the reluctant leader

The Blame Game

It has been one week since Typhoon Ondoy baptized Manila in chaos - destroying homes and displacing 2 million people.

While thousands of ordinary people were generously giving and sacrificially serving those in need, others were busy playing the blame game. According to the blame-fixers, those responsible for the floods include: President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the mayors, the senate, the congress, all sinners, God, the devil, global warming, Al Gore (the inventor of global warming), Osama bin Laden, Abu Sayyaf, Ahmajinedad, Gaddafi, Kanye West and former US president Bush (poor guy gets blamed for everything).

On my Nashville to Manila flight a couple of days ago - in order to gain some insights about suffering - I read the whole book of Job, the story of a man who lost it all, then some.

Here are my random Job notes from 30,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean.

1. Bad things happen to seemingly good and innocent people. Four times Job is described as "blameless and upright" yet he experienced horrible suffering.

2. The devil is real and he comes to "steal, kill and destroy." Chapter 1 makes it clear that all Job's pain and loss was an act of the devil, not an act of God.

3. People experiencing bad times need good friends. When you have friends who are suffering, try doing what Job's friends did in Job 2:13 "Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was."

4. Good friends often give bad counsel. Unfortunately, after that week of silence, Job's friends opened their mouths and stuck both feet in, nasty shoes and all.

5. Some things can't be explained and some "why?" questions can't be answered. The book of Job never answers the "why?" question. But is does paint a good picture of "how" - how to find God in our pain and how to respond to calamity.

6. We can find God in our pain and loss, if we do what Job did when he realized the extent of his loss - "then he fell to the ground in worship..." Do we only worship God in the good times?

7. In the end, the blessing of God caught up with and overtook Job. Most people don't press through and read the whole book of Job. But if you endure til the end, you will find that "the Lord blessed the latter part of Job's life more than the former." Job 42:12 And if we endure past our pain, we will find God in the end.

Rep. Ruffy Biazon: "I Try to Focus on the Positive, But There Are Heartaches Too"

 

 I landed in Manila around midnight last night. Glad to be back, but sad to see the devastation. Way too much to do before my flight to Australia tomorrow.

Here's what Congressman Ruffy Biazon posted about the flood on facefbook yesterday. Ruffy is a longtime Victory member. Please pray for him and others in authority as they wrestle with huge needs and limited resources.

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A few days ago I wrote about how uplifted I was at the outpouring generosity of people who extended helping hands to the victims of typhoon Ondoy. I wrote about the heroism of those who gave even their own lives for others. My eyes moisten when I tell and re-tell the stories of generosity, bravery and sacrifice rising above the misery brought about by the floodwaters of Ondoy.

But it seems that even optimism sometimes gets defeated and discouragement prevails. My eyes still get moist but it’s not because of stories of victory over adversity but because of situations and incidents that drain away all positive energy in me.

Earlier, I wrote about how the best in people are brought out in times like these. I did not mention it before but I’m saying it now, situations like this also bring out the worst in people.

Like our enterprising countrymen who saw the opportunity to earn during this crisis by ferrying people aboard bancas and other improvised floating devices and charging a fee. My constituents tell me that they are charged Fifty Pesos (P 50 ) per head for that ferry service traveling a distance that they used to pay Fifteen Pesos (P 15) for. It’s sad that in this time of need, there are those who take advantage of the situation.

Another instance where the dark side of people come out is seen during the distribution of relief goods. There are those who get more than their share, often resorting to lying, stealing or bullying. People who line up more than once, or in instances where pre-distributed stubs are given out, insist that they just lost their stub and demand to be given relief or swipe the goods straight from the delivery trucks.

An incident happened in one of the evacuation centers here involving a well-known NGO. As the group of the NGO arrived to hand out relief goods, they were met by an eager throng of people all wanting to get the packs of relief goods. The staff of the NGO tried to impose order and told the people to line up to receive the goods. But the people refused to fall in line, and started pushing towards the NGO staff and the relief packs.

The crowd grew more impatient and rowdy and the situation became tense. The NGO staff decided to leave without distributing the goods.

In another incident, two evacuees got into an argument about the relief goods. Tempers grew hot and eventually they had a fight. After a couple of minutes, one walked away and the other had to be carried away straight to the hospital. He was stabbed. Over relief goods.

One would think that such behavior is due to the depressing situation the people are in in the evacuation centers. But even on the other side of the fence—those who give the relief—there are people who show their dark streaks. Workers who, instead of distributing stubs fairly, either choose only those close to them or worse, hoard it for themselves; or pilferages of donated goods by those entrusted with them…these are things that just leave you wondering how people can be so numb to the plight of others while unjustly helping themselves to the goods which were not meant for them.

But as one who has the official and moral responsibility to look after welfare of my constituents, my heartache is most deep when I go home at the end of day, eat a hot meal, take a shower and drop myself on my comfortable bed and then think of the hardship that thousands of my constituents are suffering that moment.

I try to console myself thinking that I was able to make their lives a little bearable, but any consolation immediately crumbles as I remember many more who have yet to receive any assistance.

My constituents are more than just statistics of evacuees to me. Neither are they just votes to go after come election time. Having spent almost nine years as their representative in Congress, I know many of them by name or recognize their faces. I have developed a relationship with my constituents through constant and regular interaction with them through my projects and dialogues. Many of them had me as their wedding sponsor, godfather to their child’s baptism, invited me to their birthday parties and family reunions.

Nowadays my cellphone beeps every few minutes as I receive messages pleading for the delivery of relief goods to my hungry, thirsty and tired constituents. My email and Facebook accounts are no different, with messages calling, crying for help.

It really is a depressing situation. I have tried to put up a brave front and try to focus on the positive. But one can only do so much to avoid giving in. The feeling is not far removed from a situation that we sometimes experience as parents. Imagine this—you have four children all of whom are hungry. But you can only afford to buy food for three. The agony of such a dilemma is the same as the agony now.

What makes it worse and more painful is that not all people know and understand the situation I and others like me are in. What most people only know is that we have the responsibility to respond and any shortcoming is unconscionable. Suspicions about politicians doing relief operations only for votes, accusations of government officials holding back on resources or being choosy on who to give relief to add to the heartache. But it’s part of the job, so all one can do is swallow and continue the work.

Focus on the good. That’s what I keep telling myself. Just focus on the good and do your job well. But once in a while, I think I’m entitled loosen the pressure valve. This job has its fulfilling moments. But it also has heartaches. It is an emotional rollercoaster ride, but thank God, it always ends with hope. Because I end the day with a prayer.

Imagine Losting Everything You Own: Sad But True Manila Flood Stories

Imagine LOSING EVERYTHING YOU OWN - clothes, furniture, photos, electronics... EVERYTHING. That's what happened to thousands of Filipinos this weekend, including some of my friends and some of our Victory pastors.

Rather than trying to write my own thoughts, I'm re-posting Marie Bonifacio's account of the flood. I fly to Manila tomorrow. Will post my own thoughts after I get there and see for my self.

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Sometimes, some sadness is so sad it has to be shared. So I hope you don't mind if I give you an update of what's been happening. We've gone through coups, trials both national and personal but this typhoon so far, takes the cake.I guess it's also the spread of the damage and the number of people we personally know that's been affected...

1) Nelle Nguyen:  we had no contact since Saturday but a team with Joseph B., Chrysso and others were able to reach her home this afternoon Sept 28 Mon.  Hugh is in the US as well as Timmy so it was Nelle here and the younger ones with the helper/s.  Floodwaters had entered the house. Waters have receded so she's in the process of cleaning her belongings. Team came just in time to bring her some food packs. Will find out tomorrow what else can be done (ex. help with house cleaning, cell phone etc.)

2) Victory-Fort Pastors  Jeff Eliscupidez and Junjin Gepilano families:
Both Pastor were at the Fort Saturday when rains came. They were unable to reach their families til the ff day( Sun am). The Gepilanos live in Moonwalk.  Wendy (Junjin's wife) said the waters INSIDE the house reached waist level.  It rose so suddenly, so her dilemma was how to get her 3 kids out (2 young girls and 1 young son who's a special child).  By the time they got out the gate, the muddy waters had reached chest level (adult!). She and 2 helpers grabbed one child each and inched their way grasping from one gate to the side of the walls. Wendy was holding on to her son.  Unfortunately, because of his condition, he thought the flood was one big swimming pool and broke free and dove! He sank down and was carried by the current. (Believe it or not flood waters are strong!)  Thank God, a Barangay tanod guy grabbed him downstream!  Junjin said when he heard his son almost drowned, his heart turned.  Never mind if he lost everything, house appliances, car, clothes, furniture, pics, etc...he was just so grateful to have his family all safe.  All they had were the wet clothes on their back.  The flood water was so strong, it actually detached the cabinets that were built in to the walls!
Right now they are camping out in a sister's house (Junjin's sister). Up to now, Wendy cannot bear to even visit her home despite offers to help clean it.  Junjin still goes to the Fort as he still helps to deploy people out.

Jeff's family also had water fill their home.  His wife called to say they had waded out to a school that had been used as an evacuation center.  It was so difficult for him to hear all this via cellphone while he was stuck at the fort helpless because SLEX road was IMPASSABLE that Saturday.  People actually whose cars were on top of the SLEX even ahd to climb up out of the cars since the waters were so high. Some were plucked out by trucks that were also stuck in traffic. It became more frustrating when his wife cell phone died and hence no more communication from evening til morning.  As of today, Monday, we're still waiting to hear word from him and his family of how they are.

There are also stories from Cleve & Joan de la Calzada, Jun & Maru Besana, (Victory-Pasig church, water went past stage level),  etc. etc.  We are also still trying to find out how Arnie & Janet are.  To think these are just the pastors.

Then there are the countless church members and staff...
Edwin Navarro's mom (same story, Edwin picked her up today but had to walk to her house as road was too muddy). He relocate them to Novaliches.  Edwin was so grateful for the clean clothes and packs he was able to bring cause everything his mom and sister owned was so muddy even the lavandera they got to help surrendered!  All coated with mud even underwear.

There's also Culbert * Geraldine (house and office affected), Carol & Vince ( waters entered house, van, factory). I'm even trying to find some of my Poveda friends still incommunicado til today.

On a personal note, do also pray for our safety. David's been able to finnagle a Fire Truck so they've been going out distributing food packs day & night.  Last nite someone threw a rock in their window.  Joseph too has been out on the field. Joshua's been helping Joey with his website and Josh will be heading out tomorrow.  Oh pray for my hubby.

But when morning comes and we see the volunteers and their cheery faces, oh how our burdens lift!!! (Even tho at times having so many people asking what to do is (as someone described it) like your kids asking Mom can I help you cook dinner?  You love it but it sure takes a lot of supervision too) ; >

I know God has a reason for doing this.  Maybe He soaked and ruined every shabu or drug den that's been hiding.  Maybe He's putting the fear of the Lord on the wealthy who do not seek Him (one story of a car dealer, lost MILLIONs cause all his luxury cars for sale all underwater in Balintawak avenue Quezon City.  (Cars not covered in insurance policies unless specified). I just know He has a reason.  Its just the day to day living where we need his grace.
Well, thanks for reading this far.  I hope I never have to write you another note like this again.

Much much thanks,
Marie
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vids & pix of the devastation & our relief work here.

The Death of Civility

Every day our culture seems to become more arrogant, mean-spirited and self-absorbed.

Is there no civility left in America?

Consider the past 4 days...
- Congressman Joe Wilson interrupted President Obama's speech, shouting "You Lie!"
- Serena Williams threaten to kill a line judge at the US Open for calling a foot fault on her serve.
- And last night, Kanye West took the stage hostage during the MTV awards, grabbed the mic from Taylor Swift as she was giving her acceptance speech, and disrespected Taylor and the whole event. (An event that was not worthy of much respect anyway.)

When civility dies, so does the culture.

But, on the rare occasions when civility is resurrected, people embrace it.

Consider the last election. I think civility contributed to President Obama's victory. People who didn't like the policies, liked the person. And people who liked McCain's policies, often disliked the crusty mean warrior persona. Americans were sick of the arrogant blood-fest of politics, so when a man who was gracious and civil stepped on the stage, the nation ignored the policies and elected the man. Civility won.

Wouldn't it be nice to occasionally see civility in sports, entertainment, politics, business, homes and church? 

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***related topic -  "Lost Art of Respect and Honor"

Justice, Mercy and Mass Murderers

I had an interesting conversation recently about whether or not it is right for civil authorities to show mercy and kindness to dangerous/violent criminals. That conversation inspired a blog. That blog got a response that I responded to. 

Here's the controversial part of last week's blog:

3 - Lybian A-list terrorist, Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi who was responsible for the Lockerbie bombing that killed 170 innocent people was recently released from a Scottish prison "for humanitarian" reasons. (Of course, it had nothing to do with the deal British Petrolium was negotiating with Lybian strongman, Muammar Gadaffi.) Scottland's leaders must define justice differently than the rest of us.

So, was the Scottish judge (and the British prime minister) right to release a dangerous unrepentant mass murderer from prison?

Here's my opinion:

- The fact that the legal authorities in a nation supposedly ruled by law would extend mercy to a terrorist with the blood of at least 170 people on his hands is deeply troubling to me. It shows how confused the Scottish judge and the British prime minister are about their God-given roles.

- It is the job of the individual, the family and the church to show humanitarian mercy. It is NOT the role of civil government to show mercy to violent criminals.

- The government's role is to "bear the sword" to PROTECT the innocent and PUNISH the guilty. The use of the sword is supposed to strike terror/fear in the hearts of the wicked/lawless. Releasing a man who brutally murdered 170 innocent people does not strike fear in the hearts of anyone thinking about blowing up a plane. It says that we don't take violent crime as seriously as we once did.

- Here's what God's Word says about the role of civil government - a role our friends across the pond have traded for their own idea of humanitarian kindness. 

"For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. If you do wrong, BE AFRAID, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God's servants, AGENTS OF WRATH to BRING PUNISHMENT ON THE WRONGDOER" (Romans 13:3,4)

- If the government refuses to bear the sword, punish the guilty and protect the innocent - do the citizens have a right and an obligation to pick up the sword to protect themselves? That's a scary thought. Better if the government simply does what it is supposed to do.

- Summary:
Christian's are supposed to be forgiving, kind, merciful.
Governments are supposed to protect the innocent & "punish the wrongdoers."

What do you think? Do you want your government to be "humanitarian" and release violent criminals because they are sick? Was justice served? How do you think the families of the victims fell about this type of justice? Is he still dangerous?

For more on this, read Rabbi Abraham Cooper's blog on "Debased Justice & Misplaced Mercy"

Reluctant Leader Buried Today

She never wanted to be a leader. Her husband was the leader. He wanted to be president. She only wanted to be a good wife and a good mom.

August 21, 1983, her husband was brutally murdered in broad daylight. Then the nation called on her.

She was not a politician, but she became president.

When the nation asked her to lead, she said, "The only thing I can really offer the Filipino people is my sincerity.” That’s usually not enough. But this time it was.

She saved her nation from chaos.
She restored integrity to a tarnished institution.
She gave hope to the world, that dictators could be overthrown without violence.
She kept democracy alive with the first peaceful transference of power in 27 years.

Her husband would have been proud of the way she lead the nation. And a grateful nation mourns her death this week.

I was privileged to have a front row view of Philippine history as it unfolded:
- I was in the middle of many student rallies (and a few riots) in Manila's U-Belt in ’84 & ’85.
- I remember the yellow parades in ’85 & ’86 as I walked from my Makati apartment to Ayala Ave to catch the U-Belt bus.
- And over the years I have had the privilege of pastoring and discipling some of the key leaders on both sided of the Marcos/Aquino political conflict. (Interesting and enlightening)

Cory Aquino was a reluctant leader. She died August 1st. She was buried today.

It is OK to be a reluctant leader, as long as we take the shot when the situation demands us to. Are you willing to step up when your opportunity arrives, even if the task seems bigger than you?

Michael Jackson, Steve McNair, Death and Eternity

Got the following note on facebook this afternoon from a church member: “Just curious, what are your thoughts on Michael Jackson?”

Honestly, I don't have many MJ thoughts. I’m probably the only person on the planet who cannot name 5 MJ songs. And, I haven't even seen 1 of his videos. (The closest I came to watching an MJ vid is a tribute dance by 1500 Filipino inmates.) So, I'm not really thinking about Michael Jackson a whole lot.

But I have been thinking about death and eternity.

Seems like all of Nashville is talking about death and the “consequences of bad decisions.” I’ve never seen anything like it around here. Since he was found dead with four bullets in his body on the 4th of July, Steve McNair’s life and untimely death has dominated barbershop and water cooler conversations. It has also dominated news, talk radio, blogs and print media.

Here’s the short version of the sad story: Steve McNair was an amazing athlete, a millionaire, a married man and a father of four. Coaches and teammates describe him as tough. Friends and fans describe him as humble, generous and approachable - one who “gave back” to the community.

And, he had a 20 year-old girlfriend who murdered him, then killed herself. Thirty-six years old is way too young to die.

I never met Steve, but I prayed for his wife and his 4 kids this morning. I can’t begin to understand their pain. They need the grace of God like never before.

What happens now? That’s the question the city seems to be wrestling with. All of us instinctively know we have an appointment with death. We can delay it, but we can’t avoid it.

Here’s what God’s word says about our unavoidable appointment:
“people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” Heb 9:27

The next verse explains what God did to get us ready to face death and eternal judgment:
“so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many” Heb 9:28

Was Michael Jackson ready? I have no idea.
Was Steve McNair ready? I don't know.
What about you - are you ready?

Independence Day

I thank God that I was born in a nation with religious freedom.

I was not born in a religious family, but I was born in a religious state - Mississippi - the belly that the Bible-belt is wrapped around.

And because of freedom, Ron Musselman, an upstart Presbyterian youth pastor was allowed to visit my high school every week and do Bible studies during lunch break. Eventually, after about six months of Ron's pitbull persistence, I turned to Christ in repentance and faith. Many others did the same, and no one went to jail for expressing their faith.

I have been to many nations where people are persecuted and prosecuted for things Americans take for granted. We call them rights. I have friends who have suffered in jail, and some who are still in jail, for living out their Christian faith. They don't have rights. But they have convictions.

So many of my friends all over the world are ready and willing to make great sacrifices for their faith, while many in the West live anemic spiritual lives. But that is a topic for another blog. This one is about me being thankful for the freedoms my forefathers fought to preserve.

May God bless America with a spiritual revival that results in thousands of missionaries going to restricted and dangerous nations with the gospel.

What do you do with your freedom?

*** Here's last year's 4th of July blog. A less serious with a bit of humor.

*** Independence Day sports page... Serena beat Venus in Wimbledon finals, but who cares? THE international sporting event of the day features American Joey "Jaws" Chestnut against Japanese Teru Kobyashi in Nathan's Famous Hotdog Eating Contest. This is American Pop Culture at its best and worst. Can't miss TV.

Pres Obama Declares June Gay Pride Month

The month of June is now officially "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month" here in America.

Here's part of President Obama's proclamation, straight from the White House website:

"NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2009 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month."

Pride month. Let's see, as an America, i take pride in...
- freedom of speech - yes, nutcases can get their 15 minutes of fame, but we can also preach the gospel and criticize the gov without going to jail
- religious freedom - hard to appreciate until you visit China, the Middle East and other places where people are jailed or killed for their faith
- missions - for 200 years, the USA has been a leading force in world mission
- generosity - whether it is a tsunami, an earthquake or a famine - friends & enemies can count on American aid
- opportunity - still the land of economic opportunity even in the current global financial crisis
- democratic process - while few Americans appreciate our peaceful transfer of power every 4 years, many around the world do 

Yea, we Americans have much to be proud of, but not this.

Immorality in America - both gay & straight immorality - is not something to be proud of. Rather it should cause us to humble ourselves before our holy God. I know it is not politically correct to use the s-word these days, but something is wrong when a nation is proud of actions the Bible calls sin. God have mercy on America.

How will you observe America's "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month"? Some will unfortunately use the opportunity to express self-righteousness and hatred. Others will follow the example of Jesus by extending friendship, compassion, truth and hope to people rejected by traditional religion. 

What about you - will you be a friend to all sinners, or only those who enjoy your favorite sin?

For more info, the Catholic News Agency and Chrisma magazine both carried the story.

Mother's Day, Pres Obama and Abortion

For my Mother's Day blog, I'm posting 2 blogs by my friend Stephen Mansfield about the abortion battle in America. Don't worry, this is worth reading even if you are not American, and even if you are not a mother.

(I'm posting the whole blog rather than a link b/c Stephen's blog still does not accept links to specific blogs. Come on Stephen, update that ancient blog site of yours.)

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The Pro-Life Message: Winning Hearts and Minds

by Stephen Mansfield
08 May, 2009

I describe my politics in this way: libertarian as far as my faith allows. Abortion is one of those issues that I cannot leave alone because my faith will not allow it. I believe abortion is the taking of a human life and that it damages any society that sanctions it. I believe this on the basis of science, Scripture and the demographic trends of a receding western world. 

Now, for quite some time I've been trying to get my fellow pro-life advocates to stop being so glum about living in an Obama age. Yes, I understand that he is the most radically pro-abortion president we've ever had. Yet, I also understand that there is a difference between politics and what is happing "on the street." While we might be losing ground in federal abortion policy, we are gaining ground when it comes to American hearts and minds.

The Pew Forum has just reported that Americans are making a strong turn against abortion these days. The portion of Americans saying that abortion should be legal has declined from 54% last August to 46% percent today. Currently, 44% of Americans say that abortion should be illegal in most cases, up from 41% last August. Read the poll results for yourself here.

Now, I have been arguing for quite some time that just because the Obama administration is expanding access to abortions doesn't mean that we can't convince good-hearted Americans with the facts--with our photos, with our statistics, with our ultrasounds, with our post-abortion profiles, and from a case based in faith.

I'm more optimistic about the pro-life message than ever and largely because I'm not letting my optimism rise or fall based on what the Obama administration does. My optimism is rooted in the truth of my cause and the fair-mindedness of my fellow citizens.

Great days are ahead, my pro-life friends. Stand strong

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Our Pro-Life Movement
by Stephen Mansfield
05 March, 2009

There is a great deal of discouragement in the pro-life community these days. Barack Obama is proving to be the most pro-abortion president in our history and for many who work to defend the unborn this is a time of deep and tearful disillusionment.

I believe the opposite ought to be true. Yes, Obama is what we expected: radically in support of abortion of most every kind. And, yes, this is tragic and, yes, we should pray and work for a change.

But let me mention some reasons for us to soldier on in vision and in hope. First, we are winning the battle of hearts and minds. The statistics now show that a majority of Americans believe that the life in the womb is a human being and that to abort is to bring that life to an end. This progress did not come from government but from pro-life centers and services throughout the nation.

It also came from the second reason we ought to stand strong: technology is on our side. Surveys also show that what has convinced many Americans who have changed their minds is ultrasonic photography. When people see what is in the womb--the heartbeat and the fingers and the little body forming even from early in the pregnancy--they realize what they did not understand before: this "fetus" is a child. And it should be protected at all costs. Notice that this technology-induced change came while abortion was legal yet it was the facts that won hearts and minds. This is the path of the future for us.

And, finally, Americans are increasingly being turned from abortion when they see the results of what infanticide and low birthrates have done to our European friends. This is becoming a hedge against abortion for cultural reasons even for those who otherwise aren't convinced of the pro-life message.

You see, for a country to maintain its population, it must have a birthrate of at least 2.1. Below that and the population declines; above and it grows. Well, the U.S. has just a hair below 2.1, but Italy is 1.2. Ireland is 1.87. Spain is 1.1 and Russia's is 1.2. But consider this: Somalia is 6.91. Yemen is 6.75 and Niger is 6.83. The rate for Iran, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is about the same. You tell me what this means in fifty years.

As Americans become aware of these demographic trends and of the tragedies that are occurring because Europe is aborting itself to death, increasing numbers are starting to see the pro-life effort as one of the most patriotic projects of all. And this is as it should be, for as the Old Testament book of Proverbs tells us, a large population is a glory to a people. So it is with America today whether Mr. Obama knows it or not.

So, my friends, do not be discouraged. The political battles are not yet lost, but even if we do not win in that arena, we are already winning where it counts: in the hearts and minds of Americans. And this may mean that one day it won't matter that abortion is legal because nobody will want one. Instead, Americans may come to understand what we already know about the value of that all important life in the womb.

Be encouraged. Our finest hour may be upon us.