Courage is contagious. As we fight to defend those who cannot defend themselves, it is essential that we keep our morale high and not lose our passion. Often, we can find our own courage and inspiration in the actions of others. Brad Mattes, our President Emeritus, recently published his book, Lives of Courage: True Stories of Pro-Life American Heroes, detailing the true stories of those he has encountered during his 50 years of pro-life advocacy.
I could think of no better way to inspire readers this week than to share an excerpt from Brad about his book.
From Brad Mattes
One of the richest blessings of pro-life advocacy is meeting wonderful people along the way. Interacting with the crème de la crème of earthly humanity.
During my 50-plus years of serving in the movement I’ve met many of them – stellar individuals often ignored by the mainstream media or social influencers. I decided to counter this injustice by featuring some of these remarkable people in my new book, Lives of Courage: True Stories of Pro-Life American Heroes.
Each chapter introduces one or more pro-life heroes who have made their mark and continue to build on these amazing contributions to the pro-life movement even with significant challenging situations.
My goal for this book is to inspire others who may find themselves facing difficult circumstances which in their minds have relegated them to the sidelines of society. A position of observing life yet not getting into the game to help change it for the better.
That is simply not true. These featured individuals are proof that regardless of their situations, God can use them for His purpose. We are part of His perfect, divine plan. The friends between these pages are living, breathing testimonies that everyone can do mighty things, not in spite of but because of the challenges we face.
Here are a couple of their stories.
It is a special opportunity to meet an authentic Olympic medalist. Even more so to call one friend. Tasha Danvers-Smith was Britain’s best hope to bring back gold from the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. Her event was the 400-meter hurdles. Then she faced the unthinkable for which nobody could have prepared her. Just three months before the games Tasha found out she was pregnant by Darrell, her husband and coach.
Pressure was immense to abort and move forward with her Olympic dream. And the track and field community was incensed by her decision to give her baby life. Our paths crossed when Life Issues Institute bestowed on her our Hero at Heart Award. Instantly she went from a pariah among colleagues, media and sponsors to knowing someone out there had her back.
Tasha’s story didn’t end there. After giving birth and vigorous training she returned as an Olympian in the Beijing Olympics four years later. Did she make it to the podium? Find out in the book!
My passionate patriotism was tested when Nick, one of our sons enlisted in the Army after 9/11. This deepened my desire to feature the cost of freedom in a two-part episode of our weekly television program, Facing Life Head-On called A Lifetime Sacrifice. Our goal was to foster support and admiration for our nation’s soldiers who lay down their lives for our freedoms. The most compelling freedom is our right to life.
I interviewed the following individuals. Helen Paci, a Gold Star Mother of fallen Iraqi soldier Sergeant Tony Paci. She learned of her son’s death on her birthday. The life of Nicki Bunting was rocked to its core when her husband, Captain Brian “Bubba” Bunting was also killed in action. And finally, we spent time with Cindy Parsons, a widow and emergency room nurse whose world stood still when her son, Sergeant Shane Parsons, suffered horrific and devastating wounds. Yet he survived.
Each had compelling accounts to share. We opened the program during a frigid January day, standing on hallowed ground in Arlington Cemetery. I spoke these words. “Here is where heroes come to rest. These are the people who have paid the price for your freedoms, and here are their remarkable stories.”
So remarkable, this television program earned an Emmy Award in the category of Interview and Discussion. Read more in the book.
Lives of Courage is but a small offering of the many extraordinary pro-lifers who are advancing the cause of life while facing personal tragedy or physical or situational challenges. They are true American heroes whose stories remain largely untold. For their sake and the inspiration that they will provide I hope you’ll read this book and share it with others.
Lives of Courage: True Stories of American Pro-Life Heroes is available in paperback, hardcover and electronic versions from major outlets like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Lulu.
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