It’s been hot and dry in Hot Springs for most of the Summer. The weather has finally turned cooler. There are so many things to do. Many outings have had to wait because of the weather. Finally, we had a great weekend to be outside. And many chose to spend it making a statement about the American tragedy that has continued legally since 1973.
A crowd of close to 100 arrived an hour after noon yesterday, to help create a “Crosses for Life” memorial. My second year at the event, I soon found myself amongst those of all ages. As the crosses were pounded into the hard ground, others were being prepared and brought to the “front lines.”
The crosses are well designed. They only need to be removed from a specially designed bag, the attached crosspiece swung open. Finally, the screw connecting the two pieces of the cross together must be checked and possibly tightened by screwdriver.
Because of the lack of rain the past few months, men with metal poles had to prepare the ground where some of the crosses were to be placed.
The day turned out to be 10 degrees warmer than the meteorologists expected. Halfway through the work, it was suggested that a water break be taken. The suggestion was ignored by those with the hammers, and the crosses continued to go up.
As the work progressed, the talk decreased. The noise of the traffic on one of the most traveled streets in Hot Springs was soon the main sound, besides the knocking of wood by many different types of pounders.
In no time, the dry ground in front of the Nazarene Church was transformed into a memorial to the lives lost to abortion. Pastor Ken Carney asked each of the participants to touch one of the crosses as he prayed. My friend’s voice cracked with emotion as he prayed about a subject so close to our hearts.
The memorial will remain for two weeks when many of the crosses will be removed by some of the same folks who helped install them. The “Crosses for Life” will then be taken to another church where they will create another memorial.
Photo by Barbara Anable
This afternoon, another group of those believing that life should be protected from the time of conception, congregated at another busy spot in the Spa City. It was arguably the most beautiful day, weather-wise, that Hot Springs had seen in 4 months.
Participants in “Life Chain” chose from four signs. They were provided by The Garland County Right to Life.
Everyone grabbed a sign and found a spot on either side of the busy street near the famous bath houses. What a contrast to last year. Traffic was very heavy as the beautiful day prompted many to take the drive or stroll through the historic part of town.
“Life Chain” is a time of prayer for those holding signs. The noise of the traffic made this part of the event easier, as it would have been difficult to have any type of a discussion over the loud sounds of vehicles.
Few protested our “statement.” One of those who did told me that I should be ashamed of myself.
I did feel badly about one thing…that I couldn’t do more to stop the killing.
May God have mercy on us. And may God bless all who were involved in the pro-life events this weekend.
Chris Reimers
Wings of the Wind 
Chris,
The images of all those little crosses is very sobering. Really helps to visualize the scale of the abortion problem. Thanks for sharing the photos.
Dave
Your welcome, Dave.
The crosses were made by a retired man who lives just north of the Arkansas border in Missouri. He and his family have been moving the crosses from church to church, in a specially made covered trailer, for the past several years.
I think the Garland County Right to Life and Ken Carney, pastor of the church that allows its property to be used for the memorial, have asked for the crosses to be brought to Hot Springs annually.
I don’t know if the pics show how great a location it is. The Nazarene Church is at one of the busiest locations in our city. The crosses will get noticed. Maybe a life will be saved. There is a sign in front of the crosses that explain their purpose.
I am happy to be a part of this effort but, like you, saddened that we have to deal with such a horrible thing.
Chris, may I use a few photos from this blog entry in a video to visually show the scale of the abortion problem? Much appropriated if so! Thanks, -Daniel Williams
Certainly so, Daniel. There are only two reservations.
The only pic with a single person is the first one I used. If you use that one, you probably should get the permission of the person in the picture.
The last picture, the one with all of the crosses, was taken by Barbara Anable. If there is a way to give her credit without stating it, that would be fine. Otherwise, I’m sure she wouldn’t mind you using it.
I would like to know where the video will be shown. Please leave a comment here when you can.
May the Lord bless your work!
Chris, Thanks again for letting us use the pictures. I used 3 of them in the video and gave props with in the description. I also included a link to your blog. Specifically this article. The video will be displayed on JasonShelor.com sometime tomorrow, but has not yet been posted. You may watch it now at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgBhkUkIyXA
God Bless,
You’re welcome, Daniel. And I very much look forward to watching your video!
Hi Chris, I came across your photo of the crosses for life event on google images and it gave the link to you blog.! It is a nice photo.
I finally had a chance to participate in the crosses for life display today, Oct 1, 2016! Just a few came, but we managed to arrange what I thought was a somber, beautiful testimony of the sanctity of life. Janice said that this may be the last year we can use that lot on Central, the church has it up for sale. I hope whoever buys it will be pro life.
In any event, it was good to participate this time, work at First Step has essentially swallowed up any free time for me. I also had to even resign service at Change Point for the time being. My blog is silent as well.
Well, blessings to you and yours Chris!
Kassey
Hi Kassey!
It is wonderful to hear from you. I’m so glad you shared the latest with me. It sounds like you are a very busy young lady. I’m sorry to hear that you had to resign your service at Change Point. It is such a great ministry and I feel blessed to have been a part of it for 5 years!
I have my Arkansas State Teaching Credential and have been substitute teaching for the past few years. There were very few job openings this past summer. I applied for two. One was taken by an existing employee and the other never materialized. That’s cool with me. It means I get to meet more students! The kids at Fountain Lake and Jesseville know me pretty well and I’ve substituted in the Hot Springs School District as well. One thing is sure, I am not bored.
I hope Janice is well. Please tell her “Hi” for me if you see her soon.
I’m glad you had a chance to help with the “Crosses for Life.” Hopefully, it saved a life this year.
I get out to Village Bible Church once or twice a month and they just had the crosses there. VBC and the Catholic Church across the street share the crosses during the event.
As I am subscribed to your blog, I’ve noticed little action there. I have had a few “quiet times” here, too. Life can be busy at times and prioritizing is important.
Thank you for your kind words, Kassey. I miss seeing you every Wednesday but God had other plans for me for sure.
May God bless you and yours as well.
Chris
Likewise and same to you, Chris. So happy to hear your teaching has developed to its current level, that’s great. Teachers are our children’s precious resource and I know you are good with them. I agree too, God had other plans for us, but glad to still run into you online from time to time. All the best, blessings, & I will tell Janice you said hi. Peace, Kassey
Thank you, Kassey.
I understand that each day I teach I am an influence on the most valuable resource we have besides God, His Word, and the Holy Spirit: the next generation. It is a big responsibility and opportunity.
God’s blessings…
BTW…I’m glad you are now following my blog. Maybe we will be able to keep up with each other a little better. 🙂