Engage Family Minute
Protecting Life = Potty Training
Last night, the Health Committee of the House of Delegates advanced this year’s pro-life bill (SB 597) after the defeat of numerous amendments that were merely desperate attempts by pro-abortion lawmakers to derail the measure.
Sidebar.
I hate to write what I just did, “this year’s pro-life bill.” Has business been limited to one bill? Has coal? Education? Certainly not, yet the 70%+ of West Virginians who support life, marriage, and religious freedom are given a chance at maybe one bill. That is what the Family Policy Council of West Virginia is committed to changing. One of our strategic goals is to make government start with the family and respond to the family’s active stewardship of government. Will you invest in our efforts?
/sidebar.
Back to the story.
The bill is now expected to advance to the Judiciary Committee where more histrionics will be levied against this simple measure by doctors and the abortion industry and feminists and the ACLU and . . . and . . . and . . . In some ways, it is remarkable that this bill has survived this long given that, as I looked at the audience in the committee room last night I saw lobbyists from the ACLU (x2), WV Free (x3), Planned Parenthood, Fairness WV, the State Medical Association, Wheeling Hospital, and many others. West Virginians for Life, who is leading the efforts on this bill, myself (and I had to leave early), and a priest were there in favor of the bill. Outnumbered and outspent.
Here’s how the Daily Mail starts their story today:
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — House Health Committee members spent more than three hours Monday locked in contentious debate before moving a controversial bill that would require physicians to offer women receiving abortions the chance to view an ultrasound of the fetus.
The legislation, which passed out of the committee by a 16-to-9 vote, would only apply to situations where an ultrasound was already ordered. The woman could choose not to view the image.Delegate Bobbie Hatfield, a former nurse, fought back tears as she delivered an impassioned speech against the legislation.
“You all have laughed about this bill as if its nothing – giggling in the halls, thinking youre cute,” said Hatfield, D-Kanawha.
“You offend me. You offend the women I have stood on this floor for 18 years and tried to defend.”Although committee members considered a half-dozen amendments, only one passed that made a minor change to phrasing in the legislation.
No, Del. Hatfield, you offend me and the millions of dead children who’s voices now scream to us from the grave because of the barbarity – in the name of “reproductive justice” – that is abortion. Here’s how the Charleston Gazette reported others in opposition to the measure:
But Hatfield said the measure insults her intelligence as a woman and as a nurse, saying medical professionals already know how to fully inform patients about procedures.
Other lawmakers also called the bill insulting to women, including Monongalia County Democrat Barbara Fleischauer.
“This reminds of me of potty training,” she said, “when you take somebody’s nose and rub it in the poop.”
Yep, you read that right. Pro-life = rubbing a child’s nose in poop. (Which makes me wonder, is that how Del. Fleischauer potty trained her children? I don’t know a single responsible parent who forces their children’s noses in their own fecal matter, do you?)
Why spend 3 hours in one committee meeting on this topic? Why endure the ethics complaints that pro-abortion lawmakers have filed against one of our lobbyists and against West Virginians for Life? Why bear being compared to a ruthless parent who unlovingly rubs their child’s nose in their own excrement?
Because all innocent human life is worthy of protection. The reason we do not yield to the intimidation of WV Free, the ACLU, and the rest is because when women see the images of their unborn children, they are more than 60% likely to provide that child life outside of the womb.
More than 60% likely. Let’s assume there are 1 million abortions every year (which is close to accurate). That means, if all 50 states implemented such measures, more than 600,000 lives would be saved from the abortionist’s curette. More than 600,000 mothers would begin that precious bond with their children after being privileged to see the face of their children and hear their heartbeat. In reality, that’s 1.2 million lives (600,000 mothers + 600,000 children) left unscarred and unscathed from the nefarious, and often invisible, effects of abortion.
If I had a complaint about how this legislation has been advanced, it would be that the focus has been on the doctor, his or her rights, his or her fears over the non-life threatening prospect of a lawsuit. Focusing there has removed our attention from the young woman, typically alone and frightened, that is repeatedly told the life within her is merely a blob of tissue in need of being excised. It has removed our focus from the life that hangs in the balance, one who’s scream is silent and who’s voice is found only in those who are willing to be compared to poop rubbing chauvinists.
If that’s what it takes to save just one pre-born life, I gladly bear such titles. The bill is not perfect; yet, if we err, let us err on the side of life.
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Pro-Choice More About Abortion Than Choice
By Nathan A. Cherry
Martinsburg, W.V. – Abortion remains a hotly debated topic in America. It does not remain nearly as controversial as it once was. Amidst the national “40 Days for Life” campaign taking place is a campaign by President Obama to ram federally funded abortions in healthcare reform through Congress. Though some liberals try to deny the federal funding of abortion in the new Health-Care legislation, H.R. 3590, it has been heavily criticized as the single most pro-abortion piece of legislation since Roe v. Wade.
The outpouring of support for life and the opposition to federally funded abortions has been massive. Only someone with their head in the sand can’t admit that Americans overwhelmingly support life. Recent polls show that up to 73% of Americans oppose abortion in nearly every circumstance, while two-thirds of all abortion clinics open in 1991 are now closed. But there is more than just facts and figures to this issue, there is the lives being saved by a mother’s choice not to abort her unborn baby.
Here is where I disagree with the pro-abortion crowd, not on the morality of abortion, or its legal limits, or even who should be paying for it – though I highly disagree with them on all of these issues as well. Rather, I disagree with them over their self-identification.
Groups like Planned Parenthood and their supporters claim to be pro-choice and support a woman’s right to decide for herself what is best. They claim to be about women’s health and the need to allow access to abortion services for that reason. They claim that it’s a woman’s body and she has the constitutional freedom to decide whether to keep the unborn child or not.
I disagree.
As far as I can tell Planned Parenthood is about abortion, and nothing more. As far as I can tell many within the pro-choice movement care only about choosing abortion and nothing more.
Pro-abortion proponents further hurt their reputations by attacking a commercial featuring Pam and Tim Tebow that aired during the Super Bowl. The commercial, sponsored by Focus on the Family, told the story of the difficult choice Pam Tebow made to keep her unborn son despite the health risks she faced. Their attacks on one woman’s choice and the celebration of her choice seem to contradict their party-line “pro-choice” mantra. Shouldn’t they celebrate with Pam Tebow for her freedom and ability to make a choice?
Some have even described, quite incorrectly, the 40 Days for Life campaign as “a nasty campaign of anti-women harassers.” (Click here for full article) An uninformed sentiment such as this ignores the fact that a majority of activists within the campaign are women. Are these women “Anti-women?”
A more accurate description of what the 40 Days for Life campaign is all about comes from a single woman that, already having had four abortions, was prepared to have a fifth abortion. Until that is, she spoke with counselors outside the abortion clinic. After hours of prayer and counseling she said;
“If you guys weren’t out there praying I would have pulled up to the facility, sat in my car for hours on end — and ended up going inside for a fifth abortion. Since you were on the sidewalk praying, I knew I could find comfort and support there, so I went there to cry instead. Thank you for being there.”
Another life saved.
We at the Family Policy Council believe that all human life is sacred from the moment of conception. We will continue to advocate for the rights of the unborn in West Virginia, the United States, and around the world. We encourage every woman considering ending a baby’s life through abortion to seek counseling at a Pregnancy Resource Center.
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Dr. Dobson Leaves a Legacy . . . You!
As you know by now, the Family Policy Council of West Virginia is associated with Focus on the Family, founded by Dr. James Dobson. You are probably also aware that Dr. Dobson transitioned out of Focus on the Family last week. He leaves a tremendous legacy of nurturing and defending the family, not just in Colorado Springs, but around the world. Including, West Virginia.
As part of a national network that defends the local family, Family Policy Councils are an essential element to defending life, marriage, and religious freedom in this country. In the latest Focus Action Update, Stuart Shepherd highlights Dr. Dobson’s influence. As you watch, be sure to look for the Family Policy Council of West Virginia’s logo.
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Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, Part 8: The Biblical Woman/Wife/Mother (Part 1)
The Biblical Woman/Wife/Mother (Part 1): Just as the man has the responsibility to love – which will be carried out by fulfilling three essential responsibilities – the same is true for the woman. A woman’s responsibility to respect will be carried out by fulfilling the essential responsibilities to submit, support, and help.
Woman’s Responsibility to Submit: I’ve written previously on the aspect of submission and the extent this crucial element plays in a woman’s ability to truly respect her husband. One thing is worth mentioning again here. It absolutely must be understood that submission is an attitude and not merely a physical act. It is entirely possible to “submit” in action and remain rebellious at heart and in attitude. This is certainly not pleasing to God. True submission is recognition of authority; in this case it recognizes the God-given headship of a husband over his wife. In recognizing that authority submission freely acknowledges the leadership of another. The attitude of submission must be developed.
Woman’s Responsibility to Support: A husband needs nothing more than the sincere respect of his wife. One of the greatest evidences of this respect is the unwavering support she shows him. Whether in good times or bad, “for better or for worse” her support of her husband will be glue that helps hold their relationship strong and steady. It has been observed that Psalm 144:12 speaks of daughters becoming “like pillars cut for the structure of a palace.” Corner pillars are strong, essential, foundational elements to any structure. Without corner pillars the foundation, and ultimately every other aspect of a structure is weakened. The analogy is more than coincidental. Women were created to be the strong pillars of a marriage and family that support and give strength. This is certainly a place of prominence and honor.
Woman’s Responsibility to Help: The responsibility to help flows primarily from a woman’s desire to help her husband achieve his purpose in life. A woman’s primary relationship, after Christ, is to be her husband. No one, not even her children is to occupy more space in a woman’s heart than her husband. Because he is so important to her, she will desire to help him be a success in any way she can. One of the primary ways she can do this is successfully overseeing and managing the home. Home- management is a lost art among the youth of today; yet it is a most rewarding art when developed.
I would assert that there is no corporate executive alive with more management skill than a successful homemaker. The ability to create a safe, welcoming environment for all is masterful. The skill needed to shop for food, plan and prepare meals for the family, sew, iron, do laundry, adequately clean and maintain high levels of cleanliness are all worthy of praise. (It is fact that children have been removed from homes due to clutter and unsanitary conditions.) The ability to raise healthy, intelligent, respectful children full of character and integrity that will positively impact society is truly a skill worth praising. And let’s not forget that raising God-honoring, God-serving kids that “seek first the Kingdom of God” is a prize worth seeking. All this wrapped up in the management of the home, and, to be fair this doesn’t touch nearly all that this dying art entails or do it justice.
It must be understood that girls don’t learn these things accidentally; they need a mother capable and willing to teach them. If the example is never set before them, if they are never given practical instruction they have little chance of developing essential skills. These deficiencies can present hardship in a marriage and family if not corrected.
It seems impossible that if God gave responsibilities He will not call recipients to give account. It makes sense then that God will one day hold women accountable for the responsibilities He has given them. It becomes necessary to accept these responsibilities and carry them out to the best of our abilities “as unto the Lord” (Eph. 5:22-23) whether we agree or not. As with responsibilities given to men, our opinion of them doesn’t matter, only that God will hold us accountable.
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5,416 (and counting) Petitions Hand-Delivered to WV Senate
“I’m voting for marriage” petitions introduced during Friday’s floor session, thousands more call in support of marriage as one man, one woman.
CHARLESTON, W.Va., – Sens. Prezioso (D-Marion) and Helmick (D-Pocahontas) hand-delivered boxes of petitions signed by 5,416 West Virginia voters to Sen. Jeff Kessler (D-Marshall) during Friday morning’s floor session in the West Virginia Senate. Meanwhile, in the West Wing of the Capitol, phones were ringing off the hook as thousands of West Virginians called their senators to let them know they were in support of marriage as one man and one woman.
“West Virginians know there is no legitimate reason for the legislature to prevent voters from settling the definition of marriage,” said Jeremy Dys, president of the Family Policy Council of West Virginia (FPCWV). “They are weary of the silent opposition by some of our lawmakers and are beginning to speak out by the thousands.”
It has been a busy week for supporters of traditional marriage. Nine days ago, the FPCWV launched a petition drive online at www.wv4marriage.com and through its statewide network of churches and families. Today, 5,416 petitions have been signed and more arrive daily.
On Monday, the, “Let Us Vote!” Rally for Marriage was announced. Despite the slick roads, freezing temperatures, and short notice, almost 150 West Virginians from around the state showed up to break the silence.
On Thursday, a handful of paid-for calls and emails made it to the legislature from a few people at the ACLU and FairnessWV. By Friday, thousands of calls expressing support for marriage as one man and one woman threatened to bog down the phone lines in the Senate offices.
The West Virginia Senate has until early Monday morning to move SJR 14 from the Senate Committee on the Judiciary to the Senate floor. Despite the fact that nearly half of his colleagues in the Senate have sponsored the resolution, it is unclear whether Sen. Kessler, chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary in the Senate, will add SJR 14 to the committee’s agenda on Monday.
For more information, or to add your name to the petition, visit www.wv4marriage.com.
The Family Policy Council of West Virginia is a servant organization that advocates for policies that embrace the sanctity of human life, enrich marriage, and safeguard religious freedom.
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The People of West Virginia Deliver 4,603 Petitions to Lawmakers at “Let Us Vote” Marriage Rally
More than 125 people braved the snow and cold today to express their desire to vote on the definition of marriage by delivering more than 4,600 petitions to lawmakers at the rally for marriage—exceeding the goal of 2,500 set just one week ago.
The people have spoken loudly. We announced the marriage and press conference just three days ago. The petitions are arriving every day by mail and the web. The West Virginia Senate is sending a strong message that there is no legitimate reason to prevent the voters of West Virginia from settling the legal definition of marriage. The House should take heed and listen to their supporters. Their responsibility as elected officials is to respect every West Virginian’s right to vote on this issue.
If approved, the resolution, SJR 14, would allow West Virginians to settle the legal definition of marriage at a special election in 2010. It proposes a simple 19-word definition of marriage: “Only the union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as marriage in West Virginia.
Thanks to you, the petition is being circulated in churches across the state and online at www.wvformarriage.com/petition.
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Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, Part 7: The Biblical Man/Husband/Father (Part 2):
The Biblical Man/Husband/Father (Part 2): Men not only have a responsibility to provide for and protect their wives and children; as well as all women and children in general with specific regard to protection. Men also have a responsibility to initiate, or lead their families.
Man’s Responsibility to Initiate (Lead): A number of admonitions have been set forth in Scripture regarding man’s responsibility to lead. Many of these, such as the responsibility to initiate Bible reading (2 Tim. 3:16-17), Bible study (1 Pet. 3:15), Scripture memorization (Phil 4:8), and prayer (1 Thess. 5:17) are all wrapped up in the command to initiate spiritual growth in the home (1 Cor. 16:13). It is undeniable that men have been given the task of teaching their families what the Bible says about the issues of life. This will certainly require a measure of study and prayer in order to develop a clear doctrinal statement and set of convictions by which to govern the family. But as the head of the household, the “high-priest” of the family, it is a spiritual imperative.
Two other responsibilities a man has are to initiate worship (Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16), and community (Eph. 4:12-13, 1 Cor. 12:18-21). These can certainly be done within the structure of the family itself. But the biblical teaching of believers as the body of Christ cannot be overlooked. The conclusion then is that men have a responsibility to initiate worship and community with his family in the setting of the local church. It is utterly impossible to be a successful Christian man or even a successful believer in general, without taking part in a local body of believers. Rather than focusing on meaningless pursuits it ought to be the focus of every believing husband/father to see that his family is actively growing, serving, ministering, attending, and supporting a local body of believers. Part of the great decline of the family today is directly linked to husbands/fathers that call themselves believers yet place more emphasis on worthless pursuits in their personal lives and in the lives of their kids rather than the pursuit of God. Changing this one deficiency could trigger a revival never before seen in history.
Other aspects of faith men are responsible to initiate include fasting, devotional time, service and stewardship. Finally, husbands are responsible to intercede for their wives in prayer. Using John 17, Jesus’ great High-Priestly prayer, we can see an example modeled for us by Christ to uplift our wives daily in prayer.
The Responsibility to Lead by Setting the Proper Example: If men are going to properly lead their families they must do so by example, not executive order. It is by example that a family has a model by which to pattern their lives. So we ought to be the person we desire our wives and children to be. We ought to be the proper example of manners, showing courtesy and respect to everyone, speaking with love to all those we come in contact with. We should be diligent, making wise use of our time, completing what we start; being on time (nothing is as rude and disrespectful as wasting another person’s valuable time by making them wait). We ought to model character, being honest, fair, wise, kind, full of self-control. It will be hard to develop proper character in our children’s lives if we don’t model it for them.
Another example we need to set is that of proper fitness. We need to take 1 Cor. 6:19-20 seriously, believing that our “body is the temple of the Holy Ghost” and be diligent in caring for it. We hinder our efforts to provide and protect if we are overweight and/or in bad health due to gluttony or a lack of self-control; not to mention we sin against God.
Lastly, we need to set an example as good stewards. This includes how we use our time, the gifts and talents God has blessed us with, and our money. It is our responsibility as men to set the example of planning for the future, avoiding poor spending habits, and tithing, helping the poor, and investing wisely. We need to be the example of what it means to “seek first the Kingdom of God…” (Matt. 6:33). This principle encompasses every area of our life as a steward of God’s blessings.
If our family is falling apart and speeding toward ruin it is most likely a result of poor leadership. We can rightly say that we have failed as the leader of our home. Careful observance and practice of these principles is the start to a strong foundation for the development of a Godly family.
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West Virginia Lawmakers’ Silent Opposition to Protecting Marriage
By Nathan A. Cherry
Martinsburg, W.V. – “The time is now.” Family Policy Council of West Virginia president and general counsel Jeremy Dys let the impact of his words echo for a moment on a conference call last week with pastors from across the state. He reiterated that we are at a point to see “the issue of marriage pushed over the edge” and a vote is surely possible. But a few obstacles stand in the way.
While it’s true that fifteen of our state senators have sponsored a bill, SJR 14, to allow the people of West Virginia to vote on the definition of marriage. It is also true that a few lawmakers are behaving like political hostage-takers in denying citizens their constitutional right to vote on this issue. One such lawmaker is Del. Barbara Fleischauer (D-Monongalia). Dys commented on her refusal to advance a marriage amendment:
“Del. Barbara Fleischauer (D-Monongalia), who, during this session, convened the Committee on Constitutional Revision for the first time since 2003, has previously killed similar measures by refusing to place them on the committee’s agenda. Growing support for the measure among House Democrats, however, may compel her to reconsider.”
Others, like State Democratic Party Chairman Nick Casey seems more interested in ignoring the overwhelming majority of West Virginians. He was recently quoted in an AP article as saying “The Republicans only seem to want to score election year points by trying to force debates and votes on issues like gay marriage.”
Such a position is truly uninformed. Casey went on to cite a 2000 state law which rejects out of state gay marriages and state marriage certificates which say “marriage is designed to be a loving and lifelong union between a woman and a man.”
But neither of these measures carries the weight of a constitutional marriage amendment voted on by the people. The 2000 law can be easily overturned by one judge or the state legislature; language on marriage certificates would then be changed as well. Surely lawmakers know the difference between laws passed by the legislature and a revision to the state constitution voted on by the people – surely they understand the weight such a vote carries.
It only makes sense that they do indeed understand the weight such a vote carries and are thereby hesitant to allow such a vote. This is their silent opposition. A recent petition, circulated through the state by the FPC addressed lawmakers’ silence by asking “Is their silence opposition to the protection of marriage as one man and one woman? It is reasonable to conclude their silence is certainly opposition to protecting marriage.
I suppose I just have one question. If lawmakers are not concerned about this issue and don’t believe West Virginians are concerned about the issue either, why not allow a vote? Why not put the issue to rest once and for all by allowing the people to vote?
My conclusion is that a few lawmakers know that West Virginians overwhelmingly support marriage between one man and one woman; a fact proven by numerous polls and surveys conducted by the Family Policy Council. They, therefore, are afraid to let the issue be placed in the hands of the people because they do indeed oppose protecting marriage.
I encourage all West Virginians to log on to www.wvformarriage.com/petition and sign the marriage protection petition. We are poised to see marriage protected once and for all in our state and truly, “the time is now.”
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