In a time where blogging seems to be all about Halloween, fear not: I’ll just focus on daily life. Nothing spooky here. Although, I will touch a topic that might roar up some feelings: abortion. As a christian, people sometimes ask me what I think of it. I don’t know, really. I’m no supporter of abortion by any means, but the world is more wicked than I can account for in my life. There can be very valid reasons to decide on having an abortion and anyone who chooses abstinence as a lifestyle would never just need one. Again, if it would be this simple, the problem would not exist. I tend to get mad at some stories I hear about abortions as well as at screaming, judging people who have no idea what the real world looks like. When you’re preaching to the choir, abstinence is the way to go. When you’re preaching to the world, screaming will never get you anywhere.
In Missouri, one of the things that struck me was the amount of energy spend on the topic. Billboards that were hitting me in my guilt spot, asking me if I defended the born-to-be-babies in this world. Radio commercials that would tell people to get to their clinic while the company sorted out the paperwork. In an environment like that, it seemed impossible not to take an extreme stance. Every now and then, the discussion pops up in The Netherlands, but in Missouri, it seemed an endless debate. It truly is some sort of war, with two sides fighting over any ground they can get. Opting for pro-life or pro-choice seems not based on your own beliefs and preferences, keeping in mind every story is about people, but both are being made to a benchmark on one’s steadfastness. Giving in to the other side is made equal to lying to yourself and betraying the world.
It’s not all this bad. As always, the people that shout the hardest, get the most attention and could well be far off the main public. While I was still in shock about the intensity of the debate, I saw a flyer from the church I was visiting. Every week, women were being invited to a post-abortion support group and bible study. ‘Offsite for confidentiality.’ Hallelujah.
PS. I googled ‘abortion’ to find a picture, got sick and will spare you both the details and the picture.
