Mailbag

‘Forty years in the wilderness’

Jan. 26 I rejoice in the saving of even one life, but I cannot see much cause for optimism. At 55 million the total number of aborted American babies could soon surpass the worst genocide in history (under Mao Zedong in China) unless a significant change occurs. We will then have to live with the infamy. Marvin Olasky mentioned the coarsening of America. How true! How sad! How convicting! —John Michael Thomas, Lawrenceville, Ga.

I had to quit reading the report on abortion because it was tearing me up. Who told us it’s honorable to kill a baby in the womb and first-degree murder to kill it outside the womb? —Raymond Troyer, Rocky Mount, Va.

At the 40th anniversary of this horrific edict, the grief in my heart has been overwhelming. I have worked in the pro-life arena nearly since its inception but have not done all I could. I counsel young women and couples but don’t get on my knees often enough. The judgment on us all from a holy God is and will be great. —Sharon Lodovic, New Braunfels, Texas

On Jan. 22 my day began with learning about the wonder of prenatal development in my college class, a Lifespan Development course, and ended with a lesson from Psalm 139. It was a poignant way to observe the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, and reminds me all the more of how precious life is. —Abby Martens, Fayetteville, Ark.

We have four sweet kids but have suffered three miscarriages in the last 18 months. God doesn’t waste tragedies and sorrows like these, and we have felt God’s comfort. Ending these tiny lives for convenience and money through abortion is such a crazy contrast to the pain and tragedy of losing a child you long to meet. —Marsha Michaelis, Lynnwood, Wash.

If we could provide more care and help for unwed, pregnant women, perhaps fewer of them would abort their children. Some suggestions to make adoption easier and birth less expensive are to start more charity clinics, to provide more legal help for those wanting to adopt, and to overhaul adoption regulations. We should look to businesses, denominations, and even the non-religiously affiliated to do their share. —E. Jackson, Durham, N.C.

‘Doing better on hard cases’

Jan. 26 Conservative politicians should stop reacting as if every question is well-intentioned. These rape questions are attacks on their pro-life positions. They should respond with a stronger attack by pointing out how Planned Parenthood and their allies don’t report statutory rape and other sexual abuse. —Patrick Smith, Elliottsburg, Pa.

‘Broken arrows’

Jan. 26 I appreciated this column. Our children are the arrows and we have the responsibility for aiming them in the right direction. Arrows do no good if they are left in the quiver. —David Harrell, Rock Hill, S.C.

When my daughter was maybe a month old, I had ordered in pizza but she picked that moment to be inconsolable. I was hungry and holding this screaming baby, smelling pizza that I couldn’t eat, and could hardly believe this would be my life from then on. Now I’m the mother of three and I’ve had my bouts of selfishness, but I’m thankful that God is patient with me. This time is precious and passes so quickly. —Janel Flor, Phoenixville, Pa.

As I write this, my wife is in our hospital room feeding our newborn daughter. Thank you for your insight into Psalm 127. —Adam DeClercq, Anaheim, Calif.

Your observation of the new definition of the word parent was eye-opening. Not only is our society changing the way to rear children, it’s redefining it, and making it more parent-centered. This column reminded me of my parents’ effective child-rearing. They took their role seriously and it wasn’t about them. —Leah Frick, Atlanta, Ga.

‘News from the front’

Jan. 26 I found the story about some states legalizing physician-assisted suicide astonishing. Under no circumstances should this be allowed. If someone has a limited amount of time to live, they should embrace the time left and enjoy it to the fullest. —Elaine Jarnagin, Atlanta, Ga.

‘All but over’

Jan. 26 Thank you for your update and wisdom regarding the Hobby Lobby case and the impact upon our religious freedom. I am praying for God’s intervention because I cannot see hope for any significant assistance from the courts right now. —Karen Kelly Duncanson, Danville, Calif.

I hope Hobby Lobby calls the government’s bluff and closes its doors rather than comply with the healthcare mandate. —Todd Voshell, Clarksville, Mich.

‘From this day forward’

Dec. 29 Recently while I was counseling a 68-year-old gentleman who has never been married but very much wants to be, he pulled out this column. He said he appreciated Andrée Seu Peterson’s rejection of the “it’s too late now” mentality and how she pointed to the promises of God as the antidote. I found it encouraging, too. —Ted McCann, Chula Vista, Calif.

‘Learning curve’

Jan. 11 Regarding John Dickerson’s take on addictions, we have failed to understand the incredible power available through the Holy Spirit. The embarrassingly sick people in our churches meet in their own small groups separate from mainstream church life, while many of the “nice” saved people on Sunday morning are hiding brokenness just as deep as any alcoholic. If we hope to reach the world, we need to experience the power of God ourselves, not just talk about it. —Marshall Tompkins, Kingsley, Mich.

‘Flashing red’

Jan. 11 Thank you to Mindy Belz for such a clear, concise account of the Benghazi debacle. We missed our chance when Mitt Romney decided not to make an issue of it, even after President Obama admitted that he knew it was a terrorist attack while continuing to speak of “demonstrations.” —Vic Tripp, Tucker, Ga.

‘Choosing to sing’

Jan. 11 The interview with Joni Eareckson Tada hit a responsive chord in me. God disciplines us because we are His children and because He loves us, but He is not all warm and fuzzy. —Kathryn Lee, Indianapolis, Ind.

‘The Raven’

Jan. 26 I’m not sure how “Baltimore knows better” about Ray Lewis. I know he was never convicted, but it seems there is much more to the story of the Super Bowl murders. I do hope Christ truly rules his life now, but I would be cautious about jumping on the Lewis hype machine. —Mike Myslinski, Johns Creek, Ga.

‘A town clothed in misery’

Jan. 12 The U.S. reaction to the Sandy Hook tragedy shows how deeply we have fallen as a nation from true faith in Jesus. We hardly notice that God’s hand of protection has been removed. We instead resort to flimsy regulatory schemes like “gun control” that have never worked, or we watch uncritically as politicians shamelessly posture to advance their agenda and their prospects for higher office. This is a time to repent. —James T. Davis, Heunghae-Eup, South Korea

Corrections

Chaplain Tommy Davis was 16 when arrested for assault in 1989 and he was sentenced in 1991 (“Firestarter,” Feb. 9, p. 61).

Police shot dead Charles Whitman, whose shooting spree in Austin, Texas, killed 14 people on Aug. 1, 1966 (“Gleeful nihilist,” Feb. 9, p. 30).

WORLD around the World

Lohutok, South Sudan Submitted by David & Liza Hopper

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