End Abortion Meme: It’s Simple, Yet Complicated
One of the tools I use in my pro-life advocacy is creating memes that initiate thought, tug on the heart-strings, or generally bring abortion into the light. As a rule, I go for a softer message – no bloody babies in trash bags or parts spelling out Planned Parenthood. The photos and messages are gleaned from where I am – my family, friends, favorite saints, popes, and such. Inspiration strikes me at the oddest times and sometimes the Holy Spirit will show me a wonderful photo and then – BAM! – a quote will appear in my Facebook feed that fits it perfectly. Other times, I will hang onto a quote or a series of photos and it will be months before something gels within this stubborn, creative mind of mine.
Meme Inspiration
True to form, a thought recently popped into my head that fit ‘perfectly’ with a photo to which I have been holding on for quite some time. I’m emotionally invested in these projects since I often use photos I have taken of family or friends. As a family, we have experienced our share of opportunities to walk the pro-life talk. My own experience of being pregnant at the tender age of fourteen to name one. Another is our daughter’s breast cancer diagnosis at 20 weeks pregnant – at age 28.
Personal Meme
The emotions and exposure of intimate events sometimes find me trying too hard. How to convey the message to its fullest potential? That is a question I ponder often. Then I had an epiphany with a single word – S I M P L I C I T Y! Many of my memes require some thought, accompanying links, or a back story. This time the message was very basic – END abortion! The way I figured it, this would tug at heart-strings, serve in the capacity of a motivational poster, and get a simple message out there – you fill in the blanks of how to accomplish it. Plus, it had an element of humor – because the word ‘end’ is on the back end of the baby’s diapered tushy.
So with the meme created, published, and shared with a pro-life group (one of many to which I belong) my mission was accomplished. Right?
W R O N G !
A member of the aforementioned group left a comment below my meme:
Who do you want to end it Birgit? It is a very complicated cycle we are in, very few understand what to do about it even if they agree with you. Most seem to see abortion as ok, so how to reach then is my question?
This was a good question and provided a jumping off point. My answer is this: it is a quandary. But the ultimate answer lies with each and every one of us. All of us need to be a part of ending it. If we cultivate a Culture of Life – each one to the best of our ability – there will eventually be a groundswell of love for all Life. Not us, not the government, not even the clergy own this issue. The point is that everyone needs to do his part. The rest of it – and the timeline – belongs to God.
What Does A Meme Accomplish?
At the forefront of what we can do is education. Allow the unborn into the intimate fold of family. They are our brothers and sisters who are in dire need of help. With them always on our minds, the next step is to talk, live, breathe a Culture of Life. Continually bring it to light and persist in bringing it up and help it catch fire. Be the spark in your family, community, and church.
To do our part, we can arm ourselves with knowledge and then inform others – with the passion of unconditional love. Prayer will help us allow the Holy Spirit to guide our words and approach. There must also be a commitment to give assistance to women, men, and babies who are affected by an untimely pregnancy – even after the child’s life has been spared. In essence, we must live lives that respect all LIFE – from womb to tomb. It truly is up to each one of us – individually – to live a Culture of Life. God willing, our efforts, combined with those of others will eventually take us there.
In the mean time, I get up every morning and do all that I can do for Life – that is the part to which I am called. What is calling you?
Note: To see more of my Pro-LIFE memes go to the Designs by Birgit fan page.
