Mix the Messaging
Shakeup the slogans and soundbites?
Have you ever had that moment when a lyric from a song connects with something you have been thinking about?
For What It’s Worth by Buffalo Springfield is a 1966 song about the social and political unrest surrounding the Vietnam War and other topics of the time.
I have been pondering why I struggle with Pro-Life rallies, even though I support and vote Pro-Life.
I feel guilty about this, but something about the messaging, or maybe my struggle with confrontations, holds me back. As I listened, these two lines from the song stood out to me…
“There’s battle lines being drawn.”
“A thousand people in the street. Singing songs and carrying signs, mostly say hooray for our side.”
The battle lines between the Pro-Life and Pro-Choice movements are clear, deep, and emotionally charged.
We sign petitions, vote, and today we seem to lose on every side. Disappointment and anger set in, and that has become how we are perceived.
It may be time to have a new perspective. In this apostolic time, we must keep signing the petitions, voting, and speaking, but what is our tone?
How do we stand firm but turn the other cheek and focus on the people who need our love and help?
Can we walk in humility rather than “pride for our side”, offering resources and a helping hand to show that we're not just angry, but genuinely want to help?
We believe in life and demonstrate this through our kind and joyful living.
The public square's beliefs may differ, but how we respond to the public square matters.
We are now seed sowers for future generations.
I wonder if we can rethink and reevaluate the approach and change the perception?
On the Pro-Life side, our slogans seem to say, “Hooray for our side.” The messaging is strong about who we are and what we stand for, but not about how we love and serve.
I am the Pro-life Generation.
Save the Unborn.
I vote pro-life.
Chose Life.
Abortion stops a beating heart.
Stop Abortion.
Why not also provide messaging about how we help?
What if some signs at marches included QR codes for medical resources, counseling, shelter, and food, conveying the message of a loving, helping hand?
What if some signs thank the Knights of Columbus, who provide hundreds of thousands of dollars for ultrasound machines that offer free ultrasounds?
What if some signs listed the number of volunteer hours spent over a year supporting pregnancy centers and included a website or QR Code for people to use if they need help or want to volunteer?
What if some signs listed tips for those who are supporting women in an unexpected pregnancy? A parent, boyfriend, friend, or co-worker? Add a link for counseling or more information.
What if some of these signs had quotes from women who wanted to share how they were helped? Then add a link to their inspirational stories.
What if the QR codes were captured by a woman who could use this information for herself or a friend as she passed by a rally? Or seen on TV, which could be seen by many more people?
What if a lawmaker realized how much people in their district did to support women in unexpected pregnancies and softened their stance towards saving the unborn?
Could these messages be seeds of help for those who need them?
The battle lines are there. How can we carry signs that offer a helping hand, show our contribution to helping, and say where we stand and show our actions?
What slogans would you put on your sign or bumper sticker?