“I Was Lifeguard for a Day”

This weekend is Sanctity of Life Sunday. President Ronald Regan started it in response to the Roe V. Wade case. The first National Sanctity of Life Day was held on January 22, 1984—11 years after the Supreme Court legalized abortion in the United States. Today, many churches and Christians around the world recognize the third Sunday in January as National Sanctity of Life Day.

Last October was the first time I participated in the walk for life. It’s a fundraiser that helps raise money for all the programs and services provided by our local pregnancy center. They gave us shirts that said, “Lifeguards.” They also gave us stickers that said, “I walked for Life.”

We drove to Cinema Drive where Church On the Way is located. We got out of the car and registered ourselves. Shortly after that, we listened to a few speeches, released balloons into the air, and the walk began. We were supposed to do two miles, but it took me the whole time to do one mile.

            A lot of people were there. Families, kids, people with strollers, etc.  It’s a big event! I stood out because I was the only one in a walker. People were surprised because a lot of people have never seen me walk. Most of the time I’m in my wheelchair at church. People we’re cheering for me, honking their horns, and telling me things like, “Rachael, you’re my hero.” My friend Sarah told me, “Rachael, you serve as a reminder for why we do this.”

I was surrounded by so much love and support from the community. It was great! Sarah said she was fighting back tears. I was the last one to finish the walk. When I got to the end, people were waiting for me. Somebody even came toward the end to finish the walk with me to encourage me as they saw me start to get tired. People clapped and cheered me on. I felt like I was being welcomed into heaven. It was as if God was saying, “Well done my good and faithful servant. You’re home. Thank you for serving as my Lifeguard for a day.” I will run into his arms with a smile on my face, and kneel down to receive my crown of rewards. What a great day that will be! What about you? How will you serve the Lord? Will you be a Lifeguard for Jesus?

Psalm 139 13-16

“For you created my inmost being;
   you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
   your works are wonderful,
   I know that full well.  My frame was not hidden from you
   when I was made in the secret place,
   when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
   all the days ordained for me were written in your book
   before one of them came to be.”

If you would like to learn more about how to be involved in the Walk For Life or you're interested in learning how to help the local pregnancy center, visit their website at: www.lifesupporter.org