By Laura Kizior
Do you ever feel like you’re the only person in your social circle who believes in respecting every human person from creation until death? Are you afraid to speak up in your community, worried that your friends, family, and neighbors will think badly of you?
It can be difficult to stand up for what you believe, particularly if you think you’re all alone. But you know you can’t stay silent because your convictions are too deep. Here are some things you can do to stand up for your belief in the inestimable value of the human person.
Build community
Remember that Jesus didn’t try to preach the good news of salvation all by Himself. He found friends who would help Him accomplish His mission here on earth. Jesus and His disciples spent a lot of time together learning about God and teaching others, but they also took time to talk and learn about each other.
Form a group of like-minded people or families. Find a time to meet every week and discuss how each of you is standing up for the right to life of every person. Give each other encouragement to step outside your comfort zone. And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun together. A strong community works together, prays together, and shares joy together.
Educate yourself
You’re a committed individual, but do you know how to defend your beliefs? As a pro-lifer, you need to learn everything you can about abortion—the procedure, the stats, the current laws—and personally talk to many post-abortive women so that you can see the effect that abortion has on society.
You understand that it is only through arming ourselves with the truth that we will be able to defeat the culture of death. Teaching yourself and your children about the dignity of the human person is a way to stand up for your beliefs and make an impact in your community.
Don’t stand on the sidelines
It’s one thing to “be” pro-life, but it’s another thing to “live” it. Remember the phrase “Actions speak louder than words.” You need to reach out to your community and start being a powerful witness to the fact that every person has value. Volunteer at a pregnancy resource center, a homeless shelter, or a food pantry with your pro-life community. Make a commitment to being active in your town in order to make the world a better place.
Will you lose “friends”? Possibly. But in return, you will have built stronger friendships with other people who care about saving every human person from suffering. You will acquire the ability to defend your beliefs, to present knowledge and logical arguments to back your position, and to help speak the truth with confidence. You will be blessed for reaching out to the less fortunate in your community and practicing what you preach.
As Saint John Paul II said, “Be not afraid.” The truth is on your side.
Laura Kizior is a content developer for American Life League’s Culture of Life Studies Program, which stresses the culture of life as an integral part of every academic discipline. CLSP is dedicated to helping students become effective communicators of the pro-life message. Visit CultureofLifeStudies.com to learn more.