By Rick Moore

On Wednesday, February 4, pro-life supporters from all corners of the state will decide to take a vacation day from work in order to attend the 18th annual Rose Day activities at the State Capitol. Rose Day was established in 1992 to give pro-life supporters an opportunity to positively have an impact on legislation by individually visiting their state representative, senator, and the governor in their respective offices, presenting them with a rose and encouraging them to protect the life of the unborn.

In 1997, the Ethics & Religious Liberty Committee of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma decided to broaden Rose Day participation beyond Southern Baptists. They formed a Rose Day Steering Committee with representatives from major Christian denominations, local Christian media and other groups supporting the right for life such as Oklahomans For Life. Rose Day has since become a multi-denominational event with Catholics, Assemblies of God, Nazarenes, Churches of Christ, Free Will Baptists, and Southern Baptists joining hands to plan and implement each year's Rose Day event.

Last year, a record 2,000 people crowded into the House Chamber and overflowed into the Senate Chamber to hear Fr. Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life, deliver a very moving talk on the sanctity of life.

This year's speaker will be just as moving. Jane Brennan is a former militant, anti-Catholic feminist, N.O.W. member and Planned Parenthood volunteer, who now speaks about the hurt and shame of abortion. A post-abortive woman herself, Brennan shares her story of healing and hope after abortion and her conversion when she attended Mass during her search for faith. She has devoted her private counseling practice to offering post-abortive women a safe place to reconcile unresolved grief and loss, and is committed to providing women hope and help for the journey. Brennan has also authored a book, Motherhood Interrupted: Stories of Healing and Hope After Abortion.

The morning will be devoted to visiting state legislators, urging their support for pro-life legislation. Many attendees bring a red rose to give to their state representative, state senator, and governor to remind them how precious life is. A vase is normally situated on their desk and you may simply place your rose in their vase. Last year I noticed several roses on Gov. Brad Henry's desk as I roamed through the Capitol halls. The Rose Day program will be held at 11:45 a.m. in the House Chamber. Remember to register before progressing in to the House Chamber to locate a seat. Registration will begin on the 4th Floor Rotunda at 10:30 a.m.

Legislators who attend the rally in support of life will be recognized.

It's also important to note that Messengers to the 2008 BGCO Annual Meeting unanimously passed this resolution in support of sanctity of human life:

"We, the messengers to the 2008 Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, meeting at The Church at BattleCreek of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Nov. 10-11, 2008, recognize the sanctity of human life as created by God. Understanding that abortion is one of the greatest evils of our time, we therefore encourage Oklahoma Southern Baptists to take an active role in doing all they can to promote the sanctity of human life. We commend and applaud the tireless efforts of all Oklahomans who play a significant role in the passage of pro-life legislation. We also appreciate governmental leaders who courageously vote for life. Recognizing Rose Day, planned for Feb. 4, 2009 as a peaceful, unique, powerful and effective way to demonstrate our convictions concerning the sanctity of human life, we therefore encourage and challenge all Oklahoma Baptists to pray for, promote and attend this significant event."

So come, let's celebrate what we can do together with our state representatives and senators in 2009! This could be the makings of a remarkable year. But, it all starts with you and me on February 4th at the Capitol!