A Heart for Advocacy: How Marie is Helping Women Make Empowered Choices
My friend Marie is a client advocate at a pregnancy resource center. She often shares glimpses of her work—not specific details, but heartfelt requests for prayers. These might be as simple as, “Please pray for a young woman to find the courage to speak with her mom,” or “Pray for healing and guidance for a couple feeling lost and alone.” Marie’s work is confidential, but her dedication to the women she serves is unmistakable.
As a client advocate, Marie educates and supports women facing unplanned pregnancies. Her role is to provide information about all available options and offer unwavering support, regardless of the decision a woman makes. While Marie hopes the women she serves will choose life, she explained, “Behind every choice is a woman who deserves love and respect.”
Her philosophy is simple yet profound: “My job is to love them—whatever that looks like in their situation.”
A Journey of Transformation
Marie didn’t always hold these views. Like many, she once believed that abortion was simply about removing a “clump of cells.” But something about that narrative didn’t sit right with her. It wasn’t until she started watching videos and reading material, like the exposés from the Center for Medical Progress, that her perspective began to shift.
Initially, Marie turned to social media to share what she had learned, hoping to spread awareness. But she later realized her approach—shaming and arguing—was ineffective and even harmful. “We should never use shame or fear to change someone’s mind on the issue of abortion,” she reflected.
Her turning point came when a friend invited her to become a client advocate. After praying about it, Marie decided to step into this role, knowing it would allow her to make a more meaningful impact. She traded social media debates for real-life connections, helping women feel heard and supported during one of the most challenging times in their lives.
The Power of Listening
Marie often encounters women who feel isolated or overwhelmed. She shared a story about a young couple who came into the center, both secretly wanting to keep their baby but assuming the other didn’t. Because of confidentiality, Marie couldn’t intervene directly. All she could do was hope they’d open up to each other.
“People are afraid to really talk,” she said. “But rushing a decision without honest communication only adds to the burden.”
Marie encourages women to slow down and seek input from loved ones, including family members and the baby’s father. “Don’t be afraid to ask for their thoughts. But don’t settle for vague answers like, ‘Whatever you want.’ That’s not support—it’s avoidance. Real support sounds like, ‘I think you should __, but I will love and support you no matter what.’”
A Call to Compassion
Marie believes Christians have a vital role in responding to the issue of abortion with love and understanding. She urges women to connect with those who have experienced abortion, to listen to their stories, and to approach the issue with empathy rather than judgment.
“Behind every woman who makes this choice is a story,” she said. “When we take the time to learn that story, we develop compassion. She isn’t just a statistic—she’s a person who deserves love.”
Marie also emphasizes the importance of focusing not only on saving babies but on supporting the women who carry them. “We need to help the mothers too,” she said.
Finding Your Role
For those passionate about this issue, Marie encourages action. “Don’t sit on the sidelines and grumble about legislation. Find your place and make a difference.”
Whether it’s donating to organizations, providing supplies for new moms, volunteering at a pregnancy center, or becoming an advocate yourself, there’s a role for everyone.
Marie’s advice is clear: “Pray, educate yourself, and learn the arguments of the other side. Debate with knowledge, not judgment. And most importantly, find a way to change someone’s story.”
Her journey is a reminder that small acts of compassion can have a profound impact. So, what’s your next step? Find where you fit and take action today.
