One Won Over for Life

As you may remember, a couple of post prior to this one, I wrote about a young high school graduate that is a very strong Democrat that I had been carrying on a dialogue with about the topic of Abortion. He was Pro-Choice and he wrote me a rather lengthy, yet calm and respectful post about his reasons for being so. I then, in turn, replied in a like manner addressing each of the reasons and claims he made. I also then posted and update some weeks later about how he was very thankful for they calmness and respect that I had carried out while discussing the issue and was glad that I did so because many of my points really opened his mind to start thinking about some aspects of the issue that he had not thought about before.

As you might as well know, there was a major victory won in Texas this month for the unborn. Texas made it illegal for women to get abortions after 5 months of gestation. There were many Pro-Choice protesters from all over the state protesting the bill while it was being discussed that week in the senate. There were also a large amount of Pro-Life advocates that came from all over the country to give their support to the senators that were pushing for the bill. I was invited to go to Texas with SFLA, but had prior obligations. I kept in contact with my friends who went there and they updated me. THings got bad, over 5 Pro-Choice folks were arrested, they were throwing bottles of urine, feces, paint, bricks, and used tampons at the Pro-Life advocates. Needless to say, things were nasty. Anywho, I saw this video from Texas during the week that really struck me. It is a video of a post-abortive woman sharing her testimony and how she suffered from the trauma of getting an abortion. While she shares this heartbreaking and heartwarming story of redemption through Christ, the Pro-Choice folks are laughing at her when she describes the mental, emotional, and physical trauma she suffered from after the abortion. They can also be heard chanting "Hail Satan" (a chant that was heard a lot that week coming from Pro-Choicers).

So, after watching this video, I sent a link to it to that guy I had been conversing with. A couple of weeks later, I received the following from him:
"Nick, those two videos really spoke to me. In matter a fact, I am glad to have someone like you around to bring up excellent points when it comes to this topic. I have done a lot of thinking on this here lately, and you're right, it's a disgusting act. I will however continue to hope abortion clinics stay open in the event of rape or mother endangerment, but, I am now, pro-life."


I then told him that, with the issue of rape, that only accounts for less than 1% of women who get abortions, and the issue of the mother's health being at risk, that was not handled in an abortion clinic, but at a legitimate hospital or women's health clinic.

A sense of joy and excitement overcame me when I read this from him. I, at first, felt somewhat prideful that I had turned him from being someone who supports genocide, to someone who believes in protecting innocent human beings. But I then realized that it wasn't me, it was the Lord. He had given me the resources, mentors, and material to read on the subject, as well as a mind to comprehend it. I realized that I am simply the instrument, he is the musician blowing into me and playing the right notes for others to hear. He chose me to convey his message of life. All the praise goes to Him, the almighty creator and sustainer of Life, the Great musician, the all loving Father. I praise and thank Him for giving me the opportunity and resources to help this young man. Praise be to God!

Here is the link to the videos that I showed the guy, in case you are interested.

http://youtu.be/l8N66bXXRBU

 http://youtu.be/1OgfAAIpHns

I'm Not Who I Was....

I was riding in my car today when this song by Brandon Heath came on KLOVE. As I listened to this slow melody, I began to realize that this song almost describes how I feel since the past year. Since my breakup I have had a rollercoaster of a ride, but the Lord was with me every step of the way. Ive had my ups and downs and times of darkness and of light. But I have grown stronger in my faith and have grown closer to the Lord. But as Job said, "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away" and that he did, but he has given again. He has given me new purpose and new passion. Ive changed my direction in life. Ive changed my major, my goals, and my passions. Although I remain single, I am not alone. The Lord is and has been with me every step of the way. Through the fiery furnace and in the promise land, he has been there. I have learned not only to praise him in the good times, but to also praise him in the bad times as well. I may not know at times why I am going through certain things, but in the midst of them I have learned to rely on and trust in Him to bring about His will in the situation. I know that all things work together for the good of those who love Him.

As I was saying, I have changed. I have been through the fire and have been refined and sharpened and have come out as a new and changed man. And for that, I am forever grateful!


I wish you could see me now 
I wish I could show you how 
I'm not who I was 
I used to be mad at you 
A little on the hurt side too 
But I'm not who I was 

I found my way around 
To forgiving you 
Some time ago 
But I never got to tell you so 

I found us in a photograph 
I saw me and I had to laugh 
You know, I'm not who I was 
You were there, you were right above me 
And I wonder if you ever loved me 
Just for who I was 

When the pain came back again 
Like a bitter friend 
It was all that I could do 
To keep myself from blaming you 

I reckon it's a funny thing 
I figured out I can sing 
Now I'm not who I was 
I write about love and such 
Maybe 'cause I want it so much 
I'm not who I was 

I was thinking maybe I 
I should let you know 
I am not the same 
But I never did forget your name 
Hello 

Well the thing I find most amazing 
In amazing grace 
Is the chance to give it out 
Maybe that's what love is all about 

I wish you could see me now 
I wish I could show you how 
I'm not who I was

The Hands and Feet of Jesus at work

Last Tuesday night I went with my grandmother to take my grandfather, mom's dad, to the hospital. He had been to the doctor earlier that day and the doctor told him it was his gallbladder. We were waiting in the ER with him since 9 pm Tuesday night till 3:30 am Wednesday morning. Got him in a room around 4 am and I stayed the night with him. 

He had intensive surgery Wednesday afternoon to remove his gallbladder, which had ruptured. It was impossible to do the microscopic surgery like most people have because of the extent that it was damaged.  He came through the surgery alright but the infection had spread to the rest of his body causing him to be very weak. I was with him a lot during this week. My mom, dad, uncle and I all rotated staying overnight with. I am physically exhausted and ache all over, but I know this is nothing compared to what he is going through.

Although this is a minor surgery in the grand scheme  of things, it kills me seeing this once strong and humble man who never bragged and hardly ever asked for help, be in such a weakened physical state and depending on nurses and doctors to help him because of his discomfort and pain. It makes me realize that even the strongest, most humble, and courageous of men, when at their weakest, need help from others, and most of all, from the almighty healer himself. These nurses and doctors may be helping him but ultimately it is the Lord who is healing him. These nurses and doctors are truly acting as the hands and feet of Jesus. Their calm demeanor, their gentleness, their compassion, and their dedication to helping those in pain are qualities that are most admirable and are proof that The Lord can work through all people. Others might just see it as those people's jobs, and it very well might be just that to them, but for me, I see the love and compassion of Christ shining through from these amazing people. Posted in almost every room in this hospital is a plaque that has the first part of Psalm 46:1 printed on it, which reads "God is our refuge and strength...". And oh how true that statement is!  Praise to the almighty healer and Savior! 

As I am writing this on Tuesday 7/2, he is scheduled to come home tomorrow. Praise God! Thank you all for your support and prayers!