Stanek Sunday quote: How Helen Gurley Brown and Nellie Gray viewed “This is my body” so differently
Ironically, the same four words became a rallying cry for both women. The same simple words are spoken from opposite ends of the universe, with meanings directly contrary to each other.
“This is my body” describes the pro-choice, pro-abortion rights mentality in the most succinct way possible. I own this body and all its potential. I decide whether the child occupying space in my womb lives or dies. I answer to no one but myself.
“This is My Body” meant something entirely different to Gray, and to everyone involved in the anti-abortion work and advocacy. Those were the sacrificial words spoken by Jesus Christ.
But you don’t have to be Christian to understand Jesus’ message about love and selflessness. Christ teaches the meaning of love: I sacrifice myself for the good of the other person. Abortion teaches the opposite of love: I sacrifice the other person for the good of myself. Christ gives his body away so others might live; abortion-rights supporters cling to their own bodies so others might die.
~ Fr. Frank Pavone, national director for Priests for Life, on the basic ideological differences between “Cosmo Girl” Helen Gurley Brown and March for Life founder Nellie Gray, who both died August 13. Brown was 90 and Gray was 88.
Jill Stanek is a nurse turned speaker, columnist and blogger, a national figure in the effort to protect both preborn and postborn innocent human life.
Both Helen Gurley Brown and Nellie Gray grew up in an era in which “nice girls” were expected to marry and have children. HGB did the 1st but not the 2nd. NG did neither. They have something else in common: childlessness.
Another educational insight from Fr. Pavone.
I would just say that a loving God has to exist in order for that love, which is easily understood by all, to be written on the hearts of people. The lawgiver and the law are one and the same. Indeed, the lawgiver is the law. He not only gave us the law (the commandments) of love, but the ability to understand it.
The appearance is also contrasting. Helen Gurley Brown looks feminine while Nellie Gray rather “butch” or at least androgynous.
“This is my body.” Had the unborn a voice, they would say it, too.
I was going to try to think of something profound to add to this, but I am currently unable to find a way to improve upon this … so I’ll just repeat it here:
“Christ teaches the meaning of love: I sacrifice myself for the good of the other person.
Abortion teaches the opposite of love: I sacrifice the other person for the good of myself.”
Considering what this website is about, it is odd that everyone has missed something very important that these two elderly women had in common: NEITHER HAD EVER HAD AN ABORTION. Yes, HGB believed it should be legal and NG dedicated much of her life to outlawing it. But neither ever HAD an abortion!! This is a very important point.