First, let me say upfront, I am by no means wealthy. For me, it has been a 40-year toil with boots on the ground and a hand to the plow. You can be certain this was a major sacrifice. But one I do again if given if put in the position to do so. I’m honored that God would place it on my heart and at the same time, I’m grateful that he made it possible for me to contribute to the dozen or so life-affirming organizations that literally tilt the scales toward life for an unborn baby whose life weighs in the balance. 

One of the things that moved me to take this action was, immediately upon passage of the Texas Fetal Heartbeat law, large corporations, celebrities, pro athletes, and seems like anybody who had $20 in a bank account poured millions and millions into Planned Parenthood’s already overflowing coffers. Yet, none of those corporations, celebrities, etc., cared enough about saving a life to donate a single dollar to organizations whose sole purpose is helping struggling abortion-vulnerable women who are trying to keep their babies. It seems the message is this: If you’re an abortion-determined woman that’s hell-bent on having an abortion, we’re here for you. We’re going to pull out all the stops to see that that happens. But if you’re struggling hard to avoid that option – go somewhere and figure it out on your own. It’s heartbreaking to know that they’d readily support options that take life but nothing for those that support life. Think about this: How awesome would it have been if at the same time they made donations to Planned Parenthood they would have done the same for organizations that help women avoid terminating their pregnancy. One would have to ask if they were truly cared about the well-being of all women, and not just those seeking to abort wouldn’t they’d support Pregnancy Resource Centers which in reality should be called life support centers for all they do. Or Maternity homes who provide a safe haven for a young girl who’s been kicked out of her home, or who’ve endured sex trafficking, now traumatized and pregnant, or a mother who’s fallen on hard times, now homeless and pregnant fighting to regain stability for her and her children. Wouldn’t it have been great if they cared enough about life to donate to adoption agencies to help make adoptions more affordable here in the U.S. for the millions of childless couples who want to adopt but can’t because it’s cost-prohibitive? I only donated $100,000 dollars but how I wish it could have been one million dollars.

There’s another reason for my donation and this one is deeply personal. One that as an African American male when I think about it, I find myself frequently having to fight off rage and at the same time fight back tears. It’s the thought that almost 400,000 unborn black lives are being destroyed every year –over 16 million since Roe v. Wade. It’s knowing that the state of New York has in place what amounts to a system that eased the process for the destruction of more black babies than are birthed. And no one seems to care. The harsh reality is in the black community abortion is the most obvious form of systemic racism you’ll find anywhere! That is why I stand unashamedly and unapologetically at the front of the line applauding Governor Abbott’s signing the landmark Heartbeat legislation that has already spared an estimated 10,000 lives. I must add though, Governor, we cannot stop here! If we’re going to place a woman who’s facing a life crisis in a situation where she’s forced to carry her baby to term, we must do our part in providing basic life necessities needed for her and her baby: prenatal care, pre-k education is a good place to start that has enormous benefits for them and Texas. Let’s finish the job Governor! 

Finally, I’d like to add this: I believe that life is a gift from God, therefore it is sacred. I believe no matter where life is found or the condition it’s found in life should be respected and protected. I believe that the value I place on life inside the womb serves as an accurate barometer of the real value I place on life outside the womb. Therefore, I believe that it’s my God-given duty to support those that offer solutions to a young woman in crisis carrying unborn life that does not present the possibility of deep regret later. I hope my donation will inspire another to do the same.