How Even Small Gestures — Like Wearing a ‘Pro Life’ Hat — Could Help Lead to the End of Abortion (Eventually)

I find myself writing again about an article of clothing (somewhat odd given that matters surrounding fashion typically aren’t in my wheelhouse). As with my prior post (broadly addressing appropriate attire for church), today’s topic connects to a larger meaning; but unlike last month’s piece (nominally discussing neckties), this time I never had anything against the focus of my writing: A winter knit hat.

Some additional background:

I live in a politically “blue town” … in a “blue county” … and in one of the bluest of “blue states”: New York. (Need I say more? But, as some non-New Yorkers might be surprised to learn, the state actually is home to sizable pockets of residents in rural “red counties.”)

Despite (or maybe because of) the overall “blueness” of my immediate surroundings, I delight in occasionally venturing into public spaces, such as the grocery store, prominently wearing my “Pro Life” knit hat (shout-out to Students for Life of America, from where, a few years ago, I bought the head covering).

I don’t display it in an attempt to convert anyone (that would be nice, but unlikely — as it probably would require more than seeing a hat on a stranger’s head to change the hearts of the most ardent abortion promoters).

Instead, it’s donned in the hope that merely seeing it might affirm my fellow Pro-Lifers (as encouragement by saying, in essence, “You’re not alone”). I know they’re out there (even in my “blue town”), and I think one way we ultimately change the culture is by exhibiting, as brave Pro-Lifers, a cohesive, unwavering moral commitment to the sanctity of human life.

Granted, my hat-wearing is but a single, simple gesture. In the aggregate, however, even small deeds matter. Conversely, if Pro-Lifers were to collectively cower within secular society’s zealous culture of death (thus potentially weakening, unintentionally, their own resolve), it wouldn’t be much better than “throwing in the towel” all together.

So, please don’t surrender your resolve. Ample evidence from past citizen-led movements (such as those centered on public health, racial and other social issues) shows that when fearless people coalesce around passionately held beliefs, cultural change follows (albeit typically not overnight). Simply: Common sense, enlightened minds, truth and human decency typically will carry the day … eventually.

Therefore, on the issue of life, I urge you to stay bold, and do whatever you can, in your own unique and valuable way (big or small). For some people, it means marching; others might donate to or volunteer with Pro-Life organizations offering support (emotional and financial) to pregnant mothers; still others write letters to the editor (or articles like this); and some quietly wear, in public, clothing (such as knit hats or T-shirts) emblazoned with a Pro-Life message. Of course, some people do all of these (and more); and, I hope that all of us pray for an end to the vilest scourge of humanity: The carefree disposing of innocent human life.

I’ve never been a sidewalk counselor, but I respect the courage of those who are. Instead, words (such as these, along with those stitched onto my knit hat) often are my tools of choice; they are no less valuable than other worthwhile tactics in witnessing and affirming objective truth concerning human dignity.

The specific goal of the words you’re reading here: I want you, as a fellow Pro-Lifer, to feel the same way. Be energized by what you’re inspired to do — including small gestures that might “go against the grain”; and don’t have remorse for not being able to do it all. As in the “Analogy of the Body” (found in multiple places in the Bible), we are “many different members, but one body” (1 Corinthians 12:20), each with unique roles and purposes, according to God’s will. Thus, among us are marchers, sidewalk counselors, supporters, writers, knit-hat wearers and more — each one needed and highly valued, for “We have gifts that differ according to the favor bestowed on each of us” (Romans 12:6).

I have full confidence that one day, via a beautiful array of individual efforts (both large and small), abortion will come to be viewed among all civilized people as barbaric. Looking back, future generations, I believe, will find it utterly unfathomable that abortion was ever accepted and practiced by human beings. It might not happen in our lifetimes, unfortunately — but the tide is already beginning to turn.

Changing others’ hearts might be the sole way to achieve this eventual realization. But it will happen only if Pro-Lifers themselves are fearless and firm in their beliefs. So, as I implored in my prior article: Be a nonconformist (recalling the maxim: We live in the world, but are not of the world); hence, in whatever way you can, stand up, resolutely, for the value of human life from conception to natural death. Then, one day, through constant faith, prayer and works (including small acts), respect for all human life will be no longer the nonconformist ethos.

Happy New Year!