No duty the Executive had to perform was so trying as to put the right man in the right place. - Thomas Jefferson
He came out of nowhere, and yelled to me as he hurried across the empty parking lot at dusk this week. “Let me help you!” I insisted that I didn’t need help, but he strode toward me anyway as I struggled to lift a box out of the back of my minivan. Soon, he was taking it out of my arms. Sensing that he intended to help, and was likely homeless, I offered my gratitude as I directed him to the building where I was setting up for an event.
After laboring to carry the box into the building, he managed to gently set it on a table. Again I thanked him and, recognizing that he’d helped in hopes of receiving something in return, I told him he was welcome to have one of the scarves from the box he’d just carried.
“It says ‘pro-life strong’ on it though,” I explained, holding one up for him to see. “Will you still wear it?” “Yes I will,” he said. “I like that.” His broad smile revealed only a few teeth, but it was the brightest smile I’d seen on an adult in a while. We introduced ourselves, shook hands, and, as he started to leave, I said, “Thanks again. I guess you were in the right place at the right time.” He paused, looked me in the eyes, and said simply, “I always am.” He sauntered outside into the chill, seemingly pleased with the new accessory wrapped around his neck.
Wouldn’t it be great if we knew the optimal time to be in the optimal location? Though I can’t predict when you're most likely to find a $100 bill on the sidewalk, I can tell you where you ought to be—and when your presence will help someone out, though they might not realize they need a hand.
Join MCFL Vice President Kerry Pound, M.D. and our partner organizations, Massachusetts Family Institute, Renew Massachusetts Coalition, and the Massachusetts Catholic Conference, for Lobby Day 2020, starting at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, March 18, at Park Street Church, 1 Park St., Boston.
During Lobby Day, you’ll hear updates on pending legislation like the ROE Act and Doctor-Prescribed Suicide. Armed with new information, we’ll head to the State House to visit our legislators and urge them, in person, to oppose these life-devaluing bills.
We are running out of time to prevent ROE and DPS from becoming the Commonwealth’s “new normal.” There are only a few short months left in the current legislative session. Our senators and reps hear from the other side. Daily. It is our duty to represent those who cannot speak for themselves. If we don’t, who will?
Every day counts. Every appeal matters. Every person adds to what I’m told will be a historic turnout for this annual event. “They came out of nowhere,” they’ll say, and insist they don’t need our help.
We’ll help anyway. And, when lives are saved because of you, you will know that, on March 18, you were in the right place at the right time.
Enjoy your weekend,
Myrna