by Lynette Auch, President of National Lutherans For Life
I had never met Robert before the event, but there was something about Robert that drew me to him. I usually try to carry an extra Precious Feet pin with me, and I was moved to give one to Robert. As Robert received the pin in his hand and gazed at it, his eyes glossed over, and he seemed to fight tears. For a long moment, he was completely speechless. Finding his voice, he finally managed to say, “You have no idea how much this means to me,” and gave me a big bear-like hug.
As Robert studied the pin and read the attached card, it was obvious that feelings and memories were flooding his heart and mind. I didn’t push him for any details, but through his choked back tears, he couldn’t find words to thank me enough.
Throughout the weekend event Robert, my husband, and I talked small-talk and exchanged contact information. About a week later, Robert called me and shared his story of how, regretfully, he had been involved in two abortions of his own children from a long-gone relationship. The timely Precious Feet gift, given to him at this special Christian event, helped him come to terms with his past, and with repentance, God brought forgiveness and healing into his soul that even allowed him to name his aborted children.
It was true, I did not realize the impact that this simple gesture would have on this precious new friend that God brought into my life. I will be forever humbled that God chose me and my simple gesture to help bring God’s healing and peace to this man.
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit” (John 15:16).
Those words are meant for every one of us. We should never cease to be amazed at God’s gifts and timing to bear the fruit of God’s love.
Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love,
Where there is injury, pardon,
Where there is doubt, faith,
Where there is despair, hope,
Where there is darkness, light,
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console,
not so much to be understood as to understand,
not so much to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
it is in dying that we awake to eternal life.