Everyday sacrifices for life

"Some Things Are More Important"

By Don Parker, Director of Membership Development

Every once in a while I like to relate a story or anecdote sent by one of our members. Sometimes it is about a life saved, a loyal volunteer, or a person persuaded to the pro-life side. Sometimes it's just a word of encouragement for those of us on the staff. Whatever the stories may be, they demonstrate the unparalleled commitment of pro-life people.

I know my choice of tales is very random and undoubtedly leaves out dozens of deserving stories. I wish I could share the hundreds of encouraging letters and comments we get from pro-life Americans every month. But since I can't, I'll continue to pick one out every so often and share it with you as an example of the millions of committed pro-lifers who do what they can to end the tragedy of abortion.

Mrs. Saundra Ornelas is a National Right to Life member from San Antonio, Texas, who made a modest phone pledge when NRLC called her for a contribution. Two things struck me about her story which she sent to us in a letter:

First, she gave up something she had wanted and waited for in order to help unborn children. Second, and perhaps most important, she poignantly reminded us that no struggle is ever won without sacrifice.

Dear Dr. Franz and NRTL Committee:

I must tell you this story, as I am certain that God directed me to send you an additional $50 above my pledge.

As I was on my way ... to adopt a Chihuahua dog for which I had been called..., I saw a bumper sticker that tried to justify abortion. I don't remember every word in the bumper sticker, but it ended with, "so you can live the way you want to."(!)

I decided to send the money to you instead of adopting the dog! I know that I'll have another chance one day at another dog - - but those babies will not get a second chance to live.

Thank you for your tenacity in saving unborn humans - - and working against human cloning. God bless you all.

Saundra Ornelas

For some, such as Saundra Ornelas, sacrifice means giving up something they wished for. For others, it means sacrificing their time to help their local pro-life chapter.

For those with a gift for words, their contribution might be writing letters to the editor or sharing the message of life before an audience. Others volunteer to help pro-life political candidates.

No matter how we are called to help the cause of life, Mrs. Ornelas's story serves as a wonderful reminder.

When we look around our society and see signs of the acceptance of abortion, we are called to respond. We are called to use our talents, our skills, our time, and our donations to end the tragedy of abortion, and not let those who would kill unborn children win this epochal struggle. We do that one act at a time, and when we all act together, we win and precious lives are saved.

When I called Mrs. Ornelas for permission to run her letter, she said the pro-abortion bumper sticker really hit her. It was an argument for abortion so people could live any way they wanted, but they wouldn't let a baby live at all.

She said that "it made me realize that there are some things more important than what we want."