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NRL News
Pro-Life
Teens and College Students— Yep, it’s a fact. The outcome of the 2008 Presidential election was far from what we had hoped it would be. Indeed, many of us wept for our nation as the results came in. We wept not for ourselves but for the future—generations of children yet unborn whose lives are now in even greater danger. However, there are still many reasons for us to look toward the future with hope and confidence. I like to call those reasons ... “pro-life teens and college students.” Prior to the election they were out in droves lit-dropping for pro-life candidates, volunteering on campaigns, and promoting the pro-life vote on the Internet and in their classrooms. I can’t even count how many of my favorite teen leaders had pro-life messages on their Facebook profiles in the weeks leading up to November 4. These kids—many of whom aren’t even old enough to vote—put up a valiant effort to make sure that life was protected at the polls. But what has impressed me the most is the attitude of these young advocates following the election. I have yet to encounter a single one who, after a few hours of sad contemplation, isn’t ready to work even harder for the cause of life. And make no mistake: putting them to work will be one of the wisest possible uses of our collective pro-life time over the next four years. Think about it. We need to educate people about the dangers of the so-called “Freedom of Choice Act,” an all-purpose, across-the-board attack on all pro-life legislation. Along with all of your other efforts, put these kids to the task! A few hours of training will pay off like you can’t even imagine. They will educate their peers, their teachers, their pastors, their neighbors, and the online community. They will put young legs and hearts into door-to-door literature drops. We all know that letters to the editor have a real impact on readers. Imagine how much more so if the person who writes the letter is 14 or even 18 and can articulate the pro-life position. Think your legislators won’t listen to you? Try taking a few enthusiastic teenagers with you to your next lobbying appointment. Even the most cynical pro-abortion congressmen or state senators have a hard time ignoring kids who care about an issue—even if they disagree with their position on the issue. (Let’s face it, pro-life kids are just plain cute and endearing!) You never know when the quiet words of a thoughtful teen will change the heart of a legislator who is on the fence. (Oh yes, we’ve seen it happen!) These kids have proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that they have boundless reserves of energy, passion, and drive. They are willing to work and eager to learn. All we have to do is give them the tools and point them in the right direction. So please, as you go about all of the important work you do, consider pulling some young people in to help you. Invest your time and energy in training them and your work will pay off exponentially. Rest assured your investment will continue to pay off in the years and decades to come. Because (and this is perhaps the most exciting reality of all) if you start investing now in anyone 14 and over—educating them, motivating them, and empowering them to speak the truth in love—by the time the next presidential election rolls around those amazing, well-trained, passionate young people will be pro-life voters! |