America voted, now what?

After the election on Tuesday, the world is awash with political coverage and analysis, despite the fact that the results on election night point to the reality that among professional and self-professed prognosticators, very few have a great track record of getting it truly right.

Indeed, while there is no doubt that Mr. Trump’s electoral victory, along with the retained Republican (and therefore ostensibly pro-life) majorities in the House and Senate, is heartening news for those of us who value the dignity of human life, there is still much to be done. 

Pro-life Christians formed a major block of the electorate this year, and they showed up to vote against the abortion-centric and religious freedom eschewing platform of Secretary Clinton.  We need good laws, as well as good people, if we are to uphold the sanctity of human life.  So while Greater Columbus Right to Life is not permitted to be a political organization by the IRS, we are grateful for the protection of human life made more likely by the election results.  That said, it is time to take this opportunity to step up to the proverbial plate and show that we do respect the dignity of all human life.  A few suggestions:

• Let us be gracious and loving toward our political and spiritual enemies.  This is a deeply divided country – on everything, but especially on the issue of abortion.  Mr. Trump has won the Electoral College, but there is a probability that he will not win the popular vote.  We need to remember that, not because it will impact our resolve, but because it reminds us that we have much, much evangelization to do in the community.  If your social media looks anything like mine today, it is divided between people who are very happy, a bit unsettled, and even fearful for the future.  Reach out to someone on the “other” side in love to tell them that you want to be part of making a more just world, regardless of who is in the White House. Again and again, scriptures remind us to extend a hand, charity, good will, and blessings to our enemies. 
  
  
• Let us continue the fight.  Pro-life people showed up for unborn children on Election Day, and in huge numbers.  They show up for the DC March for Life and the West Coast Walk for Life in large numbers.  We also tend to have a great crowd at our local event. The fight, however, is not done.   It continues, day in and day out.  If every person who reads this post will commit to praying with us for two hours one day a month, we would have someone praying as a witness for each and every one children who will die by abortion this year, period.  All it takes is giving two hours, once a month (with a bonus if you can come out twice because our volunteers are awesome human beings!)  If you cannot volunteer, consider a financial donation; election years are notoriously difficult for nonprofit finances, and GCRTL is no exception.
  
  
• Let us congratulate our recently elected officials, and then let’s hold them accountable for the defense of the dignity of human life.  It is never too early (or too late) to introduce yourself to your elected official, let him or her know where you stand, offer to be a resource, and let him or her know that you will be praying. It sounds a bit cheesy, to be sure, but it holds true. 
  
  
• Pray, pray, pray.   It is our first hope and our last consolation. 
  
  

What the future holds, I do not know, but with your help we will be there, continuing to fight for the dignity of all human life at all of its stages.