Over the course of the past 11 months, we as pro-lifers have had our share of enormous blessings, many of which never caught the eye of the average American. The reasons for this are quite numerous, but the most prevalent is the mainstream media. It seems that most outlets turn a blind eye on heroism when it stands in defense of Christ and His teaching.
First on my list of the blessings of unsung heroes are sidewalk counselors like Monica Migliorino, PhD, who stand true to Christ and constantly focus attention on the plight of the preborn child whose mother is considering aborting her own baby. These giants in our midst collaborate with pro-life pregnancy care centers like Expectant Mother Care and reach out to expectant mothers and their babies with life-affirming messages, material assistance, and prayers.
We also give thanks for the Benham Brothers—pro-active young men involved in a ministry that focuses on family, leadership, and public outreach with a strong emphasis on Jesus Christ and His plan for every life. Though they are frequently under assault by an unfriendly media, they remain undeterred. As they write on their website: “One of the important elements of the Christian faith is to always be ready to die to self, reputation, or anything that prevents a believer from speaking the truth in love. The apostle Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 15 the importance of dying daily to bring life, and he meant what he said. In the same way, we must be willing to die daily that life in Christ may result.”
Amen!
Witnesses to this truth abound among us, starting with Cardinal Raymond Burke—an exemplary representative of Christ and His love for human beings in ways that can only be described as saintly. Among his most recent statements of love for the truth that is Christ is this comment on doctrine and discipline: “They’re seen as a gift to us so that we encounter Christ and are disposed to do what is best for our neighbor, especially to those in most need, and for our world.” Cardinal Burke’s courage is not lost to anyone, no matter the Christian identity, for it helps us see that what God expects of us is not always what is easy or comfortable.
Just ask the Robertson family. They are brave men, women, and children who are particularly special to us this season because they represent American values at their finest. This family is better known for its television series, Duck Dynasty. Their unapologetic faith in Christ and His power has earned them their share of hecklers and detractors. Yet none of this stops their dedication to helping families see that, through faith and family devotional times, love is forged in the steel of God’s word.
Finally, Thanksgiving gratitude to God for heroes would not be complete without mentioning the Duggar family, stars of 19 Kids and Counting. Most recently the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer movement launched a petition demanding that the Duggar’s program be taken off the The Learning Channel and alleging that the family is spreading bigotry against those espousing alternative lifestyles. But, praise God, opposition to this fanatical call for cancellation is mounting due to the efforts of many individuals and organizations including LifeSiteNews, which launched its own petition aimed at giving those of us a voice who want to see more of 19 Kids and Counting.
Yes, the world does indeed wax cold toward Christ and all who proclaim Him. But we are thankful to be His witnesses, recalling what He told his disciples about what it means to be His: “Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake: Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very great in heaven” (Matthew 5: 11-12).
We are thankful for Christ, for the gift of faith, and for the many Christian heroes. May they continue to be a shining example to us all.
