Since it began in the early 1990s, Rose Day has been an impactful way for Oklahomans to stand for life and protect the unborn from legalized abortion. The tradition continued this year on Wed., Feb. 4, when hundreds of pro-life Oklahomans gathered to celebrate the lives of the unborn and urge their legislators to protect life.
The day began with participants distributing red roses to their elected officials. This gave attendees the opportunity to speak directly with their elected officials and encourage them to vote for legislation that protects the unborn. Participants then filled the House Chamber to participate in the Rose Day indoor Rally for Life.
After a brief concert performed by the Oklahoma Baptist Children’s Chorus, Oklahoma State Treasurer Todd Russ welcomed the crowd to the event.
“I want to say thank you for taking the time to be here today at the Capitol for the annual Rose Day Pro-Life Rally where we stand for life,” Russ said.
He explained the importance of Rose Day and those who attend it, saying that those who are fighting for the lives of the unborn are like gladiators going out and pushing back the darkness.
“Hundreds of lives have been saved because of your efforts and the efforts of the Oklahoma Legislature,” Russ said. “Each year on Rose Day, I see the passion, the dedication and the hope in this room. I’m reminded why we gather to celebrate every life and to lift up those who cannot speak for themselves.”
Connor Bales, pastor of Oklahoma City, Quail Springs, then led the room in prayer before Speaker of the House Kyle Hilbert and Senator Lonnie Paxton each recognized those from the House of Representatives and Senate respectively who were in attendance.
Gov. Kevin Stitt was unable to attend the event in person, but addressed the gathering through a video message saying that he supported Rose Day and the pro-life cause.
“As governor I am committed to Oklahoma remaining not just a top 10 state, but the number one pro-life state in America by protecting unborn children and supporting abortion-vulnerable women,” Stitt said.
Then, state Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, highlighted the importance of pro-life legislation, saying that if laws couldn’t get the issue of life right, then nothing else mattered. He also spoke on the importance of providing support for babies after birth.
“I am proud of the efforts (with the state agencies),” Pinnell said. “We have a long way to go, but I am certainly very proud of where we are today.”
Following this, Hope Pregnancy Ministries Director Gayla White presented statistics about how chemical abortion pills have become the dominant for of abortion. She also emphasized that women who have taken the abortion pill still have a chance to reverse it if they seek help within 72 hours of taking the pill.
“There is a 66 percent chance of saving the baby and 100 percent safe for both the mother and baby,” White said.
Those who wish to reverse an abortion pill can find help through ministries like Hope Pregnancy Centers.
After another song by Oklahoma Baptist Children’s Chorus, Cara Armstrong, mother of actress and pro-life advocate Mia Armstrong, gave her testimony.
“Before I held a microphone or ever stood at a podium, I was just a mom receiving news that I never thought that I would hear,” Cara said. “That the daughter I had dreamed about my whole life, that I had prayed for, would have Down syndrome.”
Cara spoke about how disheartened she was to hear the news, but she wasn’t defeated. Despite numerous doctors advising her to have an abortion, Cara did not listen and kept her child, all while keeping her heart and eyes directly on God.
“God does not wait for perfect conditions,” she said. “He releases purpose in the middle of disruption. The world looks at an unplanned pregnancy or a pre-natal diagnosis as inconvenient and says, ‘end it.’ God looks at the same circumstances and says, ‘this is where I will show My glory.’”
Being born with Down syndrome has not prevented Mia in any way from living a full life and spreading joy wherever she goes. Later in life, Mia became a renowned SAG-AFTRA actress, voice over artist, pro-life advocate and author who made history as the first child with Down syndrome to voice act a cartoon character.
“My parents chose life for me, and today I am standing up for life,” Mia said. “People always ask me, ‘why are you so passionate about ending abortion?’ I say it’s because I am living proof that every life has purpose.”
Mia stressed that every life has worth, no matter what a diagnosis says, and how God has been providing for her and her family. Mia concluded by highlighting the importance of Rose Day and how society must continue to embrace children with Down syndrome and other disabilities, not look away from them.
“Rose Day is about changing hearts, changing minds and changing laws,” she said. “To the children here today: your life matters. To the parents here today: your vote matters. And to our legislators: your decisions matter.”
In celebration of Mia’s birthday, which was Tue. Feb. 3, those in the room sang her “Happy Birthday,” and then Archbishop Paul Coakley of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City led a closing prayer.
Oklahoma Baptists have participated in Rose Day since 1991. For more information about Rose Day, visit roseday.life.
