Survivors co-founder
Cheryl Conrad
shares a memory that has stayed with her decades later.
Cheryl states: I first met Norma in Dallas for meetings with Operation Save America, shortly after Norma’s conversion. I was there for her baptism into the faith and heard her profession of faith. After one of the meetings I noticed Norma sitting by herself out in the children’s playground at the church where the meetings were being held. She looked sad and forlorn so I went out and sat on the swing next to her. I didn’t say much, but with downcast eyes Norma began to pour out her heart. She told me she felt responsible for all the children who had died from abortion, children who should have been playing on the playground.
What a terribly heavy burden to bear. I could only offer the true comfort of forgiveness and healing in Christ. I know this forgiveness because Christ has forgiven me for my own abortion so long ago. Norma was forgiven and redeemed by Jesus work on the cross. Still, for Norma, as we sat there on the swings, the emptiness of the playground was her legacy. I know this is something she was burdened with for many years, if not the rest of her life, because many years later she wrote the poem below. There is NO WAY that someone could write such a poem and not be pro-life!
EMPTY PLAYGROUNDS
by
Norma Leah McCorvey
, formerly "Jane Roe" of
Roe v. Wade
Tuesday, May 27, 2003
I sit across from a playground that
I visited this eve with a small child.
I know of such places where children play.
I know that I am the cause of them not being here today.
These playgrounds for "innocent children"
now dead because of sins I helped do.
I hope, Lord, that the wonderful playground
is well guarded with angels.
Angels who will protect them keep them happy and safe.
Angels who will make them smile and laugh.
So that when that glorious day comes;
the children will not hold "the sin" against me.
For every time I see a playground empty,
I will know that yours will be full.
The sun is now setting, and my heart hurts, Lord.
For the numbers who from abortion have been torn apart.
I pray you can put them back together and make them whole.
If you like, Lord, use my body
to make your precious children whole again.
I ask you to do this not only for them,
Lord, but also for the love I have for each of them.
Lord, God, you gave your only Son,
and He died and shed His blood for us.
All I did was give my baby away
so that "women could tear theirs apart."
For this I will never be able to look in your face, out of shame.
