2009 Texas Rally for Life

Governor Rick Perry * Julie Stobbe * Dr. Joe Pojman

Saturday, January 24, was a cold and windy day at the Texas Capitol. However, the weather was no deterrent for the committed group that gathered from all corners of Texas to participate in the 15th annual Texas Rally for Life. The diverse crowd truly represented the flair and flavor of those of us who proudly call Texas home. Andy Rivas, Executive Director of the TX Catholic Conference and emcee for the afternoon, welcomed groups including universities, pregnancy resource centers, pro-life organizations and people representing various political views. The fundamental truth and common thread that brought everyone together is life is precious and should be defended. The upbeat group really seemed to have terrific time despite the sub-freezing wind chill (Brrr!).

Governor Rick Perry gave an overview of his firm stance to support legislation that reflects Texas values. One of the ways is through his great support for HB 109 known as the "Choose Life" specialty license plate. If passed, this voluntary plate will be available to drivers for $30. $8 will cover the cost of manufacturing the plate while the remaining $22 will go into a fund to be distributed to organizations presenting adoption to people experiencing unplanned pregnancies. Organizations that provide or refer for abortion will not be eligible to receive funds from this initiative.

Representative Larry Phillips, author of HB 109, shared from his personal life how he and his wife supported a young teen mother during her pregnancy. She lived with the Phillips family and benefited from their love and encouragement. Ultimately the young woman provided parents for her baby through adoption, so Mr. Phillips was able to see the fruit of adoption.

I was honored to have the opportunity to address the thousands of peaceful pro-life folks. I took the opportunity to let them know their voices are important and their actions are necessary. I spoke both professionally and personally about the importance and beauty of adoption. God continues to astound me by fulfilling the promises He impressed on my heart when establishing the ministry Act of Life in 2002. As we are faithful to till the soil and cast the seed regarding adoption God is being faithful to bring the increased awareness and understanding. Adoption is a unique parenting choice that all Texans should be able to embrace. It is life-giving and allows a child to pursue their God-given abilities and it also adds a choice for women when making important decisions regarding unplanned pregnancies. Adoption is a win-win for all parties concerned, and I was pleased there was significant emphasis on it during the rally.

Probably most powerful of all events that day was hearing from the people who know the blessings of adoption first hand. Pregnancy counselors, adoptive families (with children in-tow), and heroic birth mothers shared their enthusiasm and appreciation for adoption. There is no way to estimate the impact of their testimonies.


We need to help others understand that even if they categorize themselves as traditionally "pro-choice" they, too, can support adoption. It adds a parenting choice for women. I am encouraged to see more people look more closely at this important option because it provides a living example of how adoption affects generations....for life.

It is vital we remember no one group, denomination or political party has a corner on life issues. This event clearly illustrated the Body of Christ coming together for one purpose - to promote adoption as a compassionate life-giving alternative to abortion. I am proud to have joined Dr. Joe Pojman (Texas Alliance for Life), Pastor Juan Sanchez (High Pointe Baptist), Bishop Gregory Aymond (Catholic Diocese of Austin) and the countless organizations and individuals that made Saturday's event the great success it was. To see additional photos, view video or hear audio from the day's activities please visit Texas Rally for Life.

Much work still lies ahead, but let us be assured with the words of Galatians 6:9 "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary."

Let's not grow weary!
Julie

Holding On or Letting Go?

This week a friend sent me an email containing a variety of anonymous statements. The following sentence struck me in particular.

When God takes something from your grasp He is not punishing you but merely opening your hands to receive something better.

My first question was, "Are you wanting to take something from me, Lord?" My next thought was, "Wow! I hope if God is trying to take something from me that I am not holding onto it too tightly. In Scripture Job tells us:

"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I shall return
there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken
away. Blessed be the name of the LORD." Job 1:21

Job is a tremendous example of "having it all" so to speak and then having nothing. Through reading his experiences I am struck with Job's perspective. He knows his life was built by God and it was also dismantled by God. He attributes everything to the LORD and not to himself. Hmmm, that suggests Job saw his life as belonging to God. It was not his own.

I am also struck by Job's positive attitude. If anyone would be tempted to blame God or to say he was being punished by God, I think it could be Job. But Job does not see it that way. Certainly Job had dark days of despair as he walked through difficulties, but Job maintained a God-centered perspective and attitude as well as an an open hand. In fact, the final verse of Chapter 1 says:

"Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God."

Wow! That pretty well sums it up doesn't it? Job did not see himself as a victim.

Is God trying to take something from you? It could be a relationship, a possession, a job, any number of things. If so, is He having to pry it out of your tight fingers, or are you open handed before Him giving it back knowing it was first given to you by Him?

Let me encourage you to hold onto earthly things loosely. Scripture also tells us:

"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal" Matthew 6:20"

Job's ultimate treasures were stored up in heaven. Where are your treasures stored?

Texas Rally for Life

Saturday, January 24th, on the steps of the Capitol in Austin, I will have the pleasure to speak during the Texas Rally for Life. I will speak about how adoption is a loving parenting choice for people experiencing unplanned pregnancies and how the Choose Life License plate (HB 109) will help promote adoption within pregnancy resource centers. I will also have the opportunity to share my personal adoption experience.

Will you come out and support adoption? Will you come learn how a simple thing like a license plate can advance adoption awareness in pregnancy centers and add a choice for women?

Often times when people talk about rallies many may think of hostile situations. We conjure up the all-too familiar protesting images of pushy people screaming at the 'opposition.' Protests have their place, but this event is not a protest or I would not be attending. I am not one who gets into hateful wars of words or wave hate-filled signs in people's faces. I am a gentle person; one who loves people, one who listens first thereby earning the right to be heard.

Make plans to join me and about 2000 people from over 10o life-affirming organizations from around the great state of Texas to support life and adoption and to encourage efforts to see the Choose Life plate become a reality for Texas drivers. Governor Perry will be headlining the afternoon. For a complete schedule of events and a map click here.

Adoption saves lives and creates families. How can we not support it?

See you at the Capitol!
Julie

Happy New Year!

Wow! Where has the time gone? Were we not just ringing in 2008?

Last year was a great year - full of joys and challenges, ups and downs. Sounds like most years doesn't it? But last year is history, and hopefully you are ready to embrace all that 2009 has in store.

Like many folks I have set some goals I would like to achieve. This blog and a new website are just two things to work on in the coming months. It will take time, but I do hope you will stop by now and then to see some of the things that are happening in the formation of the website.

More than anything I hope you will choose to pursue a relationship with Christ more deeply this year. Out of myriad experiences life has to offer, spending time in His presence is the most important and enriching of them all.

Here's wishing you the very best of 2009. Let the games begin!

Julie