40 days for life praying and signs questions

[I_am_learning]

So 40 days started the other week, and for those who do not know what it is, we pray close to the local Planned Parenthood carrying signs as well. First of all, I just wanted to hear your thoughts on praying and on the signs that say “pray for an end to abortion”; some could argue that this makes abortion seem like a religious issue, which makes sense. Others can say that it spreads the message regardless, prayer is a powerful and peaceful thing, and also, people will say negative things anyway.

Also, we have a sign that says “Jesus saves (or forgives, one of those)” which I suppose could bring comfort to women who had an abortion or something like that, but is this a bit far? I think, what if someone had a sign that would say “Allah saves” or from another religion? What would I think?

Those are just some things that have been troubling me. I love 40 days for life, and I can see the good in all of what we do regardless of what people think, but feedback would be great.
Thanks.

 

[7_Sorrows]

Well, if you are participating as a Catholic I see nothing wrong with a sign that says Jesus saves or forgives. Most of the signs we carry say Pray for an end to abortion or Take my hand not my life or Defend Life.

 

[commenter]

So 40 days started the other week, and for those who do not know what it is, we pray close to the local Planned Parenthood carrying signs as well. First of all, I just wanted to hear your thoughts on praying and on the signs that say “pray for an end to abortion”; some could argue that this makes abortion seem like a religious issue, which makes sense. Others can say that it spreads the message regardless, prayer is a powerful and peaceful thing, and also, people will say negative things anyway.

Also, we have a sign that says “Jesus saves (or forgives, one of those)” which I suppose could bring comfort to women who had an abortion or something like that, but is this a bit far? I think, what if someone had a sign that would say “Allah saves” or from another religion? What would I think?

Those are just some things that have been troubling me. I love 40 days for life, and I can see the good in all of what we do regardless of what people think, but feedback would be great.
Thanks.

The sign I usually use says “Abortion Kills Children”. But if I am inviting a few others with me, I offer them a choice of several different signs, so they have one they are comfortable with. A sign like “Jesus Saves” (though true!) does not draw a connection to what you are about. If someone has a sign mentioning abortion, then ok for another sign to say “Jesus Forgives and Heals”. I do not recommend a sign as “Allah Saves” or any other non Christian religion. If you are blessed with non Christians joining you, consider having only signs referring to abortion, signs about Jesus might or might not make them feel uncomfortable. Actually I suspect Muslims themselves would be uncomfortable with a sign as “Allah Saves” anyway. If you have Muslims joining you, ask them what they are comfortable with.

You need to be careful no one brings a sign that condemns women who have had abortions. If you order online, suggest you get the laminated signs. Not only are they waterproof, they are more permanent, can use them each year. A laminated sign is also easier to hold with one hand, for much of the time. Also, consider making holes near the top corners, then string through them and tie around the back of your neck. That way you can stand there, your sigh is held up, without your hands getting tired. That was my biggest weariness. The biggest problem is wind.

God bless you for the courage of your convictions!

 

[runningdude]

So 40 days started the other week, and for those who do not know what it is, we pray close to the local Planned Parenthood carrying signs as well. First of all, I just wanted to hear your thoughts on praying and on the signs that say “pray for an end to abortion”; some could argue that this makes abortion seem like a religious issue, which makes sense. Others can say that it spreads the message regardless, prayer is a powerful and peaceful thing, and also, people will say negative things anyway.

Also, we have a sign that says “Jesus saves (or forgives, one of those)” which I suppose could bring comfort to women who had an abortion or something like that, but is this a bit far? I think, what if someone had a sign that would say “Allah saves” or from another religion? What would I think?

Those are just some things that have been troubling me. I love 40 days for life, and I can see the good in all of what we do regardless of what people think, but feedback would be great.
Thanks.

Forty Days for Life does not require the use of signs. They are completely optional, although graphic and obscene signs are prohibited.

Abortion is a religious issue, because all issues are religious issues.

It is also the defining moral crisis of our times. Abortion cannot be stopped simply by making it illegal. It can only be stopped with a change in heart. The goal of 40 Day vigils is to stand in witness to the truth that abortion is the gravest form of murder, that few mothers-to-have-been fully understands. I would liken it to suicide; evil but tragic.

The most important aspect of any campaign is loving individuals reaching out to those at the end of their rope. Signs without friendly faces and open hearts are worthless.