Maybe you’re like me. You’ve been passionate about the pro-life movement, but others have tried to silence or cancel you, arguing that there are other more important issues. Perhaps you’ve been discouraged or tempted to shy away from standing up for the unborn.

I have to admit that sometimes I’ve allowed the culture of death and the mainstream media to influence me. I’ve been tempted to back down, afraid of what people might say.

However, the reality still remains.

More than 60 million babies have died within the past 50 years because of abortion.

I was once told on social media to stop talking about abortion and to focus on “more important” issues.

I was also challenged by an atheist who had no problem with my faith, but was offended by my stance on life.

For a time, I doubted my convictions and wondered if I was on the side that was judgmental. When I took this to prayer I found the truth deep in my heart. I decided to keep standing, marching, and speaking up for the voiceless.

If you are passionate about being pro-life but find yourself struggling in today’s culture, I’d like to give you three encouraging reminders.

1. The Church lists the threat of abortion as our preeminent priority.

Sometimes, well-meaning people might accuse the pro-life movement of being only concerned about babies in the womb. We are not. But the priority we place on the issue of abortion is not out of place.The United States Council of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has stated the following:

“The threat of abortion remains our preeminent priority because it directly attacks life itself, because it takes place within the sanctuary of the family, and because of the number of lives destroyed.”

The US bishops  also state that, “… abortion contaminates many other important issues by being inserted into legislation regarding immigration, care for the poor, and health care reform.”

In other words, the right to life itself is foundational. Without it, we also struggle to fight for all other human rights issues.

Our Holy Mother Church is not just suggesting that you fight for life, she is calling you to! You exist in this time for a reason, to be a voice for those who cannot speak. Many like to think that they would have been on the front lines fighting the transatlantic slave trade if they lived back in the 1800s. Abortion is the most important cause for us today, so why not join the fight?

If you feel called to give greater witness to life, remember that truth and goodness are on your side, and you are a faithful representative of the Catholic Church.

2. The pro-life movement is one of compassion, clarity, and kindness. Let’s help others to see that.

If you’ve been to the March for Life, you’ve seen the joy and hope of all those attending. If I’ve ever seen true love of neighbor, it’s been within the pro-life movement. In a world starving for authentic peace, we have a unique opportunity to be a light in the darkness.

I am saddened when some advance the mainstream narrative that most pro-lifers don’t care about women in crisis pregnancy situations. There are countless unnoticed heroes willing to drop anything to help a pregnant woman in need. We must highlight those individuals and organizations such as Project Rachel, Live Action, and local pregnancy centers. Let’s not disregard the sacrificial work already being done by the pro-life movement which has been ignored by the mainstream media.

3. Don’t be afraid of being rejected.

Remember, some are not going to accept the truth about the dignity of life no matter how hard we try. Oftentimes, our viewpoint is not going to be popular. We may even get excluded or rejected.

If you have experienced a personal attack, remember this:

Matthew 5:10-12 says  “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.”

Besides, is the point in life to be popular anyway? If you’ve been rejected because of your pro-life stance, Jesus is waiting to give you comfort and strength saying, “well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23

Don’t back down on your convictions. Millions of babies in the womb depend on you to speak for them with love, care, and compassion.

So let’s take up our call with joy; it’s worth it for the babies.