“I want to tell you a story.”
When I read this first line of Jim Daly’s recent blog post, I had a hunch what this was about. The headline read “A Moment in Times Square and the Lies of the Left” above a photo of the bright lights and big screens of one the most recognizable intersections in New York City. Some of you may know what I’m talking about. Because this story, this moment — was shared by hundreds of Christian radio stations across the country. And even if, like me, you know what happens in the end, it’s worth reading and remembering and sharing — especially in light of continuing opposition in the fight for the sanctity of human life. Read Jim Daly’s recounting of this jaw-dropping story, and then follow the link to read more of his remarks on recent events:
Just a little over two weeks ago, on the first Saturday in May, I was standing in the middle of New York City’s Times Square.
As many of you know, I was there to participate in Focus on the Family’s historic “Alive from New York” celebration, the largest ever gathering of pro-life supporters in the Empire State.
We had prayed and planned for 10,000 people.
By 3:00 P.M., under a sunny and clear blue sky, nearly 20,000 individuals had flooded into the iconic “Crossroads of the World.”
The invitation to come watch a live 4D ultrasound of a third-trimester baby – in the middle of a city where more black babies are aborted than born each year – had clearly struck a nerve.
I had even invited Governor Andrew Cuomo, New York’s chief executive, despite the fact he previously suggested pro-life individuals were not welcome in the state. Unfortunately, my outreach to Governor Cuomo was never acknowledged. I wasn’t surprised.
But standing on stage that afternoon, I could see out across 7th Avenue to the sidewalk crowd of protestors who had gathered to try and disrupt our event. Many of them carried crude, rude and defamatory signs. A few were banging drums. One was even playing a tuba. All of them were chanting their opposition to pre-born life and voicing their support for abortion.
And then, it happened.
As the first 4D ultrasound images of Abby Johnson’s baby flickered across the screen, Times Square fell silent. I peeked across to the protestors, many of whom were looking in our direction and at the sight of the video playing on our big screens.
I almost couldn’t believe what I saw.
When the baby’s heartbeat echoed off the buildings, several of the protestors lowered their signs. The chanting stopped. Their gazes became fixed. Mouths opened.
It reminded me of what we read of the description of Saul’s conversion in Acts: “And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes …” (Acts 9:18).
It was a scene and moment I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
Were they all suddenly converted from hardened abortion supporters to advocates for pre-born life?
I don’t know.
We may never know.
Listeners who tuned into their local Christian radio station to hear the live broadcast of “Alive From New York” likely aren’t aware of this backstory.
When you read the full post, you’ll see that Focus on the Family is continuing with plans to build upon “Alive from New York.” So stay tuned for ways you can partner for life!
Oh, and if you haven’t watched the highlight reel from the day’s events — check that out here!
