Dear Editor,

I'd like to comment on the attempt to sanctify George Tiller. I evidently saw a side of him the media and his followers did not. What I saw seemed to relish killing children and demonstrated utter contempt for all who disapproved. Some say he did it all for women. I doubt Kristin Gilbert, had she survived her abortion, would agree.

Who am I? I am one of many true Pro-Lifers the media seems eager to vilify. I braved the elements outside Tiller's to offer help to mothers in need. It was I who first started offering free baby blankets to encourage a choice of life. I am the artist whose displays help clarify the children's humanity. I have cried with those who chose to cuddle and keep their babies and mourned with those who failed to recognize them until faced with their dead bodies. But there is one thing I am not guilty of and that is wanting or promoting George Tiller's murder, or that of any other abortionist. And there are thousands of other gentle Pro-lifers out there just like me.

Why wouldn't we want someone we consider a mass murderer dead? Because George was no different than any other lost person, he just needed to be truly saved. Don't be confused. Dead babies and wounded mothers aren't the kind of good fruit the Lord told us to look for.  Converting George was our goal.  I often said to him that I longed to rejoice with him in Heaven, not look upon his anguish in hell. His death ended that hope. I can honestly say it saddened me to hear of it.

Just because abortion is legal and applauded as a "woman's right" doesn't make it right.  The atrocity of Slavery was also once legal.  Would you applaud the owners and condemn the abolitionists?  The children in the womb are today's slaves.  They have no rights, no voice, and are treated worse than animals.  Reportedly, George didn't argue that fact just that it was acceptable to kill them.

Now, I ask you what evil is if not someone who can look at the beating heart of a living child and still inject it with poison? No, George was not a good man. He didn't "help" women. He killed children for a living.  I didn't want him dead, but I refuse to pretend that what he did was good for anyone. And I reject the attitude that those of us who cherish these precious children are anything but true lovers of the lives our fellowman.

It is sad to think that a nation founded on God's principles can be so far removed from Him now as to think murdering little children and those who carry out those murders as good for the nation.  Yet, here we are. Our forefathers are turning in their graves. Death to the children at all costs could be our new national slogan for so we behave.

The man who killed Tiller is guilty of murder pure and simple.  He shouldn't have done it and must be punished.   But those who kill children should not be our heroes, either. To say God approves is to say we don't know God; understand His word; or accept His authority over our lives.

The Bible warns against killing innocents; stating clearly the penalty for doing so. Gen 9:5, Deu 19:10, Psa 106:37-38, and Eze 35:6 are a few applicable verses.  The same words are often used for preborns, newborns, and older children; meaning all have equal value before God. Further, His plans for us (revealed, for example, through Samson, Jeremiah, and John the Baptist) testify to His ultimate authority over our lives.

Jesus said if we love Him, we will obey Him. Killing innocent children isn't obedience. It says we choose to be cursed rather than blessed, because God calls children a "blessing", but cursed Cain for killing innocent Abel.

No, George did not get greeted at Heaven's gate for doing God's work. It may please you to think of him in Heaven, but I doubt even he honestly thought he would go there.

Not long ago George stopped dead still when I called him to come talk about the Lord. For a moment he seemed to honestly consider it.  Then his pride took over and he went on in. If there is something we should all be truly sorry about, this is it -- that George choose killing over life and Hell over Heaven. I, for one, sincerely wish he had not.


Sincerely,

Betty Baker Bailey
Children of the Heart