An Oasis of Support

Early on Thursday morning June 4th, I had the opportunity to walk by myself to give my night shift walking partner a 5 mile rest. After putting on my reflective vest and getting my bottle of water and flashlight, I walked with determination to see how hard I could walk 5 miles on Route 60 in the heart of the desert, 80 miles west of Phoenix. It was a beautiful night which wasn't too hot. Only 75 degrees! Well I probably walked my own personal best ever for 5 miles, doing it in 1 hour 12 minutes. Yes I was tired after the middle 5 mile interval, but it was also a time where I could do a lot of thinking and praying on being a Witness for Life in the USA. I only saw a total of 4 tractor trailers or cars pass me in that time, but that didn't matter. For me the sacrifice to do something positive and in a radical way to say we all need to do something to promote the dignity and sanctity of life. Each act of kindness and love, is a possibility to extend the message for life.

On Wednesday morning while I was out, I was informed by our support car driver that a sherrif was on the way to check to see how I was doing. About 3 minutes later, his patrol car was parked on the side of the busy road. The officer was very kind and pleasant, and just wanted to make sure I was OK. I thanked the officer for his time and concern. When he asked what our walkers were doing, I mentioned the mission of Crossroads and how we are walking across America to take a stand for the sacredness of all life from conception to natural death. He was impressed by our group efforts and would keep an eye out on us during the rest of his shift, if he was in his area which covers 5 towns and 5230 square miles of desert region! As we ended our five minute conversation, I assured him of our prayers for him and the work he was doing. In the end, I was happy that I was able to talk with the officer.

For me, these types of special encounters with people is what makes the Crossroads experience so unique. I think over the next several months, these encounters will increase, and maybe I might have planted a seed in which someone else will respect the dignity of another person's life