Carving out the snow

Have you ever used a snow blower on grass? At 8:30 at night? Me neither- but as we cleared an area for prayer partners at the vigil site, some things kept me from getting cold:


I was warmed by the faith and Christ-like love which so many people would bring to this space during 40 Days.


I was warmed by the image of them standing amidst the snow. Our commitment cannot be discouraged or shaped by the climate we encounter- be it cold temperatures outside or lukewarm reactions inside the hearts of our brothers and sisters!


Lastly, I was warmed by the hope that 40 days hence, we'd be (hopefully!) standing in that spot wearing t-shirts, thinking about the ways God had blessed the "spring" campaign!


As the silence was broken by the motor of the snow blower, some powerful images struck me:


The Snow: an obstacle to our commitment. The snow and frozen ice, like all things, can (God willing) be shoveled aside through His power and intercession. Once we begin the work, His Grace will be sufficient, and difficult tasks will be rendered much more manageable. Remember- we are called to be faithful, not necessarily victorious. Only He knows when Spring and deliverance from this evil will arrive. Until then, He gives us Grace.


It is this Grace which enables people to step away from busy lives and come to 40 Days regardless of the weather. It is this Grace which fuels the sidewalk counselors who've been standing up for life year round in heat, chill, rain, and snow.

A Clearing in the Snow: the space on which we stand. Amidst a frozen tundra of the culture of death, there is a place which Christ has created for each of us to stand and grow in holiness. As we walk in faith and devotion, we discover these places.

Often these places are most unexpected. Many of had no idea, years ago, that we'd be quietly praying in the snow in front of an abortion mill in 2010. We are called to be a light on a hill (Mt 5:14). Everyone who sees you standing there in the cold- random motorists, abortion industry workers, scared women considering abortion, women regretting their decision, men regretting lost fatherhood- will be reminded, consciously or subconsciously, of the light of truth and Jesus' love.


Jesus sees you standing there, too. And His tender heart hears your prayers. His love is the truth; His love is what melts both snow and sin. His love and resurrection are the spring of new life.


As we shoveled and blew snow in front of Planned Parenthood that night, I imagined a female employee arriving to work there early the next morning. In my mind, I imagined she was the first to arrive- before anyone was inside the building or outside by the street. I imagined that pulling up in her car, she sees the clearing in the snow, and the cross which was carved out beside it. I imagined her pausing at this announcement of our impending return, and wondering for just a moment what drove people to do this twice a year. I imagined God's love reaching out to her as she looked upon the clearing, a safe place of love, acceptance, and life amidst the frozen snow. And I imagined her sitting in the warm car, wondering if she should be there.

Anonymous