Breakin' up is hard to do: My letter to the Susan G. Komen Foundation

The Susan G. Komen Foundation has denounced its relationship with Planned Parenthood! This is thrilling news for anyone in support of women's health, family life, marriage, the pro-life movement...

This is a bold move that could very well result in the loss of many of the Foundations' supporters, so I encourage you to write them a letter, assuring them that they have gained your support. Not sure what to say? Here's the letter I sent them today. Feel free to copy:

To whom it may concern:

I am personally grateful that you have severed ties with Planned Parenthood. Thank you for taking this important step in women's health. I look forward to supporting your work in preventing breast cancer through mammograms (which, as I understand it, Planned Parenthood does not provide) and other services. Although severing your relationship with Planned Parenthood was likely a difficult choice, it is truly necessary, because an abundance of studies indicate that abortion and oral contraception (to which Planned Parenthood can direct more funds while someone else foots the bill for other services) increase a woman's risk of breast cancer. By cutting ties with Planned Parenthood, the Susan G. Komen foundation is refusing to fund what it fights. Thank you for your commitment to the cure.

Kelly O'Brien


I sent my letter to news@komen.org. If letters ought to be addressed to someone else in the Foundation, please let me know!

March for Life 2012

Excited for all of those who will be marching for life on January 23rd in D.C. this year!

BUT, if you can't make it to D.C., head downtown this Sat. Jan 21st for the Cincinnati Pro-Life Rosary Procession and Rally. Our own leaders in the pro-life movement from PCE and PCW will be honored in a special way!

www.cincinnatiprolife.org

Thanks for all you do to promote LIFE!

"I ask you all to have the patience and perseverance to seek justice and peace, to cultivate the taste for what is just and true." - Pope Benedict XVI, Angelus Address January 1, 2012

My Last Baby?

I found this on one of my favorite blogs today and thought it was worth sharing....Happy Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe!

- Pat Archbold @ the National Catholic Register


We’re not supposed to feel this way. We’re supposed to be the strong ones. Us men, we face facts, we see things as they are and we move on.

Except I don’t want to move on.

My wife loves babies. The smell of them, the feel of them. She likes ‘em chubby and happy. I do too.

My youngest turned four years old a few weeks ago. She is getting to be so big it is amazing. But her growing up creates a situation in our house that we have never had before. There is no baby.

Ever since our first baby 11 years ago, my wife and I have had a baby in the house. One baby didn’t get to 2 years old before a smelly little playmate joined the household. There was always a baby and that is the way we like it.

But the thing is we got married a little later in life and now we find ourselves on the back end of our forties. We thank God every day for the blessing of five beautiful children. We never imagined we could have even that many and I am eternally grateful.

As my little one celebrated her birthday, my wife made some comments about how she might very well be our last. We are always open to life, but biology is biology. At the time my wife spoke wistfully of missing that anticipation of a new life, a new family member, a new beautiful little person for us to take care of coming to us. She will miss it, she said. I would miss it too, but that is life. We move on.

So the last few weeks she has made a few remarks about how one day we will have grand-kids and how great that will be. She seems to be accepting it. Good. I laughed, but I didn’t really give it much thought at the time. But I did today.

At mass today, a young couple with a little baby sat right in front of us. I looked at the little guy and I felt this big gaping hole where my heart was supposed to be. I felt a sense of loss for the babies I will never have. I am not supposed to feel this way, am I?

I realized there and then how much I would have loved to have another one (or five) and that I don’t like the fact that the door to that part of my life may be closing. I don’t want to face facts, I don’t want to move on. I want to hold another little Archbold in my arms, a chubby little smelly Archbold.

My wife and I have been so blessed by a good God and if this is the family He wanted then so be it. And I am sure we will make great grandparents one day. But I think I will hold onto the crib a little longer. Facts are overrated anyway.

www.ncregister.com

"She was going to give this baby every chance she could . . . "

Speaking of sacrifice and love, this is a beautiful story that just came out of a young woman with cancer who chose to sacrifice her own life in the hope that her unborn baby would be given a chance to live. Her baby "baby Jessi" was delivered by C-section at 23 1/2 weeks, weighing in at 1 lb 3 oz. Doctors say that she is doing well.

I was really struck by her husband's perspective - what a great amount of love and sacrifice it must have taken on his part, as well.

He recently blogged "A Note about Questioning God" and ends it with:

"Those who are hurting, be comforted. God knows that we are dust. God gave us emotions, and He knows that life is full of pain. He hears our questions; He collects our tears; He felt our pain as He became sin for us on the cross. He does not turn up his nose to our questions. True, He may not answer our questions directly, but He does not despise us for them. In the end, my Friends, all we can do is put our hands over our mouths and worship and trust Him with our lives. God is good all the time."

"Gestational Carriers"?

This week Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban announced the December 28th birth of Faith Margaret, born by a paid surrogate mother - the "gestational carrier." This is becoming a fairly popular option, particiarly for those who either can't have children, or perhaps simply don't want to go through a pregnancy themselves. This area can often be difficult to understand, so check out a few quick Catechism references to see the problem with "gestational carriers":

"Techniques that entail the dissociation of husband and wife, by the intrusion of a person other than the couple (donation of sperm or ovum, surrogate uterus), are gravely immoral. These techniques (heterologous artificial insemination and fertilization) infringe the child's right to be born of a father and mother known to him and bound to each other by marriage. They betray the spouses' "right to become a father and a mother only through each other." (CCC 2376)

"They dissociate the sexual act from the procreative act. The act which brings the child into existence is no longer an act by which two persons give themselves to one another, but one that "entrusts the life and identity of the embryo into the power of doctors and biologists and establishes the domination of technology over the origin and destiny of the human person. Such a relationship of domination is in itself contrary to the dignity and equality that must be common to parents and children." (CCC 2377)

"A child is not something owed to one, but is a gift. The "supreme gift of marriage" is a human person. A child may not be considered a piece of property, an idea to which an alleged "right to a child" would lead." (CCC 2378)

Respect Life Week in Yonkers, NY

Awesome news! This is Respect Life Week for the city of Yonkers, NY. It's the fourth year that Mayor Amicone has set aside a week especially dedicated to building the culture of life in a state that desperately needs it. Archbishop Dolan was the keynote speaker for the opening Respect Life event, saying, “This state, and our local communities…unfortunately are less than receptive to our pro-life message...Your presence is downright inspirational."

In 2009, 41% of all viable pregnancies ended in abortion in NYC, 39% in Queens, and 38% in Manhatten. These numbers are almost twice the national average. Queens, NY is home to "Abortion Row," a 1.5 mile stretch in the city that has thirteen abortion clinics.

Please remember to pray for the state of New York this week!

Also, check out the amazing story of Claire Culwell, an abortion survivor. Her mother became pregnant at the age of thirteen, decided to abort, and went to a clinic for the abortion procedure...only to come home and discover a short month later that she had been pregnant with twins and that one of them was still alive. Claire was placed for adoption, and now, years later, tells her story of what a gift life truly is:

“Abortion doesn’t just affect one person. It’s a domino effect. And even though that happened it has turned into something so beautiful. . . Even though life looks like a given, because we all have it, it is a gift."

http://www.claireculwell.com/

Are Unborn Children Really Persons?

Check out this fantastic youtube video from thirteen year-old Lia Mills, a young Canadian media sensation who has spoken out against abortion - even at such a young age. This girl's videos have been seen by hundreds of thousands of viewers worldwide, and she has even spoken on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada. Yesterday she came out with a new video about proving that the unborn really are human beings, and not just some "tissues" or "cells." I can't believe the poise, courage and power of this young girl - amazing!

Lia is a spokesperson for Teen Defenders, which can be found online here.

Planned Parenthood

How much do you know about Planned Parenthood? Abby Johnson, a former director of Planned Parenthood in Houston, Texas, reveals some shocking info about this well-known "health" organization that in reality is the largest abortion provider in the United States. Rocky and I had the awesome opportunity to hear her speak at a pro-life dinner last week and she is incredible! Check out her story here:

"I pray you enough"

Recently, I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure. Standing near the security gate, they hugged, and the mother said, 'I love you, and I pray you enough.

'The daughter replied, 'Mom, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I pray you enough, too, Mom.

'They kissed, and the daughter left. The mother walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there, I could see she wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on her privacy, but she welcomed me in by asking, 'Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?

'Yes, I have,' I replied. 'Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?'

'Well...I'm not as young as I once was, she lives so far away & has her own busy life. I have some challenges ahead, and the reality is - her next trip back will be for my funeral,' she said.

'When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I pray you enough.' May I ask what that means?

'She began to smile. 'That's a prayer that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone.' She paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail, and she smiled even more. 'When we said, 'I pray you enough,' we wanted the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them.'

Then, turning toward me, she shared the following as if she were reciting it from memory.

I pray you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.

I pray you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.I pray you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.

I pray you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.

I pray you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I pray you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I pray you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

Then, she began to cry, and walked away.

They say, it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but an entire life to forget them.

Brothers and Sisters, I pray you enough... and I pray for you

40 Days for Life

Tonight I had the opportunity to speak with Mary Clark, the coordinator for the 40 Days for Life Campaign here in the Cincinnati area. She really inspired me to get out of my comfort zone and DO something this Lent! The 40 Days Campaign is hoping to fill 40 entire days with constant, around the clock prayer time at Planned Parenthood (Auburn Ave) in Cincinnati, and they still have a great need for people to give an hour out of their day, or week, to pray outside out of the abortion clinic and offer help to the women who walk in. You can sign up here.

I also watched this video - live from New York City on the street that is known as "abortion row," the longest strip of abortion clinics in the country.

"Remember: Christ is calling you, the Church needs you, and the Pope believes in you and expects great things from you!" - Pope John Paul II

What you probably won't see on CNN...

There was an estimated 300,000 people (record attendance!) that participated in the annual March for Life in Washington D.C. this past Friday on the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, the supreme court decision that legalized abortion in 1973. Over 35,000 marched on the West Coast in San Francisco.

West Coast:

And in D.C...

40 Days for Life

This is the last week for the 40 Days for Life campaign...

Come pray with us @ Planned Parenthood!

This is the address:

2314 Auburn Ave

Cincinnati, OH

Tonight!

40 Days for Life

COME TO THE OPENING PRAYER/INFORMATION KICKOFF EVENT

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2009

7:30 PM

Planned Parenthood

2314 Auburn Ave.

Cincinnati, OH 45219

What is 40 Days for Life?

40 days of prayer and fasting
40 days of peaceful vigil
40 days of community outreach

The Truth about the Lies: Lila Rose and Planned Parenthood

Lila Rose, a 20 year-old junior at UCLA, has been making headlines across the U.S. because of what she calls the "Mona Lisa Project” an undercover investigation of abortion clinics that openly violate certain laws within their clinics. This young woman and her group, Live Action, have been visiting Planned Parenthood and abortion clinics across the country, posing as potential clients and donors in order to uncover the truth about the abortion industry.

Here's what she found:

• Racism is still alive in Planned Parenthood clinics: Planned Parenthood employees accepted money that was specifically tagged for killing "a black baby."


• Some Planned Parenthood employees deliberately cover up cases of statutory rape.


• Clinics will break parental consent laws. (source: prolifeamerica.com)

Visit http://www.liveaction.org/ to see the footage of her Planned Parenthood visits for yourself. YouTube has banned several of her pro-life videos...

Lila Rose will be appearing as a guest on EWTN's "Life on the Rock" tommorow night, August 27th, at 8 p.m. EST.

"Do not be afraid. Do not be satisfied with mediocrity. Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." - Pope John Paul II

God Given Potiental

I am sadden to hear about the lastest news related to abortions. Certificates for abortions can now be purchased and given out as Christmas gifts. This is a mockery of the true meaning of Christmas which is about the birth of Jesus; about life. This Advent, I pray for the softening of all hearts to the beauty and miracle of life and that each woman who finds herself in a unwanted or unplanned pregnancy would find the strength, courage and faith to say "Yes" to the will of God as Mary did on that day so many years ago. What if Mary had refused God's plan and said "No"? We would all be missing out on the greatest gift ever, our salvation. Men and women participate in the creation of new life, but no life is created without God's participation as well. With the help of men and women, God creates each life for a reason and with a unique purpose. Let us start saying "Yes" to these babies' God given potiental.

A Great Opportunity!

Senator Obama: "It's Your America, share your ideas"

Senator Barack Obama is asking the country's opinion about how where he should lead our country. Take this opportunity to share with Senator Obama your vision for our country. Respectfully and truthfully share with him your vision for a culture of life; one where every person born and unborn are protected regardless of size, race, ability or place of residence, and more. Ask him not to pass the Freedom of Choice Act.

Visit: http://www.change.gov/page/s/yourvision

Catholic Vote 2008

On the eve of election day, I just wanted to encourage you all to get out to vote tomorrow if you haven't already and encourage you all to watch the following video.

True Feminists are Pro-Life because they are Pro-Women

A true feminist seeks what is best for women. Abortion is never the best and only solution for women. Abortions cause women harmful physical, emotional and/or spiritual consequences. Women deserve better. They deserve real solutions. Read about an organization of true feminists, Feminist for Life, by clicking here.

Pope Benedict on the gift of life at World Youth Day

This story is from LifeNews:
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Sydney, Australia (LifeNews.com) -- At the welcoming ceremony for the opening of World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia, the pope told tens of thousands of young people that they have a responsibility to protect human life. Pope Benedict XVI told cheering throngs of students and young adults that they need to stand up against abortion.

Addressing a crowd estimated at 150,000 people, the Catholic leader said that newfound enthusiasm for protecting the environment must be match by an equal vigor to protect human life.

"At the heart of the marvel of creation are you and I, the human family, 'crowned with glory and honor,'" he told the audience.

While safeguarding the environment is important, Pope Benedict said a clean environment means nothing if people are not alive to benefit from it.
"How can it be that the most wondrous and sacred human space -- the womb -- has become a place of unutterable violence" through abortion? he asked.

The pope said that if the youth of the world would stand up for the worth and dignity of human life, it would help produce a world with more peace and harmony.

"Our world has grown weary of greed, exploitation and division, of the tedium of false idols and piecemeal responses and the pain of false promises," he said.

"Our hearts and minds are yearning for a vision of life where love endures, where gifts are shared, where unity is built, where freedom finds meaning in truth and where unity is found in respectful communion," the pope added.

The young people responded to the pro-life message with considerable enthusiasm and Pope Benedict appeared to relish this.
"World Youth Day fills me with confidence for the future of the church and the future of the world," he said.

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Protect Cincinnati

News has been circulating for quite awhile that Planned Parenthood is building a new clinic in Price Hill. The news is quite disturbing, and fortunately, pro-life advocates have been hard at work to spread the word and fight the abortion giant's unwelcome arrival in the neighborhood. You can learn more about what you can do at the Protect Cincinnati website.