By Stephen Muff
I never thought I would see the day when balloons would be instrumental in saving lives, but last Saturday, that happened in Sacramento, California. A pro-life flash-mob assembled, much like the choirs that assemble in malls to sing Handel’s “Hallelujah” chorus. As the abortion clinic decided to close for the day, many were, indeed, singing hallelujah.
At the Wright Street Feminist Women’s Health Center, you could look down the street and see groups of people amassing to peacefully pray for an end to abortion, holding yellow helium-filled balloons with the word “LIFE” on them. Apparently, the balloons and prayers were enough to get the attention of the upper-level management, the abortuary’s attorney, and many media outlets.
Emily Espinola, a local pro-life activist, explained the objective. “Our goal in organizing this rally was to bring about community awareness in regard to the practices of this clinic along with uniting the prolifers in our area. Many people consider themselves pro-life but don’t know how to make a difference. It is our hope to spark passion and conviction in the hearts of all who call themselves pro-life.”
That is exactly what this event accomplished. Many are looking forward to attending future pro-life activities such as this. The fact that the clinic closed for the day signaled a victory for those in attendance, and inspired many to keep coming back. Even more inspiring, is that it is a grassroots movement of like-minded individuals, not a particular group or leader. With over 150 people, including entire families, many teens and young adults, and two priests, this movement in Sacramento is growing quickly.
Although we were there as a prayerful gathering, some did their part to raise awareness of the issue in other ways. A few prolifers held this sign:
Others held signs to remind people to stand for life.
The power of prayer at this site is also showing, in very particular ways. Not only did the abortion clinic close for the day, but the staff seems to recognize our effectiveness. One of those participating dropped a rosary on the sidewalk. One of the abortuary administrators noticed this, walked over, picked it up, and carried it away. Hopefully, in some way, this will cause a change of heart and she will switch to the winning side— the culture of life’s.
Many people are coming to the Wright Street clinic from all over Northern California. If you want to get involved, send a message to SACprolife@gmail.com, and they can point you in the right direction. We can change our State if we decide to get involved!
