Saturday’s Alaska March for Life in Anchorage was a wonderful celebration and example of what it means to come together as a community and lean into Philippians 4:8 where Paul asks us, as “brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”
Starting at the Anchorage Planned Parenthood, where most of the abortions occur in Alaska, we began our journey with words from Mary Kemper of Pro Life Alaska, a Students for Life representative from Holy Rosary Academy, myself and prayer from Father Arthur Roraff of Saint Andrew Catholic Church.
Throughout the roughly 3.5-mile walk, we stopped at various points for prayer and words of affirmation for those who have experienced abortion, for the unborn, and for those in the abortion industry to experience a transformation of their hearts and minds. We were lifted up by the regular honking from vehicles declaring their allegiance to the human rights struggle we were marching on behalf of.
There were elderly marchers walking with us who took their time and gave us more opportunities to be still as we paced with them. There were infants being pushed in strollers – reminding us why we were there. There were teens energetically running, laughing, and singing.
As we closed our walk at the park strip downtown, we heard from State Senator Shelley Hughes, a pro-life legislator who always prioritizes this issue. We heard from a representative from Project Rachel, a ministry focused on showing women who have experienced abortion that there is forgiveness and compassion.
Greg Monrad with the Anchorage Community Pregnancy Center inspired us in relaying that, daily, women and men walk into the center to find an alternative that is God-honoring and life-affirming.
As Father Moore, from Holy Family Old Cathedral closed us out in prayer, we were again reminded that as we continue this battle to speak on behalf of the least of these, Jesus is the answer, love is never out of style, persistence matters and God remains on the throne.
The views expressed here are those of the author.
