Scan. Copy. Paste. Scan. Copy. Paste. As I analyzed donor information for my internship at Family Research Council, a tedious but necessary job, my boring afternoon was interrupted with the text that every Christian wants to receive. “Hey Riley, what church do you go to?” Excitement bolted down my back. I had invited her hundreds of times but never thought she would take me up on the offer. I immediately responded, ecstatic that someone lost was seeking after Christ, even in this little way.
This was not an ordinary situation. She is 20 years old, pregnant, and looking for answers.
A few years before this, in the northern suburbs of Georgia, past the cow pasture, our high school was seemingly quaint, conservative, and Christian, but many of the students were the opposite. This was evident by the many political clashes online and during school hours. The reality that young people have to face today is division amongst their friends.
As my personal faith grew, so did my passion for defending the unborn. I would repost Live Action’s informative videos, updates with Georgia Life Alliance’s work for the abortion bans in my state, and other content to tell anyone and everyone that abortion was wrong. This resulted in the high school version of social “canceling:” consistently cussed out online, called all kinds of derogatory names behind my back, and longtime friendships broken.
I noticed the overall moral degradation of my peers growing worse. Students that had started Bible studies, went on mission trips, and discussed why being pro-life was the Christian stance began to deconstruct their faith. Many of them came out with an LGBTQ+ identity and poured fake blood on themselves at the Georgia state capitol at pro-abortion rallies. The students shifted when culture deemed it was time to move instead of standing firm on the truth.
Despite these radical changes, God convicted me to declare truth.
Truth is difficult and must be shared in love, but cannot be kept hidden. Jesus says in Luke 12:51, “Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” It is divisive to share the reality of abortion, but always fruitful.
Years later, God revealed why it is vital to stand for His word even when we do not feel like it. There was a remnant who absorbed and researched the content I posted. Years later, after asking me what church I go to, my friend told me the impact those posts in high school made on her.
“Riley I was pro-choice until I was pregnant. If you had not posted all those pro-life things over the years on your Instagram, I would have chosen abortion… I would have killed my little girl.”
Tears flooded in my eyes and I thanked God. Hope from many years ago, seeds that I sowed, friendships severed, being ridiculed, and that feeling of being ostracized because of my faith was worth it for this moment. A life was saved!
She chose life because of those pro-life posts. As small as it may seem, Christian man and Christian woman, truth does matter. Truth will speak louder than the lies of this world. Do not be discouraged, because “we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Be bold and stand for truth in love. The Lord will use it for his purpose.
Riley Lang is an intern at Family Research Council.
