Most recent news reports surrounding Oklahoma State government and politics have been largely negative. Yet in approximately one month, a beautiful and unifying event is set to take place at the State Capitol, one that brings people from various political and personal backgrounds together.

I refer to Rose Day, the annual pro-life event that takes place inside the State Capitol each February. Now in its 27th year, the Rose Day event continues to be a unifying force for good and for the unborn in this state.

In recent years, some 16 life-protecting laws have been passed in Oklahoma, and our state has been named near the top of Americans United for Life’s list of pro-life friendly states in recent years.

And yet, the tragedy of human abortion continues apace in America and right here in Oklahoma. In fact, Oklahoma has seen the number of abortion businesses double in the last 12 months, and we are only beginning to understand the devastating toll chemical abortion is taking.

To compound matters, elements of the pro-life movement face increased hostility from pro-abortion forces, including power groups like Planned Parenthood. For these reasons and more, that is why it is so important to gather for Rose Day each year.

By coming to the Capitol with red roses in hand to deliver to the Governor, Lt. Governor and your state legislators, you are saying we want—we demand—life-protecting laws in our state.

Some will tell you abortion can be outlawed in America overnight. While I hope that is true, we understand that, like William Wilberforce working to abolish slavery in the British Empire before us, efforts like these often take years, even decades to change hearts, minds and laws.

The 2018 Rose Day on Wed., Feb. 7 (rose distribution at 9:30 a.m., indoor rally at 11:30 a.m. in the 4th floor State House Chamber) will feature a variety of important elements, including music, testimony, and a keynote address by Alveda C. King, the niece of the famed Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. and longtime pro-life activist.

A sought-after speaker, King currently “serves as a pastoral associate and director of Civil Rights for the Unborn, the African-American Outreach for Priests for Life and Gospel of Life Ministries. She is also a voice for the Silent No More Awareness Campaign, sharing her testimony of two abortions, God’s forgiveness, and healing.”

King “sees the prolife movement as a continuation of the civil rights struggle,” and she is exactly right. The only question left then is, will you be part of this great struggle for the unborn?

Through fervent prayer and by participating in events like Rose Day (www.bgco.org/roseday), your voice for the unborn will be heard. Whether you are a pastor, Sunday School teacher, deacon or church member, we need you. This is a life-and-death issue. Your voice could make all the difference for unborn boys and girls now in the womb, and in future generations.

At the outset of his Parliamentary career, Winston Churchill famously said, “I stand for liberty.” The rest of Churchill’s prestigious career would give life and witness to his stand.

When we take part in Rose Day, we are saying collectively, “We stand for life.” This Feb. 7 at the Oklahoma State Capitol, will you stand with us?