{{first_name|Friend}},
Yesterday, I had every intention of sharing something joyful with you. I was excited to announce our 40 Days of Gift Giving.
But I knew it was more important to send out the update that required our immediate attention first.
So today, with even more gratitude, I get to share it.
This year, we are carrying the theme proclaimed by the National March for Life:
Every Life Is A Gift.
Those words are simple, but when we slow down, they are profound.
Life is not random. It is not disposable. It is a gift from God. Scripture tells us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). There is no greater earthly gift than the gift of human life.
It is also very easy for us to take that gift for granted.
When you stand outside your vigil and hear cars pass, feel the wind on your skin, notice the gravel under your feet, or see the sky shift colors, pause. Those small things are not small at all. They are reminders that we are alive because of God’s goodness.
There are many children who will never feel the wind, never see a sunset, never hear laughter, never breathe.
So when we stand on the sidewalk, let us stand with gratitude. Let us be fully present. Let us remember that our own life is a gift.
I also want to express deep, heartfelt thanks to those who showed up on Day 1. The wind was intense. The skies were gray. Visibility was low. It was cold and dusty, and driving to the vigil sites was not easy.
Yet families came. Volunteers stood. Prayers were lifted.
That kind of faithfulness does not happen by accident. It happens because you understand that this mission is bigger than comfort. It is bigger than convenience.
Now for the exciting part…
Because every life is a gift, we are celebrating all forty days with 40 Days of Gift Giving. Starting Friday, February 20th, each day, one registered prayer volunteer from every vigil site will be randomly selected to receive a special gift.
Yes, that means winners every single day!
And here is the fun part.
The only way to know if you have won is to open your email daily.
So make sure you are registered. Make sure you show up. And make sure you are checking your inbox.
Let us continue these forty days with grateful hearts and unwavering faith.
Gratefully in Christ,
Jessica Sifuentes
President & CEO
Southwest Coalition, Inc.
Devotional for Day 2
Intention: That we recognize the gift of life in every moment.
Scripture: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Reflection: Gratitude changes how we see life. When we give thanks in all circumstances, we begin to see each moment, each person, and each heartbeat as a gift. May we live out that gratitude by defending the vulnerable.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the gift of life. Help us cherish each moment, and give us strength to stand for those who cannot stand for themselves.
Challenge: Take a moment today to step outside, breathe deeply, and thank God for the beauty of life around you.
If you haven’t registered yet, please click the button below.