Archive for January, 2011
Having a Rational Debate on an Emotional Issue
FPCWV Delivers 134 Books on Abortion to WV Legislature
This week, volunteers with the Family Policy Council of West Virginia will deliver 134 copies of Dr. R.C. Sproul’s fabulous book, Abortion: A Rational Look at an Emotional Issue to every member of the West Virginia Legislature.
Abortion is a tender issue that hits at the very heart of our humanity. Amidst the schedule demanded of our lawmakers during the 60-day legislative session, it can be difficult for us to have a thorough, rational dialog on the topic.
Committee hearings and legislative meetings demand so much of attention that conversations often resort to little more than sound bites that overlook the painful eyes of the single mother and the silent cries of the preborn. We can be tempted to paint those who disagree with us in the caricatures of the most extreme ends of their position. We are enticed to excuse reasonable dialog for the expediency of the legislative process. Policy-making suffers.
That is why we wanted to engage and encourage our lawmakers by providing them with this important book from Ligonier Ministries.
Whether they agree with reproductive justice or not, whether or not our lawmakers are committed to defending every innocent human life, we hope they will give this book – a survey of one of the most important ethical concepts of the modern era – the serious consideration it deserves.
Perhaps, after reading it, they will be more firmly entrenched in their position, but at least we will have had the discussion – albeit vicariously – that all of us hope for, but time often deprives us of having.
The generous investments of ministry partners to the FPCWV have made this gift to our lawmakers possible. If you would like to assist in defraying the cost of this project, please consider making a $12.00 investment in the FPCWV at www.FamilyPolicyWV.com/invest.
The Engaging Essentials
Hey, remember me? When the legislative session is in full-swing, as it is right now in WV, it’s a bit difficult for me to maintain my faithfulness to this intentionally irregular series I like to call, “The Engaging Essentials.” Alas and alack, it must be what it is. But, for today at least, here’s a bit of what you should be reading:
Chick-Fil-A Locked in Epic Battle – Well, that’s they way the story is being reported, anyway. What is the pro-cow, pro-family outfit accused of this time? Helping to strengthen marriages. Wow. And to think, just this weekend I had a big, fat helping of “anti-gay Jesus Chicken” (I can’t make this stuff up!) at my local CFA.
Why Regulate Abortion Mills? – Kermit Gosnell, that’s why. Gosnell is the back alley, rusty coat hanger abortion doc that the pro-choice always laments. The only difference, of course, is that Gosnell was legally conducting the “safe and rare” practice of abortion to the tune of millions of dollars, thousands of dead babies, and several dead women. Shameful.
In His Own Words – Pastors, please take note: this example by Dr. Al Mohler is how we are asking you to use your prophetic voice in speaking Biblically for life, marriage, and religious freedom. Here, Mohler takes on the pro-abortion statement of our President as he marked the 38th anniversary of Roe v. Wade.
ADF and Separation of Church/State – Have the great wall tearing down attorneys at the Alliance Defense Fund capitulated to the idea of separating church and state? Hardly.
Stand for Life – Lila Rose of Live Action fame offers this moving challenge to the pro-life community. Watch and share:
Who is Teaching YOUR Kids About Sex?
By Nathan A. Cherry, 01/31/2011
Martinsburg, WV – There is much out there that claims to be “sex-education” but is nothing more than a perverted attempt to push kids toward illicit sex, contraception, and abortion. Considering that most of these “programs” are sponsored by Planned Parenthood or an affiliate of PP, this should not come as a surprise.
Much to the dismay of PP a new report out says that 98% of parents believe that they should be the ones to educate their kids about sex and sexuality. Chad Hills, reporting for Citizenlink.com, cites the “Parental Perspectives on Sources of Sex Information for Young People,” which says:
“The results from more than 1,600 parents in Minnesota found that nearly all parents (97.9%) believe they should be the primary communicators and teachers of sex and sexuality to young people. But less than a quarter of all parents (24.2%) believed kids received information from parents. They also believed that friends and classmates were the primary sources of information (77.7%), along with media sources (60.3%).”
This is quite encouraging for us at the FPCWV as we seek to impress upon parents the need to “train up their children” in the values and morals that they need to be God honoring men and women of character; rather than letting MTV, schools, and media strip them of any moral conscience. But there is a warning that needs to be issued regarding where parents and teens get their information.
Citizenlink.com, in a related article, went on to list several popular sex-education websites that parents and teens can be fooled into using for education purposes. These websites are pro-contraception, pro-abortion, and very anti-abstinence. Here is the list that was shared:
OP-ED: Parents need way to grieve
From today’s Charleston Gazette . . . .
It started as a moment of incredible joy when Cassandra Meador learned that she and her husband Jason were expecting their second son. The Meadors, residents of Beckley, were delighted and anxiously awaited a new life in their family.
But then that joy turned into unspeakable tragedy.
About 20 weeks into her pregnancy, Cassandra discovered the baby’s umbilical cord hanging out of the birth canal. She was rushed to the hospital.
The doctors worked quickly to save her pregnancy — and the life of her son, Bobby James. But, despite their best efforts, they could not hold back Bobby’s early arrival into this world. Her son had been born, fully formed, but too weak to survive.
Nurses at the hospital took the shirt off of a teddy bear they retrieved from the hospital’s gift shop and put it on the body of little Bobby James. They fashioned a small pillow and blanket inside of a box and sent the body of Bobby James home with his broken-hearted mother.
But, sadly, that was not the end of Cassandra’s trauma.
Faced with an agonizing loss, Cassandra and her family began making plans for mourning little Bobby James. But, because of a loophole in West Virginia’s law, they were not allowed to do so.
Because Bobby did not weigh enough, the law did not allow for the hospital to issue a birth certificate. Because they could not get a birth certificate, they were unable to get a death certificate. And without a death certificate, Cassandra and Jason would not be able to bury their son.
Until the family was able to convince a funeral home to exhume the grave of Bobby’s grandfather so Bobby could be buried aside him, Cassandra and Jason were forced to store Bobby’s body at home in their refrigerator.
Every innocent life is worthy of respect and recognition. Every parent should be given the option of having the state recognize their children. No parents should go through what Jason and Cassandra Meador went through.
That is why Cassandra and the Family Policy Council of West Virginia are asking West Virginia’s lawmakers to allow moms like her to grieve by providing them with a way to have their children recognized under the law.
Our lawmakers should pass the Grieving Parents Act — what we like to call, “Bobby’s Law,” so parents like Jason and Cassandra, as well as many others, will be provided with the legal means they need in order to bury, and properly grieve for, their children.
Today, John and Cassandra are moving on with their lives. Let’s hope that other West Virginia families will not have to go through what the Meadors did and be able to honor the tragic loss of a child.
For more on Bobby’s story, go to www.familypolicywv.com/bobby.
Strong Pro Life Statements from the March for Life 2011
By Nathan A. Cherry, 01/28/2011
Over 250,000 gathered in Washington DC for the March for Life 2011
Martinsburg, WV – After a State of the Union address that was decidedly void of social issues I felt the need to highlight the 2011 March for Life – an event attended by more than 250,000 and yet received no media coverage (Sure, there’s not bias in the mainstream media).
The March for life is a peaceful demonstration in support for the unborn and was attended by a very young demographic; signaling a continued trend toward life among high-school and college ages. It was also attended by some of the pro-life movement’s heavy-hitters making strong, pointed statements. Their testimonies follow:
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor: “For the past two years, the life community has suffered the consequences of being completely out of power. Against the will of our people, [lawmakers] have jammed through an agenda that forces taxpayers to fund abortion and embryonic stem cell research, and even attempted to repeal conscience protections for health-care providers. But now the tide has turned and… [o]ur majority has been re-energized by a strong crop of pro-life leaders. We have pledged to institute a permanent, government-wide prohibition on taxpayer funding of abortion, a bill at the top of our agenda in the House.”
Rep. Jeff Fortenberry: “First of all, let me say how wonderful this event is to hundreds of thousands of people here – most of them young. I think this speaks to the fact that we’ve got a new generation of pro-life leaders that hopefully will change the minds of America in this regard.”
Rep. Chris Smith, author of the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act: “The evidence suggests that when public funding for abortion is unavailable, the number of abortions drops dramatically, by about 25 percent…” A key section of the bill states: “No funds authorized or appropriated by federal law, and none of the funds in any trust fund to which funds are authorized or appropriated by federal law, shall be expended for any abortion.”
UPDATE: MTV Stands By Program Exploiting Youth
MTV's Skins portrays teenagers as immoral lawbreakers.
By Nathan A. Cherry, 01/27/2011
Martinsburg, WV – Monday I brought you the incredibly lewd details of MTV’s new show “Skins.” I am still having trouble digesting the debauchery that some seem willing to peddle as entertainment. Not to mention the fact that a show featuring underage actors has a TV rating of TV-MA; meaning it is intended for adults and not suitable for anyone under 17. Tell me again why this show uses underage actors if it is intended for adults? Could the allegations of child pornography be more substance than we thought?
After the shows debut a media backlash ensued that no one expected (Thank goodness people still have a sliver of morality in them). As a result several advertisers immediately pulled their advertising support. The first to go was Taco Bell, followed quickly by Wrigley Gum, and GM. Subway was not far behind and has also pulled their advertising support. While I suppose we could castigate companies for supporting such garbage in the first place, I’m glad they “get it” when patrons share their outrage. After all, the “customer is always right.” (For the record, GM never authorized use of their commercials.) (Click here for commentary from Citizenlink.com)
While I could very easily fill this page with my own outraged and saddened thoughts, I am going to repost part of an article I read on the show printed earlier this week. The author here states his thoughts in much the same way I would state my own.
“I’m so tired of media outlets having no regard for the negative impact their programming has on young consumers, as they occasionally launch half-witted campaigns that they hope will balance the negativity they continue to slow-drip into our society…I’m simply asking for networks that have an impact over young viewers to occasionally consider the negative impact of their programming before concentrating their sights solely on profits.
“‘Skins’ debuted with 3.3 million viewers…Most sources confirm that “Skins” was highly successful among Americans ages 12 to 34. Yes, that’s right. Twelve-year-olds are watching the show. When will our society learn?
Registration Open for Watchmen on the Wall 2011
Dear Pastor,
I want to personally invite you to attend Family Research Council’s 8th annual Watchmen on the Wall Briefing on May 25-27 at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill in Washington, DC—FRC’s national briefing created and designed exclusively for pastors.
Our nation’s moral foundation is under attack and as encouraging as the mid-term election was, I agree with FRC’s president Tony Perkins – “only prayerful, courageous leadership and engagement by America’s pastors can lead us toward the spiritual awakening that will enable us to stand our ground against the advancing forces of those who seek to destroy our foundation and silence the truth.”
FRC has limited funding to pay for conference meals and hotel accommodations at the Hyatt on May 25 and 26 for one pastor per church (preferably the Senior Pastor or his designee). Only a small registration fee of $199 is required for this pastor.
You may register at www.watchmenevents.org or call 1-800-225-4008. Information about additional pastors/spouses may also be found online. Since there is limited funding and space, please register soon and also encourage your pastor friends to attend.
Confirmed* and invited speakers include:
Dr. Henry Blackaby, Founder/Chairman Emeritus, Blackaby Ministries International*
Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC)*
Pastor Bob Emrich, Director, Maine Jeremiah Project*
Franklin Graham, President/CEO, Samaritan’s Purse and Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
Bishop Harry Jackson, President, High Impact Leadership Coalition*
Dr. Erwin Lutzer, Senior Pastor, The Moody Church, Chicago, IL*
James Robison, President, LIFE Outreach International*
Pastor Gary Simons, Senior Pastor, HighPoint Church, Arlington, TX*
Becky Tirabassi, Founder/CEO, Change Your Life, Inc.*
Dr. Ravi Zacharias, Founder/Chairman, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries
The goal for the Briefing and the Watchmen on the Wall project is nothing less than to champion pastors to transform America. Pastors are encouraged and equipped to pray for revival in our land, preach the Bible regarding urgent moral issues, and partner with fellow pastors who, together, will make a positive impact on their communities and our nation.
Again, register at www.watchmenevents.org or call 1-800-225-4008 and make plans now to join us in DC on May 25-27.
Don’t miss this impactful event!
Jeremy Dys
The Family Policy Council of West Virginia
Engage Family Minute – January 27
VIDEO: American Idol Contestant Told To Abort – Chooses Life!
By Nathan A. Cherry, 01/25/2011
Martinsburg, WV – Some stories should be nothing but happy. Like this one about a recent American Idol contestant that chose life despite overwhelming odds. So when there’s a little detail in the story that is horrific to even think about it can easily ruin a great ending. Thankfully this story has a happy ending.
American Idol traveled to Louisiana to hold auditions for its brand new season. There, they met 23 year old Paris Tassin and her daughter. Paris shared with the millions watching that her daughter is her inspiration for singing and the one she was auditioning for. Had Paris listened to the advice of doctors she might not have that inspiration in her life.
When Paris was pregnant her daughter was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus. According to the Mayo Clinic this is defined as:
“Hydrocephalus occurs when excess fluid builds up in your brain, most often because of an obstruction preventing proper fluid drainage. The excess fluid can compress surrounding, fragile brain tissue, causing brain damage. Left untreated, hydrocephalus can be fatal.”
In further reading on Hydrocephalus, as in the definition, there is nothing to suggest that it is not treatable or can be corrected. And yet, though it is something that seems easily treated – especially if caught early – the doctors told Paris that she should abort her unborn daughter and that it “wasn’t going to be good” if she decided to keep her child. Paris shared this with the judges at her audition:
