January 12, 2007 3:55 PM
Every life matters
Johnny Farese's story (click on the picture with his name underneath) will resonate with anyone whose lives have been touched by a family member or friend with a disability - as well as anyone who's wondered about so-called Quality of Life issues.
As we approach the 30th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade (January 22) and the annual March for Life - which I will attend and bring you pictures of - It's important to reflect on ALL life issues. Before the Supreme Court's legalization of abortion, opponents argued it would become a slippery slope.
Feminists like me scoffed. But our opponents were right. Who could have imagined a million and a half abortions per year - and the rationalizations we would use to justify the taking of innocent life?
This is why I wrote two years ago on the disturbing significance of the Terry Schiavo case, as the ending should send an alarm throughout our nation about the future threat to disabled citizens.
Though many would judge Johnny Farese's life as not worth living, Johnny himself seems to have more joy in one eyebrow than most people have in their whole bodies :) His favorite Bible passage begins:
It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees
(Psalm 117:71
I'm going to remember that one next time I feel "afflicted"!
And I love the commentary by his brother, who was pressed into service caring for him from an early age. If you've ever wondered about the impact of a sibling with a disability, this should assure you that as Martin Luther said:
“For whoever believes, everything is beneficial and nothing is harmful. For those who do not believe, everything is harmful and nothing beneficial.â€
Thanks to Nancy in Snohomish for pointing me to Johnny's site.
Posted in Current Affairs, Disabilities, Inspiration, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink
