Hope VS Optimism

As our society and value system shifts daily away from a biblical worldview, including devaluing life in the womb, our optimism for this world can easily fade… and so it should.

As Christians, we are not called to optimism, we are to stand in faith informed by Hope. 

What is the difference?  Optimism is informed by circumstance which is subject to change—especially in a world where man is more actively rejecting the biblical principles and morals to which we adhere as Christians.  Hope on the other hand, is informed by the solid foundation of God’s promises found in His Word, which is eternal and a sure foundation for our faith.

We see this displayed vividly in the ‘Stockdale Paradox’, named after Vice Admiral James Stockdale, a Vietnam War veteran and POW for 7 years.  In explanation of his ability to endure that hardship, he explains that “We must maintain unwavering faith that we can and will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties, and at the same time, have the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of our current reality, whatever they might be.”

This battle for Life is one that we must set ourselves to win, regardless of the obstacles, the negative press, the oppressive legislation, the physical danger and the social unpopularity. As Father Neuhaus says, we do not have the right to despair but need to have the unblinking faith that our God will and is seeing us through.  It is the right path—Life is worth defending.

California Pregnancy Center Execs Go to Sacramento!

July 13th was an exciting day!  It marked the first day of the California Alliance of Pregnancy Centers (CAPC) Directors’ Summit.  It also marked the last day of the state legislative session before summer break and we were invited to be honored before both the California Senate and House. Afterwards, we took the opportunity to visit with our local legislators before they returned to their home districts.

Caption: CAPC members and staff in front of the Sacramento Capitol— showing up for Life!

We brought information about our clinics, the services we offer and the people groups we serve to bring better clarity to our governing officials as they consider the various pieces of legislation that have been presented.  Our aim was to put a human face and a live story to each clinic in the minds of our representatives; to simply open a dialogue.

Our legislators receive many letters, phone calls and emails, but often their constituents are fearful of having a ‘face-to-face’.  We want to break through that barrier and bring the reality of who we are and why we serve and most especially—WHY YOU GIVE—to their attention.

Abortion is the denial of equality, independence and liberty to the most vulnerable.  We must be vigilant in making our voices heard, opening conversations in a provocative and convincing way to make the most of every opportunity. Their inalienable right to Life depends on it.

‘In-House’ Stories – Why We Do and Give and Pray

As we interact with donors, pastors, and fellow staff members, we can’t help but share our common ‘Life’ stories. A national statistic reveals that approximately 80% of staff members in pregnancy clinics and resource centers are post-abortive. We might imagine that a similar statistic could be derived for our donors’ abortion experience, either directly or indirectly through a family member. As much as society ‘looks the other way’, it is evident that these ‘incidents’ greatly impact the lives of more than ‘just a few’. The donors, the pastors, the volunteers who have shared their life-changing experiences, are now quite passionate on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves.

Many tell the story openly of their ‘near abortion’, and the magnitude of circumstances that surrounded the decision. Yet miraculously, there were choices for Life and some of us are glad to be counted as survivors!

For others, the pressures of this world were great and regretful choices were made, lives were lost. Our God however, can redirect us as we listen, receive the cover of the blood of Jesus and make the changes He sets before us.

The regret is real, but He can change the real to ‘zeal’ as we join together to help others choose more wisely. It is a passion that is fueled by personal experience and love – to help us all lead meaningful, shame-free lives. It is our mandate to be that light in the darkness.

The passion is powerful and the burden to help is addicting. We deeply appreciate the passion we see in each and every gift you give, every hour volunteered, every suggestion given. We know they are not given lightly but with a deep desire to make a difference in someone’s life before it is too late.  We are blessed to be an avenue of hope, help and truth—blessed to have all of YOU as partners.