John,

"Where were you when I had my abortion?"

I’ve been asked that by many post-abortive women 5, 10, or even 40 years after their abortion.

They wish they had a chance to turn around after seeing a stranger out on the sidewalk...a stranger who knew the hell they were about to go through and who loved them enough to show up as their last sign of hope.

Recently, a woman approached the 40 Days for Life vigil in Marietta, Georgia to give prayer warriors a piece of her mind. But when Rachel and Suzanne shared their love for women in crisis, the woman's tone changed.

"Why weren't you out here two weeks ago?" the sobbing woman asked. "I did not want an abortion--I hoped someone would be outside to stop me."

Suzanne said she remains haunted by the conversation. "The reality all the more hit us that being there is everything," she said.

While Suzanne and Rachel wish they had been there to encourage this mother to choose life, they have now become friends with her and are treating her to breakfast.

"We will connect her with post-abortion healing, and our goal is to introduce her to more new friends so she will never feel alone and helpless again," Suzanne added.

Riga, Latvia

"You are brave men. Thank you for talking about this!" a passerby told vigil participants in Riga.

"I have two children, but I could have five," he continued. "I was young and didn't think."

Vigil participants said the campaign has been marked with other blessings as well--including a radio broadcast that brought new volunteers out to the street.

Niagara Falls, New York

Pastor Bill is leading his first 40 Days for Life campaign in Niagara Falls. A post-abortive mother stopped to say that she appreciated his presence.

"She told me she had two abortions when she was a teen," Pastor Bill reported. "Then she proceeded to say what a good God we have for helping her through the aftermath."

The woman nearly had a third abortion before she heard the Lord tell her "No." She ended up delivering twins--and the whole family might join the vigil!

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial, for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

— James 1:12

Lord, grant us the grace to be instruments of conversion of hearts to remove the spiritual blindness in the world and recognise all children as a beautiful gift of your Most Holy Divine Providence.

May we be converted ourselves and persevere each day and draw closer to your Most Merciful Heart, so that we can touch others and show them your Infinite Goodness.

We know that you will bring a greater good out of this evil of abortion. Did you not bring the greatest good ever, the Resurrection, from the greatest evil ever perpetrated by man, crucifying you on the "Tree of Life"? Amen.

See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn Carney
President/CEO, 40 Days for Life