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My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. - 2 Samuel 22:3-4

God revealed this scripture as we considered the impact of Human Trafficking around the world. In America, it is, tragically, the central theme of the biggest stories coming out of the news today. It will continue to be revealed and the oppressors will face justice for their victims. 

Our modern-day enemies are many with the top ringleaders of human trafficking being some of the most dangerous for every single human being. Women and young girls, men and young boys, even the unborn are at risk. Women are forced into abortions and those that aren’t…well, their babies become the next generation of victims hidden from the world. 

For every care and concern, God has a promise. For every care and concern, let’s remember to turn to His word to learn what He says about it and how we should respond. Scripture clearly shows us that God saves us from violence and He saves us from our enemies. He acts through the people He has equipped on Earth to find and save His children. He saves through heart changes and through whispers in ears that are open to hearing His voice. 

It’s an unbearable thought and because of that, it’s easier to turn away than face it, fight it, and defeat it. In 2 Samuel 22:3-4, we are reminded that God fights every battle on our behalf. The unseen and unheard victims, the unborn babies, the parents desperately waiting for word from their missing children can all seek shelter under the shield of God’s refuge. Let all of us send up this scripture as a prayer on behalf of those being held hostage. Never cease praying for the innocent. 

This scripture refers to “the horn of my salvation” which is the victory of salvation. No enemy can take away the victory of salvation found in the Lord. He will save every single innocent life from the violence and oppression of their captors. He will do what He says. 

Victory may not come immediately in physical form, but it is immediate for our souls and it is ours for eternity. Let that not be lost on us when we consider the plight of the present, urgent need to physically save these innocent victims and return them home to their families where they can begin to heal. 

Let’s not rest our trust in God the way we do in man, with caution and disbelief that he will keep his word. God is the Great Overcomer showing time and again His strength, His power over evil, His steadfast love for His children, and His unwavering dedication to our salvation. He gave His son so we wouldn’t have to give up our sons and daughters. Pray your prayer with this scripture to end human trafficking and end violence and death upon our children. 

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. - Psalm 68:5

God, in His holy dwelling, is displayed best when we, His beloved children, call Him Father. In His holy dwelling, God sees and loves widows, defending their status. Such comfort from this brief scripture, that during our modern-day concerns over single mothers and women abandoned due to illness, viruses, and diseases, God is present and active.

When a man chooses to walk away from the mother of his child and deny the baby, God is there. In the midst of the many ways pain and suffering can occur with the absence of a father, the promise held in this scripture is a source of peace. We’ve seen time and time again women find comfort when we share the Gospel and they realize that their Heavenly Father is her most reliable source of acceptance is a God who is always with her and loves her unconditionally. 

When we recognize that although some of us may not have an earthly father, we all have our Heavenly Father. He is our good, good Father; He is always emotionally available to us, and He will never leave us or forsake us. God, in His holy dwelling, lifts His countenance and gives peace to His children.  

We can honor God for His role as our Father by cultivating a relationship with Him. In the ideal father/child relationship, a father protects us and teaches us. A father gives us the freedom to make mistakes and picks us up when we fall. He encourages us to keep moving forward and become independent while knowing that he’s always there for us. God never fails at this kind of relationship. 

May this be the prayer that is spoken over every person who experiences a fatherless walk of life. A prayer of hope, and of the everlasting love that is poured out by our one true Heavenly Father, who sees us and hears our cry. A prayer of gratitude that we can choose a Father that guides, instructs, loves, and finds deep joy in each of us. 

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

He said, “Go and tell this people:

‘Keep on listening, but do not perceive; Keep on looking, but do not understand.’ 

- Isaiah 6:8-9

Deep gratitude for the miracle of healing compelled Isaiah to say “Send me!” He was a prophet who predicted the impending birth of Jesus, our Savior. He was dedicated to the Lord and would volunteer to be the one to go out and send a message from God that would expose the rebellious nature of his nation. 

It seems counterintuitive, doesn’t it? God wants Isaiah to tell the people to listen, but not realize the truth, to look for signs of God, but avoid understanding. When Isaiah went out to tell the nation of God while also telling them to refuse understanding of Him, he would experience the very path Jesus would walk. He would gain an appreciation of the challenges God himself faces. 

In essence, it was a warning that Isaiah would deliver to the people. Because of their rebellious nature, their demise would be their own doing because they would not believe in God’s ability to cleanse them, heal them, and bless them. 

Praise God for the Bible! We’ve received the Word of the Lord and we don’t have to make the same mistakes. Of course, we all have a rebellious nature to some extent, but we know from the ones who have gone before us that God is for us and He made an unimaginable sacrifice for our souls. 

In the modern-day version of Isaiah’s plight, we have volunteered to go. We have answered the call to protect the unborn, saying “Send me!” and we have gone and continue to go. We share the good news of Jesus knowing that some will listen and ignore, some will look for a different, earthly kind of savior, and some will say “yes” to the living God who saves. One yes is worth the response to our calling.

In what areas of God’s calling on your life are you responding with “Here I am! Send me!”?

Friends, it is not lost on us that it is challenging to be pro-life in today’s world. It can be frustrating; it can feel hopeless, and, honestly, it can be maddening. 

We live in a fallen world where people feel more inclined to follow their feelings than hold up their values. Many are more consumed with making life easy when the “easy” route often holds more harm than good. 

Generally, most people tend to steer away from faith-based arguments because - let’s face it - it almost feels like you can’t win. Ever. So, let’s take an approach that helps us stay true to our faith instead of winning an argument. When you can (lovingly) share your pro-life views, perhaps you’ll find that even if you don’t participate in a war, you’ve at least given the other side pause to hear you out.

1. God doesn’t make mistakes. Every life is ordained and created by God, and every child conceived is on purpose. Even in the worst of situations, God has planned every life on purpose, for a purpose. The chances of getting pregnant in the best conditions are 15%-25%. Those chances aren’t all that high; throw in a stressful situation, and chances are significantly reduced. If a baby is conceived, God has a plan. 
2. A woman’s body is designed to actualize pregnancy. The hormonal changes and bodily changes a woman goes through during pregnancy were intended to progress throughout pregnancy. Cutting this process short exposes women to health issues later in life that could be avoided through actualizing the pregnancy. Even if a woman does not want to raise a child, she can save her health and baby through adoption. (And yes, miscarriage is different as this is a natural end of life that the woman’s body has prepared for versus the forced end of life.) 
3. Babies don’t ruin lives. They change lives. The most precious, innocent humans are motivators to do better, they’re joy-generators, and when given a chance, they change us for the better. 
4. Adoption allows women to continue living their lives. For nine months, they can enable the baby to develop while still working, going to school, pursuing their goals, and then, one day they give birth, and a couple of days later, they’re back to life as usual. A baby doesn’t have to die for a woman to have her own life.
5. Resources abound for women with babies. Transportation, prenatal care, child care, living expenses, health care, clothing, food, and shelter are all available in every situation. There is always a way. From social service options to local non-profits, women can be surrounded by helpful, loving people who want to help. These are all messages that every woman and her baby are important, valued, and respected.

What it comes down to is showing love for both woman and child. We live this through our Gospel-centered interactions that allow us to share the love of Jesus and that we genuinely care for the life of every baby. A woman’s future is impacted dramatically by this decision. 

Show empathy and provide solutions for women with unplanned pregnancies, and you’ll make a more positive impact on those willing to hear you out. 

By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” - John 13:35

Do you feel called to give? Our Loving Life Initiative is bringing more mobile units into communities in need.  https://www.icumobile.org/loving-life-initiative

You see the request for the donation. You’re pro-life, and you pray abortion will end in your lifetime, so it makes sense to provide financial support to organizations like ICU Mobile, who are working every day in communities like yours. So, why the hesitation to click that “Donate Now” button?

The biggest question most people ask is, “Where does the money go?” Great question and one you deserve the answer to when you’re trusting your hard-earned dollars to the stewardship of someone else. In your case, the question is more profound. You need to know how your donation truly saves a baby’s life. 

Your donations are part of the ICU Mobile journey. We build and distribute the mobile units containing the pregnancy ultrasound machines operated by pregnancy centers across the country. 

When you donate to ICU Mobile, you help us with the cost to build the mobile units - those large RVs that, on the outside, have our logo painted on them. The inside has been outfitted to be a place of respite where women facing an unplanned pregnancy are surrounded by people who care about her and her baby. Inside, we create a calm, welcoming environment where we can share truthful information with her. Your donation allows us to let her see, through ultrasound, the very real life of the baby growing inside her. 

When you donate to ICU Mobile, you support an effort to bring vital services to women where they are. We don’t have to hope they’ll find a pregnancy center before they’re drawn in by Planned Parenthood. We can go to them. Mobile unit operators GO to areas that are in high need in their communities. We can be found in the grocery store parking lot, on the street outside a school, at the neighborhood park - doors open with a professional team waiting inside to give free services to every woman who steps on board.

When you donate to ICU (I see you) Mobile, you make ultrasound technology available that reveals life. This first look at life is a significant factor in her decision about her baby’s fate. 

When you donate to ICU Mobile, you can save two lives. The physical life of the baby and the eternal life of the mother. The pregnancy centers that operate the mobile units in their communities are filled with teams of women who love Jesus and love the women they serve. Because of that love, they share the Gospel of Christ so that each woman has the opportunity to receive eternal life through a relationship with Jesus. 

How does your donation impact the unborn? Your dollars go on a journey, but ultimately, they end up with the unborn getting the opportunity to be seen which is their best chance to be saved.

 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” - Galatians 6:9

Do you feel called to give? Our Loving Life Initiative is bringing more mobile units into communities in need.  https://www.icumobile.org/loving-life-initiative

You turn things upside down,

    as if the potter were thought to be like the clay!

Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it,

    “You did not make me”?

Can the pot say to the potter,

    “You know nothing”? - Isaiah 29:16

These days, don’t we feel like shouting this very scripture from the rooftops? Not only was this true in the days of Jesus, but it also continues to this very day. There is nothing new under the sun….

Does it seem as though people are going to greater lengths to distance themselves from God? They deny Him as the Creator of the Universe and all life and things within it to the point where maybe it seems too overwhelming or hopeless to argue with them. We have good news! You don’t have to argue with them or convince them. You have the truth of scripture to share. 

The word of the Lord came to me, saying,

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

    before you were born I set you apart; - Jeremiah 1:4-5

The “WORD of the LORD.” There is no higher authority. In scripture, Jeremiah shares with us that the Lord himself spoke to him. God knew every single one of us before He formed us in the womb. Rest in that for a moment. God said “Before I formed you....” There is nothing else we need to know. Every single life is planned and purposed by God himself. Sure, on Earth we see unplanned pregnancies happen all the time. But not one of them was a surprise to God. He planned every single one. 

Next time you find yourself in the midst of the madness and you feel lost, find your way back to Jeremiah 1:4-5. Most references to this scripture only mention v. 5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” That is important. But the most important statement comes just before this in v. 4 where we draw our authority. “The word of the Lord came to me, saying….”

When God says it, there’s no need to argue to try to convince. You can declare the sanctity of life with the authority of God on your side. 

Yet you, Lord, are our Father.

    We are the clay, you are the potter;

    we are all the work of your hand. - Isaiah 64:8

Help us preserve the sanctity of life by becoming a Loving Life Partner.

It can be a tough conversation to start with children, but pro-life education must begin at home. As a parent, you're the first person to teach your children about their value and worth as human beings. Every time you speak words of kindness or encouragement, every hug that lets them know they are loved unconditionally - these things matter more than you might realize. You're giving your child an example of what love looks like and how to act with respect for themselves and others. 

Schools are rolling out the red carpet to welcome Planned Parenthood and their informational pieces that teach children about choice. At every turn, abortion as healthcare is the message that is being ingrained in young girls. Yes, children are so much younger when we need to start conversations with them around sex and relationships, and now, we must add abortion to the list. 

It goes against human nature to reveal such evil to children, but if we, as pro-life Christians, don’t join the conversation, children will believe the abortion narrative and fail to question it. There is no magic age to start talking about your pro-life beliefs as a family. Only you know when they’re ready or when they may have been exposed to other messages. The important thing is that once you know, you must be quick to reveal the truth to them. 

If your child is old enough to be exposed to news media around things like the Texas heartbeat bill, that can be a great launch point for conversation. Speaking about such victories from a place of love, kindness, and hope for future pro-life victories will begin to create open communication in your home around abortion issues. When you are willing to be bold enough to trust them with unsettling information, your children will feel more connected to you and feel more trust to start those conversations themselves. 

The most effective way to teach your children about the dignity of human life is by modeling it. If you are a parent, then this means living out the pro-life message with both words and actions. Showing respect for all people, especially those who are vulnerable, is an important value in raising our children to be pro-life. It is also essential that parents educate themselves on abortion methods and terminology so they can speak intelligently about these topics with their kids.

Reminder: We are living in a time where “shout your abortion” is the norm. We must be bolder and louder on behalf of the unborn and we must start within our own families. 

Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. - Proverbs 22:6

Help us preserve the sanctity of life by becoming a Loving Life Partner.

Every pro-life person believes that human life should be respected and valued. The issue we face as like-minded people is that we tend to keep our passion for the unborn compartmentalized. We’re lone rangers looking for places we can donate funds or we follow a pro-life organization on social media and maybe like their posts once in a while. When did we decide that it was better to go it alone?

When we include unity as a pro-life value, it changes the way we see life. We are all created in God's image, and because of that, each person has dignity and purpose. Unity says “we’re all in this together” and gives us bravery to act on our calling. 

Through Focus on the Family’s SeeLife 2021 Event, we will unify for life. For one evening, like-minded people are coming together to declare the value of life, to praise the maker of life, and to show our country the peace and positivity that comes from these values. Through an ICU Mobile ultrasound, images of a preborn life will be shared for everyone to see that life in the womb is human, individual, and very alive. 

Seeing life as a gift is not just about being pro-life; it’s about experiencing and sharing God’s grace for all of us. When a life is created at conception, that is one of the most frequent modern-day miracles. Perhaps because it happens often and is so commonplace, we’ve taken this miracle of life for granted. Let’s remember that life is a miracle and it’s an intentional act by our Creator who never makes mistakes.

These miracles deserve to be recognized and when you join with like-minded people to declare the miracle of life, you join this community - this pro-life movement - that works in unity to preserve the innocent lives of the unborn.

During SeeLife, when we all worship together through song, when we praise together through prayer, and when we learn together through the leaders who will share the current victories and challenges yet to be overcome, we will be more unified. Our unity will propel us to go out and be vocal, to be active, and to be brave enough to fight for lives like the growing baby we will see on that ultrasound screen.

So, how do you unify when you live across the country? Join the event virtually through this link: 

FocusOnTheFamily.com/SeeLife 

How do you unify when you live right in Dallas but you’ve never done anything like this before? You arrive. You show up and brave the unknown. Like a child in the womb at birth, you leave your comfort zone, enter a whole new world, take a deep breath, and allow others to guide you in the moment. Visit https://www.focusonthefamily.com/see-life-dallas-2021/ and reserve your free ticket!

We’ll all be there for the same reason. To unify for the love of life. 

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. - 1 Corinthians 1:10

Pro-life is a word that can be misunderstood, especially by those who are not Christian. It's essential to understand what pro-life means before we’re able to share why we are pro-life or what it means to be pro-life. 

Is it enough to simply say you're against abortion? It takes a certain level of bravery for some people to say they’re against abortion. The immediate assumption is that if you’re pro-life you are against women having freedom to control their bodies, so the answer is “no.” We must be against abortion and for the empowerment of women. The answer is a woman’s greatest power lies in her ability to form another human being inside her and to give birth to that child. It’s both power and humanity at its best. 

What does that call us to do as Christians? We have a responsibility to be bold enough to tell others that the power of God is greater than fear. The people most affected by abortion, those who will be living with its consequences for their entire lives, are women who receive messages from all sides about what they should do. Being the pro-life generation means wanting nothing more than loving women at their most significant time of need and empowering them to refuse a life of regret and trauma.

What does that mean for our lives and how we live them out every day? The pro-life movement is about love. Love for the unborn child who has no voice and cannot speak up for themselves. Love for each woman who needs support. When we protect life from conception to natural death, we love our neighbor as ourselves. We are saying that all lives have worth and deserve protection. We must speak up and be that voice in daily interaction, not just on the sidewalk outside of the abortion clinic. We must give financial support to organizations doing the work. We must be aware of our tone when we talk about abortion so that we speak from a place of love rather than judgment. 

None of us are here by accident. Our existence has been planned, created, and ordained by our one true God. Scripture abounds with proof of this concept and it is essential we speak the truth of the Gospel. The pro-life generation wants to create a culture where every human being can thrive in dignity and respect because all life matters! 

“The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” - Job 33:4

If you're interested in joining us as we share the good news of Jesus Christ with those who need Him most, please give generously to our Loving Life Initiative as we work to bring more mobile ministries to communities where we can help more women meet Christ and in turn save the lives of countless unborn babies. https://www.icumobile.org/loving-life-initiative 

It's a message that has been shared for centuries, but it is still the most powerful tool we have in this world to change hearts and minds. The Gospel brings hope into our lives when we are at our lowest, and even with all of the problems facing us today. 

Imagine a young, pregnant, scared woman hearing this message: 

“There is always hope because Jesus will never abandon you. He loves you so much more than anything else in this world could love you-and He will do whatever it takes to show His love for you through salvation through Him. Not only does He offer eternal life, but He also offers peace now and throughout eternity. He will walk right beside you for the rest of your life. He died for you so that you could live a blessed life receiving all of God’s best for you.”

The gospel is the best news in the world. We share this news with every woman who steps onto an ICU Mobile unit. When we say we are a mobile ministry, we live out this responsibility. It is our joy to tell women about the power of Jesus and how He can change their lives with one choice. At ICU Mobile, once a woman has chosen to follow Christ, there are no other choices she has to make.  

Women facing an unexpected pregnancy, with no resources and perhaps no partner, feel like they are hopeless in this world, but Jesus Christ has given us the power to overcome darkness. We have the opportunity to show our love for Him by being an example of what He means to the women we serve. We can be hopeful when we know that God will always be there for us, even when things seem impossible during difficult times. Helping women see that nothing is impossible for God is the most impactful way to save her unborn baby.

God's word is powerful and it can save lives. 

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” - 2 Cor. 5:20

If you're interested in joining us as we share the good news of Jesus Christ with those who need Him most, please give generously to our Loving Life Initiative as we work to bring more mobile ministries to communities where we can help more women meet Christ and in turn save the lives of countless unborn babies. https://www.icumobile.org/loving-life-initiative