In light of our having put Right to Life Crosses on our church lawn this past Saturday, it seems fitting to now post the following article. This was written by Louise Moore earlier this year, then submitted and later published in the News Herald Newspaper:

"To the Editor: It was announced recently that 4,000 men and women have lost their lives since the Iraq war began five years ago. My heart goes out to the families and friends of these precious people who died for freedom's sake.

I do not wish to take away from their sacrifice, but it occurred to me that these men and women had a choice and made a conscious decision to serve their country, knowing it might cost them their very lives.

I salute them as I know the anguish of losing a loved one to war. I also know the heartfelt relief of a loved one coming home after faithfully serving his country. I've seen a flag given to a grieving mother as her son is buried and I've hugged a returning soldier who sees his infant son for the first time.

Then I think of the number of babies that are aborted in this country each day and find the numbers appalling.

I read this on the Right to Life of Michigan web site: 'According to recently released statistics, the number of abortions performed in Michigan slightly increased in 2006 compared to 2005. The report from the Michigan Department of Community Health states that 25,636 abortions were performed in Michigan during 2006 compared to 25,209 in 2005, an increase of 1.7 percent. This is still the second lowest number of annual abortions ever recorded in Michigan and represents a dramatic 47.8 decrease since 1987.'

These numbers are for Michigan alone. What are the totals for the entire country? For the world?

We mourn the fallen soldiers and rightfully so, but who mourns the babies who aren't given the chance to live to see the light of day? Who weeps for them?

Men and women who die in service have had a voice and used it to let us know their choices. The unborn is hushed before it ever utters a word outside the womb.

We decry and protest the war in Iraq, but far too many quietly step over the issues of the right to life for the unborn."

A special note:

If you or someone you know has known the pain of abortion and you need help in dealing with the trauma this can bring, we want you to know that there is forgiveness and healing to be found in Jesus Christ. Please call our church office, 734-282-0115 and let us help in the healing process.