By Elizabeth Crawford
This year I had the opportunity to attend the March for Life in Washington, D.C. as well as the Y4Life in Washington, D.C. conference with the Bulldogs4Life group from Concordia University, Nebraska. This was my first year to attend the national march and this conference, and it was an incredible and unforgettable experience. I learned so much and grew in my faith thanks to the wonderful speakers at the conference, and I joined with tens of thousands of people walking together for the same goal: to save human lives.
Although I have participated in regional march events, including a Dallas march near my hometown, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect at the national march. I certainly didn’t expect the large number of people from different worldviews and religions. It was awe-inspiring to see every single person there walking for the same outcome. Even though some groups had different approaches than we did, such as shouting at the counter-protestors or showing videos of abortions happening (which was truly horrifying), our group’s ultimate goal was to speak from a place of Gospel-focused love to protect those who cannot protect themselves. As we walked through the streets of Washington, D.C. singing hymns, I was reminded of how blessed I am to enjoy the gift of life and the blessing of salvation. I am blessed to be able to uphold the lives of others.
The conference that Y4Life hosted was also an amazing experience. We heard from multiple speakers who talked with us about how to defend life from a Gospel-motivated perspective while still holding fast to our beliefs. We learned how dating and marriage are both sacred gifts from God, even though the world is attempting to redefine, destroy, and abuse these gifts. We learned how our lives are infinitely valuable to God and discussed how He calls us into many different yet specific vocations. We also discussed our identity in Christ, and we were reminded again and again that we are loved, baptized children of God, and that is where our true identity is found.
Throughout the conference, I had the privilege to meet many fellow high school and college students who are also passionate about supporting and upholding life. We crafted life-affirming signs together, played games together, and discussed what we had learned during the conference together. Some of us even got the chance to do some sight-seeing in Washington, D.C. after the march was over!
I will definitely be returning to attend the national March for Life again next year. I have no doubt that I will again be amazed at the many who march to show love for their neighbors. It will be the same march for the same reason, but there is no limit on the number of times you can repeat these important messages: You are loved. You are valued. You are created, redeemed, and called by a God who loves you so much. Every life matters, and each is precious in His sight. I am honored that I have had the chance to march to show love for the unborn and to uphold lives that others believe have no value.
We walk so that they all may live.
Elizabeth Crawford is a freshman at Concordia University, Nebraska, where she is double majoring in elementary education and music and studying classical liberal arts. She is an active member of Bulldogs4Life, the Y4Life team on campus. She dreams of one day serving as a Lutheran Kindergarten teacher and professional musician.