor should anyone try to assume they do.

Over the last couple weeks, I have been so incredibly sad to see so many Christians harass women on what is likely one of the most difficult- and honestly terrible- days in their life. I have been equally sad to hear pro-choice advocates throw out the words "hate" and "despicable" regarding protesters. Because it shouldn't be about hate, it's about love and support.

Today there were no protesters- it being an unusual clinic day here in Fargo. The escorts spread out due to the lack of need to protect the entryway of the clinic; because of this I had some time to reflect on why I was there.

I found myself really thinking about what had made me so active in my faith during high school- mostly worship music. There had  been a large movement at the time to modernize songs and I had many that I enjoyed. One song in particular came to mind today: "Cry the Gospel"

I find it entirely fitting that this be the song I write about today because it so effortlessly summarizes why protesters stand there. They are there as witnesses of their faith:

"Standing at the gateway of our faith,
on the rock of Peter and the saints,
with the Holy Spirit showing us the way
to be holy, and cry the gospel,
cry the gospel with your life!"

It was always emphasized that people should be able to know from my actions that I am a Catholic. And, often, I feel that's a fine way to live life. However, one of my fabulous high school teachers said something that has always influenced the way I act: Your right to swing your fist ends at your neighbor's nose.

The thing is, your right to freedom of religion ends when you try to take that away from your neighbor. 

Protesters are (the overwhelming majority of the time) not there to be violent- though arguably intimidation scare-tactics could be seen as extremely threatening. They are there because their faith is shown in all aspects of their lives and they misguidedly believe that their right and wrong should be everyone's right and wrong. 

I choose to show my faith a different way. I show that love and support that I was taught through church- and I show it to the people who need it most. The people that are currently going through trials and need to see that they are not alone or hated. 

North Dakota is voting on Measure 1 November 4th. Fight for women, and for the lives of those women. Protect their rights and their interests. 

Vote no. Because no matter what flowery or scalding words either side says, defining life as beginning at conception is taking away freedoms of women based on religion. 

And, if you're the type, pray for them. Pray for the women that need support and love. They may not want or need your prayers, so be respectful and keep it at home (and in your heart). 

And pray for the protesters that they can find clarity on this subject. Because they know not what they do, and they've no right to cast any stones. 

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord- and I'll see you next Wednesday wearing my escort vest.