Youth Blog

This year was my first time attending the National March for Life in Ottawa. I have only been involved in the pro-life movement for two years and was unable to attend the march last year because of my job at the time. This was also my first time sharing my testimony to such a large crowd. I was quite nervous going into that week but I had mentors (Silent No More Awareness Campaign, The sisters of life, and CLC staff) that were walking alongside me in prayer but also practical ways which made things so much easier. 

Candlelight Vigil 

The candlelight vigil was a very heart warming, touching, ceremony for me. I say this because it was very hard, but I felt so much love from the pro-life community. I could feel the sorrow and pain in the speeches, and the song, but also the deep love for the unborn. That was the first time in a public setting I felt so many other people share in my grief and pain about abortion but also the love of the children. I was also pleasantly surprised by the amount of people that were touched by my testimony. It was my first time meeting Josie and Enza in person, which was a lovely experience I will not ever forget. I’m grateful that the Lord could use me in this way. I still have my candle with me, and I light it in honour of my son's life but also to remember that day and how God can take my deepest sorrows and pain and use it for good and His glory. It also reminds me that the light of the world has my little one with Him. 

Rally  

The rally was an experience unlike any other I have had in my life. Something many people don’t know about me is that I struggled with public speaking for years. Throughout high school especially I would be consumed with anxiety and did poorly with presentations. But for all my speaking engagements at the March my anxiety was not there at all or I was only slightly nervous. I firmly believe that it is the Holy Spirit that spoke through me on stage. But that he also gave me peace that goes beyond all understanding through prayer of other people around me and myself. There was a peace and freedom from anxiety I had never experienced before. After the rally, I had the chance to talk with people and make new friends or catch up with old ones. I also witnessed a mass happening outside which I thought was so beautiful to see. 

Rose Dinner and Abby Johnson  

The Rose Dinner was one of my favourite parts of the week! I really enjoyed sitting at the Silent No More Awareness Campaign table. It was the first time I was surrounded by so many post abortive activists and speakers from various ages. It was super refreshing because I felt understood in my pain with being post abortive, but also the anxiety that comes with sharing your testimony. Many things were discussed that I often wondered if I’m the only one who dealt with this issue, and I learned I wasn’t. Then the conversation with Abby Johnson and Shaun Carney was so eye opening. I learned so much of what it’s like for workers in the abortion industry and how important our outreach and kindness towards them is. I learned how Christ can use us to reach out to their broken souls. Following the rose dinner, I had the chance to talk with many people who heard my testimony and thanked me. It was wonderful to see how the Lord used me to touch other people’s lives. And how Caden wasn’t forgotten but also loved by so many people. I could see the love of Christ in everyone who spoke with me whether it was a CLC staff member, a supporter, or Abby Johnson.  

I wanted to say thank you to everyone that prayed for me, believed in me, and reached out to me I appreciate your support. Something I will remember from this experience is that doing hard things is a lot easier when you are covered in prayer, unconditional love and support. I would recommend going to the March for life as a pro-lifer or a speaker. I look forward to hopefully God willing speaking again next year!!