Times Square Rally

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

Well, here we are — It’s Monday. It’s May. And boy, do I have a story for YOU!

Allow me to set the scene —

I think the fact that I am both a writer and an actor, gives me this really unique filter through which I see the world. Because I never just see it — but rather, I’m looking for meaning. So sometimes, things just strike me as highly compelling.

That, and I’m always looking for God’s little winks and whispers through any and all lines of communication.

But this weekend, I faced several juxtapositions that really got me thinking.

SO – now to the story!

I was one of the 10,000 people at the Alive from New York prolife rally in Times Square on Saturday!

Francesca Battistelli singing at the #AliveFromNY Event

And, if this is the first you’re learning of this event, well — that’s because ZERO of the mainstream media channels (aside from FOX) covered the event — even though it was the largest ProLife rally in Times Square ever.

Oh — wait, I stand corrected. There were two negatively slanted articles: The New York Post flippantly posted an inaccurate article citing a protest of “400 Pro-Lifers” — which is not only numerically inaccurate by about 9,600 people, but also — a) so flippant in their clearly negative “Pro-Lifer” slang, and b) it wasn’t a protest.

Photo: New York Post

Newsweek covered the “Anti-Abortion Rally” with a video of a young, beautiful abortion provider, talking about how prolife arguments are based on lies and misinformation, and that abortion is health care.

Photo: Newsweek

But I digress.

The event was so powerful. It was put on by Focus on the Family. And, contrary to Newsweek’s spin…it was a huge celebration of life, right in the heart of Times Square!

Abby Johnson, speaking!

There were speakers, and a concert by Francesca Battistelli. The phenomenal movie, Unplanned played a huge role in the event — ((and Yours Truly was actually interviewed for their promotional material! I’ll let you know when it’s live so you can see it!))

Ashley Bratcher from Unplanned

Unplanned’s star actress, Ashley Bratcher, spoke, as well as Abby Johnson — the former Planned Parenthood clinical director, and whose story Unplanned tells. And the pinnacle event was that they broadcast over a jumbotron, Abby Johnson’s 4D ultrasound of her 3rd trimester child!

4D Ultrasound broadcast live at the #AliveFromNewYork event

It was absolutely incredible.

But not everyone was thrilled about the event.

First of all, Planned Parenthood took out a huge billboard right above where the event was being held that read, “PLANNED PARENTHOOD IS HEALTH CARE” in big bold letters.

And then, when I arrived, there were cops everywhere, because swarming both sides of Times Square were hundreds of protestors, shouting profanities and grotesque remarks at the attendees of the beautiful celebration of life in the middle.

They were banging drums and shouting things that would make a sailor blush.

But the event attendees paid them no mind, and continued on in their joyful gathering.

But here’s the crazy thing — as soon as that 4D ultrasound came on the screen, and you saw Abby Johnson’s baby sucking its thumb, and you heard the whooshing of the baby’s heartbeat over the loudspeaker — Times Square was silent. No more protestor rants, no more drums. Just the beautiful sound of life, and a mother’s cooing remarks to her child in the womb, and right underneath the Planned Parenthood billboard.

But after the ultrasound — the protestors went home.

It was the wildest thing.

Maybe the prayers that were in my heart for the souls of those protestors were answered! Who knows.

But coming home that night, I was looking up coverage about the event, and not surprisingly, I was discouraged to see that it was, in essence, completely erased from history by the mainstream media.

But in my search, I did happen to come across this video, which shows Pennsylvania State Representative, Brian Sims, absolutely berating this elderly woman, simply standing outside of a Planned Parenthood in Philly, saying a rosary.

Brian Sims’ 9 minute AGGRESSIVE livestream

He puts a camera in her face and arrogantly and aggressively attacks her, verbally for over eight minutes. Seriously, watch it. It made my blood boil.

Brian Sims verbally attacked this woman for 9 minutesh

But it was at this point, that all the juxtapositions I had experienced that day, finally caught up with me.

This issue of life is absolutely tearing our country apart.

I mean, I even see it on this blog!

People are coming after supporters of life, and they’re thirsty for BLOOD.

Some of the names I have been called when I have stood silently, praying outside of Planned Parenthood — without signs, without talking to people, without anything but love in my heart — the derogatory things would make my mother cry. I’ve had cameras shoved in my face, horns blared right in front of me. Even teenaged kids, shouting rude things.

There is a real hatred for people who support life. And I saw that over and over again this weekend.

So what was the take away?

Love wins.

Love wins. Period.

There’s such a misconception, that people who support life are in some way shaming people who support abortion. Or are trying to control women’s bodies. Or you name it.

But the reality is, the prolife movement is driven by love.

Love for the child in the womb. For the pregnant mothers and fathers. For life in all its stages — even the smallest and most vulnerable.

And as witnessed in Times Square that day, love won. When those protestors heard that heartbeat, and heard Abby Johnson speaking so tenderly to her “little guy” as only a mother does — they packed up and left.

So my prayer is this: to stay hopeful. Yes, it seems like an uphill battle – when not a single news outlet will cover this celebration of life. When publically elected officals like Brian Sims act like petulant children and berate a praying elderly woman, when people personally attack you with hatred spewing from their every pore — stay hopeful.

Life is worth it. Love is worth it.

And someday, the world will see that, too.

“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5

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BBB: Because we're all recovering from something. // For speaking/business inquiries: beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com

165 thoughts on “Times Square Rally”

  1. I would have loved to be there! I’m so glad that you got to go and be a part of Alive from New York! I agree, Planned Parenthood is NOT women’s healthcare! Thank you for sharing!

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  2. My goodness my dear. Your perspective, your words, your love. Incredible. I am blessed to have met you yesterday! I wish I would have been in town this weekend to attend the rally – it sounds like an incredible experience. So often I feel as though supporters on either sides of this debate are talking AT eachother. Without actually listening. I mean, the planned parenthood sign was blatantly proclaiming their position. Not encouraging dialogue in the slightest. And that gets society nowhere. You hit the nail on the head when you mentioned love. That’s what missing! First, the love for one another to pause and listen and understand. Second, the recognition that love is the root of the pro-life movement. And finally, the love for future generations to create a healthy environment for them to prosper. Love can win! We just have to let it. So thank you for being a hopeful witness to that truth!

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    1. Oh my gosh thank you so much Katie, I am so touched by your kind words! I know! Me too! I am so glad our paths crossed! Last Saturday was such a powerful experience. And I so agree – listening and respect from both sides are so crucial. And I love your thoughts about LOVE! amen!! It goes a long way, and I feel like it can get left in the dust when we’re so hyper focused on agendas or being heard. Love is the “greatest of these” and the way Jesus modeled for us to live. And it CAN win!! Thanks so much for stopping by! Have a beautiful evening!! Loving your workout vids btw – so inspiring!!! 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

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    1. Thanks so much – I agree. I was FLABBERGASTED and APPALLED that he was elected to public office. Amen. Hugs and love xox

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  5. You are right Caralyn – love does ALWAYS win. Prayers for as many hearts as possible to be converted along the way, so that they too can join in the JOY that comes from receiving it. May you remain diligent in protecting the sacredness of life. Hugs & Blessings!

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    1. Thanks Dawn so much – amen – Love always wins! I really appreciate your prayers. I will join you in them!! Hugs and love xox

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  6. Wonderfully done and informative. Sad that people hate life so much. And Jesus promised persecution to his followers. If our country survived the sixties then it can survive now. Always positive things to look at. And since I had some recent negative experiences because of my Christian views, I have to say, your article and experiences helped a lot to have someone to commiserate with. Thank you for that because I feel better already.

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  7. Praise the Lord! I was very moved by this post. May the Lord continue to convict people’s hearts. You’re right, I had not heard about this: thanks for sharing this with us. May you continue to tell people about wonderful events like this one.

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    1. Thank you so much Marcelo! I’m so glad this resonated with you!! 🙂 God is good! big hugs xox

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  8. Thank you so much for giving us the inside scoop of this awesome event! Praise God for the strong stand for life even in the face of such blatant opposition! The response of the crowd to the ultrasound gave me chills! God is on the move!

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  9. Wow, just beautiful, thank you for sharing. I gasped when I read how the crowd got silent when the ultrasound was played…simply beautiful and precious. Yes, love wins over hate every day.

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  10. Well done Caralyn. Thanks for the enlightening and inspiring post. I live in the Chicago suburbs and I read the Chicago Tribune each and every day. I never heard of this rally you attended. Thanks for the eye opener.

    Warm regards,
    Reid

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    1. hi Reid! thank you friend – yeah the rally was incredibly powerful! i feel blessed to have been able to attend! hugs xo

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  11. Amazing that you were there! I wish I could’ve been. It’s so sad to see people not acknowledging the gift of LIFE. But I do think that maybe that will change. I saw the movie “Unplanned” and I was sobbing. I have always been pro-life but if I hadn’t been I sure would’ve after watching it and I hope many people who are pro-choice/abortion saw it because you can’t see it and walk away pro abortion. Thanks for sharing! ❤

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  12. Wow, what has happened to the western world! I can’t help but wonder if it’s not a war against pro-life, but against anything Christian. Same trend happening here in Australia, but they don’t know that we are employed and owned by God, who can be against us!

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    1. You’re so right about that. I’m sorry to hear that’s happening in Australia too. Hugs and love xox

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  13. Thanks for letting us know about this! I had not heard about it. What a powerful moment when all the protesters left after seeing the ultrasound! :O I really do think love is winning–let’s stay strong and keep witnessing to the truth!

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  14. Thank you so much for your efforts and for your post- it’s wonderful to see another woman boldly fighting for life as well. It is an uphill battle- the world is against us- but we have made such progress in this country lately!! Praise be to God!

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    1. Thank you so much for your support. Uphill battle for sure, but we’ve got to hold on to His hope!! 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  15. Ah, wonderful news and thanks for the photos and clips! I did an hour for the 40 Days for Life outside a bubble zone, and boy was I terrified. An older woman was attacked by a passing driver with a glass bottle, she’d been hospitalized to recover. But you know what? She insisted on doing it again, if there was need. The rage and violence is horrid, yes, but people notice. I mean that. Witnessing and prayer is incredible, as we can see from the ultrasound broadcast. There are couples and singles, accompanying persons, there are people who do turn away. Some do question. Some take time to (re)consider. This does have an impact on people’s lives, not always of the terrible kinds.

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    1. Thank you again. Oh wow that is just terrifying!! That’s the thing – when you feel really passionate and dedicated to something, you do whatever it takes. Hugs and love xox

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