Encouraged by pro-life events in D.C. and Austin

Two events on two successive weekends have encouraged me. In mid-January, I witnessed busloads of people streaming into Washington, D.C., for the annual March for Life. One week later, I listened to thousands of people cheer during Austin’s Rally for Life.

Both events attracted large numbers of students and young adults. There’s an enormous concern evidenced by the thousands of students lifting up the importance and value of life.

A message can be gleaned from this -- pro-life supporters are not going away. And more and more pro-lifers understand that it is not just about abortion; we want to promote the value of human life from conception to natural death.

Children before birth are among the most vulnerable among us, but many women who are carrying these children are in vulnerable positions, as well. We need broad cultural understanding, support systems, and legal frameworks within which we promote the health of all children and their mothers.

In speaking at the Austin event, I noted that Texas Baptists believe every person is created in the image of God and, therefore, deserves our respect and honor from conception.

After reading Psalms 139:13-16 in both English and Spanish, I called for all Texans to work together in . . .

. . . respecting human life from conception to natural death;

. . . promoting human flourishing in our homes, churches, and organizations;

. . . advancing the common good, especially for the most vulnerable persons;

. . . promoting the wellbeing of young women, their children before birth and after birth; and

. . . influencing the political process to establish laws that promote this wellbeing and the common good with a special concern for vulnerable women and children.

Hearing thousands of people cheer these goals thrilled my soul. Pro-life is not just a political stance; it is approach to life itself that is rooted in God’s revelation, the Bible.

For it was you who created my inward parts;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I will praise you

because I have been remarkably and wondrously made.

Your works are wondrous,

and I know this very well (Psalm 139:13-14, CSB).