Faith & Insight: The sadness of silence

The third Monday in January is considered by many as “Blue Monday: The Most Depressing Day of the Year.” The good news is, if you are reading this, then you made it through this day. It hasn’t always been known as this, so perhaps it has come to be known as this because all the holiday festivities are over. Perhaps you started a new year with lots of goals and dreams and by now, reality has set in. Or, perhaps we are all ready for spring and tired of the gloom and cold of winter at this point. Because depression is real and grips many, then noting a day like this is important, and addressing depression isn’t something to be silent about.

Another significant day, or anniversary, worth noting happened this last week on Jan. 22. Shawn Carney wrote, “46 years ago today, seven men who call themselves ‘supreme’ silenced the voice of the American people, initiating the greatest human rights atrocity in U.S. history. The Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision dehumanized the unborn and led to 60 million children being killed by abortion since 1973. Despite 46 years of legalization, abortion is ending at the grassroots level. Not because of robed, ivory tower Supreme Court justices, but because families are living their pro-life convictions in communities across the country.”

This brings us to today. The issue of abortion can anger and shame and pain anyone bold enough to discuss this epidemic. I have been told, more than once, that because I am a man, that I have zero right to even talk about abortion — let alone encourage people to pursue God’s heart for the value of human life. However, that is exactly what feeds any sadness within my heart and mind this time of year: the sheer volume of silence from many regarding abortion.

Perhaps like me, they have been shamed about holding to biblical truth regarding the sanctity of life. Perhaps for others, the issues of abortion is so raw and real in their lives personally that they look forward to a day when it is no longer present in their minds.

Despite the past silence of God’s holy bride and those who shepherd it, I am seeing a great change happening with the way others think about the value of human life. I see it regarding immigrants and refugees. I see it regarding racial oppression and the marginalized of society. And, I am seeing a change in many, as they seek to bring their lives under the authority of God’s holy word regarding abortion, too.

Yet, some still say that a little baby isn’t as valuable as an adult or someone who’s already born. The Bible says that each person has tremendous value. In fact, the Bible says that we are God’s masterpiece. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” A masterpiece is a prized possession, the best of the best, and the Bible says, you are God’s masterpiece. So, although not everyone understands how valuable a life is, I believe that God is changing this among his church and I believe that as disciples of Christ, we should be champions for his redemptive work within the pro abundant life movement as well.

It can change when we find ourselves looking at all the differences in the world around us, and when we stop believing the lies of Satan and begin to embrace the truth that pre-born baby has value worth protecting — just like the value of the life of the immigrant and refugee, and to those experiencing racial inequality and injustice.

I urge you, friends: Investigate how science agrees with Scripture about the value of a pre-born baby. Embrace that truth. Also, embrace an attitude of love towards others and point to living alternatives. Stand for truth. Speak this truth in love. Depend on the holy spirit for conviction. Let your convictions be rooted in scripture and live out this truth. Reflecting God’s heart and his truth is what we can do to bring change as we live out his message of life and redemption.

Nick Emery is lead pastor of Hope Crossing Community Church in Carson City.