{{first_name|Friend}},
When this news first broke, there was understandably a lot of excitement surrounding this case. I wanted to let some of that initial buzz settle before sharing it with you, because I didn't want us to simply celebrate a headline and move on.
There is something much deeper here, and I believe it gives us tremendous reason to hope for New Mexico.
Live Action recently published an excellent article about the case involving attorney Mike Seibel, someone I have had the privilege of getting to know personally. The case involved a mother and her unborn baby, whose life ended in an abortion at 26 weeks. Mike, together with co-counsel Justin Hall, represented both the mother and the estate of her child.
And look at what happened: A New Mexico court recognized this 26-week unborn child as a “person” under our state's Wrongful Death Act. The baby's estate was recognized, was able to bring a wrongful-death claim, and the case ultimately ended with a $200,000 settlement for that child's estate.
For all the discouraging news we hear about our state, we cannot overlook what this means. That baby was not invisible. A child whose life had ended was recognized in our legal system as a person with an estate and a claim worthy of being brought forward.
That is worth celebrating, and it gives me tremendous hope. It reminds us that New Mexico is not hopeless. Truth can still be spoken here, accountability can still be pursued here, and courageous people can still step into incredibly difficult places and make a difference.
Mike is one of those people. From conversations I have had with him personally, I know enough to understand that his calling requires him to see, hear, investigate, and cross-examine things most of us would find incredibly difficult to carry. He serves in a part of the trenches most of us will never see.
And yet he keeps showing up.
We need to remember people like Mike in our prayers. Those doing this work can take tremendous blows personally, professionally, and spiritually, and many of us will never know the full cost of what they carry.
But this also reminds us that God continues to raise up people for every part of this mission. Some are called to the sidewalk, some to medicine, some to maternity homes, some to prayer, and some to courtrooms. Not everyone is called to the same place, but every one of us is called.
One attorney cannot change everything happening in New Mexico. But one attorney can faithfully walk into a courtroom and fight for the mother and child before him. And sometimes, that faithfulness moves something.
There is hope for New Mexico, not because the battle is easy, but because God continues to raise up people willing to enter it.
Today, I want us to celebrate this step forward and thank God for people willing to fight these difficult battles. Please pray especially for Mike, for his strength, his protection, his family, and his perseverance.
Yesterday, we were reminded that God has plans for the mother too. Today, I want to take that one step further:
Sometimes, you are part of His plan.
Perhaps you are not called into a courtroom. Perhaps your place is on a sidewalk, in a church, supporting a maternity home, caring for a frightened mother, giving financially, or quietly praying where no one sees you.
Whatever your place may be, your yes matters.
I encourage you to read the full Live Action article. They did an excellent job explaining this case and why it matters.
For those who would like to learn more, I also recommend watching this video:
Pray for Mike by name today, and then pray for someone else you know who is serving in a difficult part of this mission. Finally, ask God: “Where are You asking me to show up?”
For Life. For Love. For Both.
DON’T FORGET: OUR WEBCAST IS OCTOBER 7!
Join Mark and me on October 7 at 7:00 PM for Since the Torch Was Passed: One Year Later. We’ll share what God has made possible this past year, what’s ahead for Southwest Coalition, and a few exciting announcements you won’t want to miss!
Join us here:
https://webcast.swc.inc/
Gratefully in Christ,
Jessica Sifuentes
President & CEO
Southwest Coalition, Inc.
Devotional for Day 12
Intention: For attorneys and professionals who defend life in difficult places, that God will strengthen, protect, and sustain them.
Scripture: “Here I am. Send me!” — Isaiah 6:8
Reflection: God does not call all of us to the same place, but He gives each of us a place in His work. Sometimes one person's willingness to answer that call opens a door no one else could have opened. May we recognize our own place and have the courage to remain faithful there.
Prayer: Lord, strengthen those You have called into the hardest places of this mission. Protect them, their families, and their hearts. Renew them when they grow weary, and give each of us the courage to faithfully answer wherever You send us. Amen.Intention: Intention
Challenge: Challenge. Pray Psalm 51 for Dr. Theard.