Several Facets to Sanctity of Life

• 400,000

Number of Sudanese who have died from violence or disease since the Darfur War began in 2003

• 15 million
  

Number of children worldwide who have been orphaned by AIDS

• 1.3 million
  

Average number of abortions per year in the US

• $20,000
  

Average cost of infant adoption in the US

• 1123
  

Number of people who have been executed in the United States since 1976

• 16 million
  

Number of children in developing countries who die each year from preventable causes

• 60
  

Percentage of those deaths that are due to hunger or malnutrition

I think each of these issues deserves our attention at any time - not just in an election year. I applaud those who champion a particular cause and who are so passionate about an issue that they do their best to educate the public about their stance. But I also applaud those who go beyond picketing and protesting and do their part to change the situation - whether it's through donations, volunteering, advocacy, education or mentoring.

As a follower of Jesus, I believe that true change can only happen by and through His direction and power. Politicians can reform laws, but the next group of leaders can reverse whatever temporary change was enacted. Organizations can offer aid relief, but their change, too, only addresses temporary situations.

I really feel this is where the church should be unified and focused: doing whatever we can to offer healing, forgiveness, restoration, hope and love. We should stop focusing on politics and start focusing on people. We should stop drawing lines of divisions and start reaching out a hand of reconciliation. And as God changes lives, we'll also see God overthrow injustices. And God desires to affect change that impacts all lives.