by Theresa Giacalone Let’s face it: After 47 years in this battle for life, some of us would never choose the word ‘memorable’ to describe each new year with the reality of Roe v. Wade’s abortion-on-demand looming in our land. Yet, something was different at our annual Memorial for the Unborn this year. There seemed to be a greater sense of hope. An energetic purpose as each person walked, holding their sign. The powerful word, ‘fight’, kept springing up here and there– from the pulpit, and even in the title of a song composed specifically for the memorial by a 14 year old young man [who I have the privilege of calling my son]. That was locally. On the national stage, a glimmer of optimism shone in more and more headlines each day. Some attribute this to the current climate in Washington DC as it’s being steeped in ‘the most pro-life administration ever’. Some might be feeling extra ardent since we are finally making palpable strides toward ending late term abortion procedures like dismemberment in Michigan, even as other States, like Texas, are passing pro-life legislation staking claim for several of their cities as ‘sanctuaries’ for the unborn. Pro-life justices on the Supreme Court. And Pro-choice-converting movies like Unplanned. This is exciting. This is historic. This is what we’ve been fighting for. Waiting for, hoping and praying for. So… let’s keep it going. Keep both the momentum and the joy alive. There is hope in the fight, after all– because as long as we have breath, we can stay in the battle. And if you’re not in it, you can’t win it. Pastor Muri, quoting Winston Churchill in his keynote address at this year’s Memorial echoed Churchill’s rousing battle cry, equally applicable to our cause, and proclaimed, “We must never, never, never give in! We must never grow weary in the fight.” “For such a time as this”, keep being an Esther. Perhaps our purpose is becoming defined, refined, and chiseled to reveal our new identity as warriors, overcomers, and torch bearers. What if we claim that identity and take our rightful position dutifully in the front, middle, or rear to become, truly, a force to be reckoned with. And also, as with Esther, not with swords, clubs, and violent words; but rather with persistence, love, kind firmness, and God-given wisdom. What if? Let’s find out as a new decade dawns. The MEMORIAL FOR THE UNBORN HIGHLIGHTS VIDEO can be viewed here:  https://vimeo.com/386884766  Password: LIFE