This Thanksgiving, The Matter of Life director, Tracy Robinson, gives us a thoughtful reflection on the gift of life.
1. Being alive (at such a time as this)
Right now is a most intriguing and exciting time to be alive. You and I get to witness a moment in American history in which people –not politicians–are the ones standing in the way of evil and being catalysts for good. Here are just some everyday examples of people (who I have the privilege to know) being courageous and doing something:
If I wrote everything Suzanne does in Georgia to provide support for women and protect unborn lives, I'd be here until Christmas. Suzanne Guy literally runs a 40 Days For Life vigil with her daughter all year round in Marietta. If that isn't enough, she launched her own pro-life group, LIV. Her efforts have given post-abortive women a place to grieve, and heal; resources and love to mothers who—before meeting her—did not think they had the option of life for themselves and their babies, and she regularly equips her neighbors and surrounding community members with the facts about abortion through film screenings. I was so grateful to partner with her to screen The Matter of Life in September!
Another notable powerhouse is Terrisa. I met Terrisa Bukovinac while filming The Matter of Life. Terrisa is a pro-life atheist, founder of Pro-Life San Francisco, and current director and founder of the Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising. She has testified over and over again against Planned Parenthood in California, worked closely with David Deleiden to hold UCSF accountable for their heinous practice of using aborted baby parts in medical testing. She's recently been back and forth across the country, reaching a national audience with Live Action's 2363 Campaign.She gives one of many stick-with-you quotes in the documentary, when she says, "I believe that being pro-life is the most progressive value that we can have."
What about you? Who do you know who is making a difference?
2. An (Uncensored) Voice
In a time of information warfare in our world, I’m grateful for having been introduced to media organizations willing to take part in the marketing and distribution of The Matter of Life. That's right—we signed a distribution deal! (More details to come) We have heard many no’s in our quest, but those “rejections” only sped the process of finding who would give us the yes’s we needed to release the film (including a movie theater platform!).
I’m most excited for the nationwide theatrical release of the film this coming May! It’s beyond an answer to prayer; it’s amazing to witness provision for a calling and vision—to see things dreamed about coming to fruition.
3. The Gospel
The apostle Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 to...
“Always be joyful, never stop praying, be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
The longer I’ve been a Christian, the more I realize that this verse is not simply instructions to change our attitude to be more positive. I think it’s a reminder of what the Gospel of Jesus has enabled us to keep doing. Because of what Christ has done for us, we can “always be joyful…and “be thankful in all circumstances.”
So even in our most troubling or painful circumstance–we have something good in our permanent possession –faith in Jesus Christ. He died to cleanse and forgive us of our sins. That is the only lasting hope there is when there is no other hope. And it’s the lasting solution in a society wounded by abortion.
4. (Bonus Point) You
Last but not least, I'm thankful for you. I'm grateful for your faithful prayers and support throughout this filmmaking journey. You're undoubtedly a bonus "thank-you" on my list this year! Wishing you the best of Thanksgivings. 🍁 Gratefully, Tracy Robinson Director, The Matter of Life