The current government shutdown is in its second week of existence. I know it is a challenging ordeal for a lot of people.
Many of my friends on Facebook are complaining about it, and they have every right to express their frustrations because this is not good for anybody in our country, especially for those who are struggling already due to limited income and relying on government support for their livelihood.
But here’s something everybody needs to consider, specifically those who honor and respect the sanctity of life. I, for one, believe the United States House of Representatives is doing the right thing.
Now, before the steam starts coming off your head, hear me out. Not everybody in the House supports Pro-Life causes. Not all Congressmen have the most sincere intentions. I do realize why politicians have such slimy reputations.
However, if you are keeping up with recent measures, including continuing resolutions that have passed in the House of Representatives, you know it comes down to the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as “ObamaCare.”
Thomas Sowell’s piece “Who Shut Down the Government?” may have said it best, “…House of Representatives voted all the money required to keep all government activities going – except ObamaCare. This is not a matter of opinion. You can check the Congressional Record.”
Why are there such extremes happening with this government shutdown? Why are open-air monuments “closing” and athletic events of military academies being cancelled? Why is the Amber Alert website not accessible (although Letsmove.gov, promoted by First Lady Michelle Obama, is running)?
There can be many political ideologies to consider, but the facts remain, the House is responsible for passing bills that involve financial resources, and other than the one involving the President’s healthcare plan, the House representatives have done their job to allow the government to be in operation.
A friend of mine, Christi, gave an excellent description. I thought it was very fitting, and I asked for her permission to share.
She said the House has shown up every day to offer negotiations. The U.S. Senate, led by Sen. Harry Reid, has refused to negotiate. She described how Reid has forced this situation and then blamed others for the government shutdown by saying “Look what you made me do!” like some abusive husband. And the American citizens are the children in the background saying, “Mommy, just do what Daddy says, or it’s your fault he’s hurting us.”
I don’t know if House Reps will continue to hold their ground. They may run out of fingers to stick into the holes of a leaky dike. But as long as they do, be encouraged Pro-Life supporters, because once ObamaCare is unwrapped and put into action, abortion options will increase, and you as tax-payers will foot the bill for women who accept such unethical, immoral options.
No, I don’t have a word of encouragement for everybody about the government shutdown. I wish I did.
But consider this. A Biblical reference used most often regarding government is the words of Jesus in Matt. 22:21, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.”
The first part of the verse is quoted most often, but the latter doesn’t seem to be emphasized as much. Yes, we are to honor the government in its proper authority, but honoring sanctity of life should be something we render to God, the Author and Creator of Life.
So take heart, my Pro-Life friends. Whether they are doing it intentionally or not, these House members are favoring you in this government gridlock.