Readers of this blog will remember our posts on the brouhaha that erupted over the broadcasting of an ad during the recent Superbowl. The ad, purchased by Focus on the Family, celebrated the joy of life in families. It was offensive to many of those dead in their trespasses and sins.
Focus on the Family recently provided an update on their post-ad experience.
Super Bowl Commercial Update
by Ted Slater
It's been over a month since Focus on the Family's ad appeared in the Super Bowl. From time to time I hear comments that maybe Focus shouldn't have placed the ad, or should have placed a more hard-hitting ad. "What good has it done?" I hear some ask.
I figured since I'm on "the inside," I'd share one letter (of many) that we've received. This is from Susan, who's given us permission to publish it here:
"I need to thank you so much. It's not like me to reach out to strangers or agencies for help. I was truly feeling lost. I saw the ad during the Super Bowl and it stuck in my head. I feel like that commercial was made to reach out to me.
"Later that week I googled it and watched the ad over and over. Then I went to your website and watched the related interview. I felt drawn to reach out to you and I am so glad that I did. You may think that all you did was email me back, but you did so much more than that!!! You gave me hope and encouragement. You let me know that if I need help it's out there. (I went to the related website you suggested in your email.) You reminded me that I can't be perfect, but God loves me.
"You also gave me a wake up call. Why was I worrying about what the baby's father wanted me to do? I am always trying to make other people happy. I kept thinking that unless I have an abortion, he won't be happy. Well, you put the focus back where it belongs. It doesn't matter what makes him happy, or me happy for that matter. It's about what will make God happy.
"I tried to convince the father of this and he wouldn't listen. I just kept telling myself what you said about how I can't control how others feel about my pregnancy. Once I made the decision that it didn't matter what he says or thinks, I'm keeping the baby, I felt so much better! I am excited. I do want to be a mom and I will do my best (although we know I'll be far from perfect) for this baby. I mean I'm scared, too. I have a lot to figure out, especially financially, but I will put my trust in God.
"I think I was partly afraid that God was mad at me for getting pregnant out of wedlock. While I know he isn't proud of me for it, thank you for reminding me that he still loves me. I didn't need to compound one sin with another. My mistake can't be erased, but I can ask for forgiveness.
"The father is mad at me and says I'm ruining his life. That's OK. I can not control him or his feelings. I can only protect the baby.
"I can not thank you enough for putting me back on the right track and reminding me what actually matters in life. I don't know how I forgot something so important, but I did.
"Your organization, through the Super Bowl ad and your thoughtful email, saved this baby's life. I have no doubt about that. And in the process maybe you saved my soul. Words just can not express my gratitude, but thank you, thank you, thank you!"
The Lord moved so powerfully to save this woman's heart and her baby's life. And her story is just one of many. Because of the Super Bowl ad, more than 1.5 million people have visited FocusOnTheFamily.com to watch a video of the full story hinted at in the ad.
And surprisingly (to me, at least) the ad itself -- a light and friendly affirmation of life -- has "caused over 5 million viewers to reconsider their view of the legality/morality of abortion."
Isn't it wonderful what the Lord has done through a seemingly innocuous commercial that simply affirms the preciousness of life?
Yes, indeed. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised.
Hat Tip: Justin Taylor
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