March for Life 2010

After traveling from St. Louis to Washington, D.C. in the wee hours of the morning, carrying a 3–year–old around town, and getting very little sleep, I am finally catching up on rest.  This year's experience on the March for Life was very moving.  I witnessed Abby Johnson's testimony, shared a stage with my old friend, Ryan O'Hara (as well as Archbishop Carlson), made a new friend in Chris Schwartz, did a little hotel swimming with my daughter, Lucia, and ate way too many donuts.

During a concert which I performed for the Life Really Matters group, I shared the following reflection.  God wants to use us as his instruments, to do his work in the world: be witnesses to life, share our testimonies in the streets, and stand up for the dignity of the unborn.  However, more than that, he wants to change us, to love us.  He does not simply "use" us—first, he has us in mind.

Well, I think God made me taste a little of my own medicine.  While he certainly "used" me to entertain and inspire 900 teenagers through story and song, he revealed two little surprises.  The first was during the song, "Something's Gonna Come," when the entire ballroom was singing "la-la's" in beautiful harmony.  That was not only very cool to experience, but particularly touching to me.  The second was the amazing response I received from the new song, "Doing the Good."  As the song progressed, everyone started clapping, and a few people stood up, which slowly grew until the entire ballroom was standing, clapping, encouraging and supporting me in my quest to share my story.

Later in the quiet of my hotel room, after I put my daughter to sleep, I reflected back on those two little moments, and tears came to my eyes as I realized that God did not simply desire to use me, either.  He touched me.  He loves me.  I thank God for that reminder—that he loves me for me, and is first concerned with my soul and my knowledge of his love.

What an awesome God!