‘Everyone is made in the image of God’
Murphy – The crowd gathered on the steps of the Cherokee County Courthouse was there to remind local residents that all life is precious, “from womb to tomb.”
About 100 people were on hand in recognition of National Sanctity of Human Life Day on Friday, the 48th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe vs. Wade decision, which effectively legalized abortion on demand nationwide.
A memorial wreath was placed at the courthouse in remembrance of the 61,628,485 lives that have been lost to abortion since it was legalized in 1973,
Mike Crowe, pastor of MountainView Church, said as he started the proceedings. A 60-second moment of silence was held after he read part of former President Donald Trump’s declaration from this day last year.
“Every person – the born and unborn, the poor, the downcast, the disabled, the infirm and the elderly – has inherent value. Although each journey is different, no life is without worth or is inconsequential; the rights of all people must be defended. As a nation, we must remain steadfastly dedicated to the profound truth that all life is a gift from God, who endows every person with immeasurable worth and potential,” Crowe read.
“On National Sanctity of Human Life Day, we celebrate the wonderful gift of life and renew our resolve to build a culture where life is always revered.”
Several speakers shared from their hearts about different aspects of celebrating life. Ben Pope, pastor of Center Church in Ranger, and his wife, Rachel, shared the heartwarming story of their daughter Emma, who wasn’t supposed to even take a breath in this world, yet cried out after she was born and today is 12 years old.
“There were a lot of confused doctors walking around the hospital that day,” Pope said before sharing their favorite Bible verse, Psalm 139:14: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Justin Daugherty, student and worship pastor at MountainView, and his wife, Nellie, talked about their experience as foster parents. They encouraged individuals and churches who shared their view to “put their money where their mouth is.”
“People need to know we’re not just pro-baby,” Daugherty said. “It’s not enough to just say you’re pro-life, there must be action behind your words. We’re pro-life from the womb to the tomb. Everyone is made in the image of God, no matter their age.”
Diana Garrett of Journey Church in Ranger shared her moving story of giving birth to a stillborn baby after being told she was infertile. In recovering from that experience, she and her husband, Patrick, have since adopted two children through a ministry that connects women in unwanted pregnancies with couples who desire to have a child of their own.
“It’s not enough to just tell people not to have an abortion,” she said. “We have to give them a hopeful alternative.”
Carol Lackland, president of the Pregnancy & Parenting Centers in Andrews and Murphy, talked about various programs offered at the center and how people can help. For details, visit www.pregnancyandparentingcenter.org.
“Let’s be about changing hearts and minds,” she said.
Crowe concluded the ceremony with a thoughtful prayer.
“On this Sanctity of Human Life Day, we mourn that many of your precious sons and daughters have lost their lives too soon,” he said in part. “Help us to be champions of life, Jesus. Thank you for the gift of life. Help us to protect and preserve it in every way we can.”