NFL star and former New Orleans Saints Ben Watson stands for life at today's March for Life

NFL Player Ben Watson Tells March for Life: “We Must End the Unthinkable Practice of Abortion”

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Micaiah Bilger   Jan 27, 2017   |      Washington, DC

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Joining hundreds of thousands of people at the March for Life today is NFL star Ben Watson.

The Baltimore Ravens tight end has been using his fame not to speak for himself but to speak up for the most vulnerable lives in America – babies in the womb.
“Abortion will not end until men stand up” for women and babies in the womb, Watson challenged the crowd during the 44th annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. “We must end the unthinkable practice of abortion in the United States of America.”
While abortion activists try to silence pro-life men, Watson urged men to be an even stronger voice in the movement. A husband and father of five children, he challenged men to support and protect women’s and children’s rights and lives to the fullest extent of their abilities.
“Men, it is time we rise up [in] the pro-life movement. Men, we cannot be silent anymore,” Watson said. “As important as women have been in championing this cause, you men, us men, must rise up and lead the charge.”
“Even if it wasn’t demonstrated for you by a father, you can be different, you can change the course of generation,” he added. “Men, we can be silent no more.”

Many of his powerful remarks were posted on Twitter and other social media, including this one: “Let us remember the power of loving kindness. Being #prolife is a way of life!”

“Looking out, I see a sea of collective humanity, but looking closer I see individuals who have their own spheres of influence,” he said.
“This is the power of one. It is the power of influence, to influence people in our neighborhoods in our churches, in our workplaces on our teams,” Watson said. “It is also the power to unite as we have today as one, for a common cause to end the unthinkable practice of abortion in America.”
“To be pro-life should be all encompassing, from conception to the grave,” he said.

Watson has become a bold celebrity advocate for life.
In 2015, after the Center for Medical Progress began releasing its undercover videos showing Planned Parenthood discussing the sales of aborted babies’ body parts, Watson wasn’t shy about speaking up for unborn babies.
He posted on his Facebook wall:

As horrific as it is, the issue isn’t really the sale of human parts. It’s the legal practice that allows this to even be a possibility. Killing children and simply discarding the leftovers is not any more acceptable than profiting off of them. #PlannedParenthood

Asked if he has faced backlash for his stance, Watson told Turning Point Pregnancy Resource Center, “I won’t say I’m not afraid, and I will say that I’ve received some flack for some of the things I’ve said … I decided that you know, if the spirit of God has prompted me to say something, I’m gonna trust in God and say it.”
An African American, he also has spoken out against the abortion industry’s racial targeting.
“… abortion saddens me period, but it seems to be something that is really pushed on minorities and provided to minorities especially as something that they should do,” Watson said.
He pointed to Planned Parenthood’s founder Margaret Sanger and her eugenic push to exterminate people she deemed “unfit.” Today, “it’s working,” Watson said.
“We sit here and talk about advancing the black agenda, whatever that means, we talk about our interests, and what’s important to us – like having political power and advancement and all those things – and then we are turning around and we are killing our children,” Watson said. “And we are buying the lie that it’s our personal decision to make.”

NFL Super star(and former Saint) calls out the intrinsic evil known as Planned Parenthood

Star Ben Watson: Planned Parenthood Was Created to “Exterminate Blacks” and “It’s Working”

National  

Micaiah Bilger   Aug 5, 2016   |   11:23AM    Washington, DC

Christian NFL player Ben Watson does not hesitate to call out Planned Parenthood’s targeting of minority women and their babies for abortions.

In a recent interview with Turning Point Pregnancy Resource Center in San Diego, the Baltimore Ravens player talked about the racial divide in America and how it factors into the abortion issue.
“… abortion saddens me period, but it seems to be something that is really pushed on minorities and provided to minorities especially as something that they should do,” Watson said.
He pointed to Planned Parenthood’s founder Margaret Sanger and her eugenic push to exterminate people she deemed “unfit.” Today, “it’s working,” Watson said.
“We sit here and talk about advancing the black agenda, whatever that means, we talk about our interests, and what’s important to us – like having political power and advancement and all those things – and then we are turning around and we are killing our children,” Watson continued. “And we are buying the lie that it’s our personal decision to make.”
The NFL star said he is sympathetic to the women who are struggling with an unplanned pregnancy. But Watson, a husband and father of five children, said many men are not stepping up to help their children and the women in their lives like they should. He urged men to take responsibility for their actions.
“He need to be there to support her through the physical changes of the pregnancy, and help and provide emotional strength, and do it together,” Watson continued. “As much as he has a role in making the baby in the first place, it needs to take both of them the whole way through.”
Sometimes, Watson said he does have the opportunity to talk with other NFL players about abortion and his pro-life convictions. Just like in almost any career setting, Watson said they talk about many different things, including politics and religion.
“You’ve got guys that consider themselves Conservative and pro-life, and you’ve got guys that consider themselves Liberal and pro-choice, and it kind of goes back and forth,” he said. “What I love is that in most of the situations I have been in, not all of them, but most, even if we sometimes talk abrasively to each other, we still have love for each other.”
Last year, after the Center for Medical Progress began releasing its undercover Planned Parenthood videos, Watson wasn’t shy about speaking up for unborn babies either.
He posted on his Facebook wall:

As horrific as it is, the issue isn’t really the sale of human parts. It’s the legal practice that allows this to even be a possibility. Killing children and simply discarding the leftovers is not any more acceptable than profiting off of them. #PlannedParenthood

Asked if he has faced backlash for his stance, Watson told Turning Point, “I won’t say I’m not afraid, and I will say that I’ve received some flack for some of the things I’ve said … I decided that you know, if the spirit of God has prompted me to say something, I’m gonna trust in God and say it.”

New Orleans Saints TE on the Supreme Court and Marriage and Love!

Benjamin Watson Just Smacked The Supreme Court With The One Thing About Marriage They Don’t Realize

 

Benjamin Watson just wrote this on his Facebook page regarding the Supreme Court ruling on Gay Marriage:

The pressure of conformity is overwhelming at times. In light of the recent court interpretation of the constitution, the pressure is more intense than ever. Compassion, an important virtue, for our fellow man compels us to consider the feelings, plight, and desires of others in controversial times. Like a deceptive undertow along the seashore, though, emotions can sometimes carry us away, appealing to our human longing to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. A movement, a cause, or a certain political position, give us a chance to make our mark, to make our difference and to be noticed among the generation. With emotions and tempers flaring, venom and accusations in the air, and the battle lines being drawn more clearly each passing moment, I find it of utmost importance, now more than ever, to return to truth.
Throughout this process, the years long debate to redefine marriage, I regret that I have had more disdain for those who engage in a same sex attraction lifestyle than I have had for those who engage in a number of other outright violations of the Word of God like drunkenness, idolatry, or adultery (1 Corinthians 6). It is a constant battle to extend the same grace to those I struggle to understand as to those who’s sin strongholds I can identify with. It is NOT my job to hate, disparage, or condemn anyone. I lack a hell to send anyone to, or an achieved righteousness by my own merit from which I can justifiably fire accusatory arrows at anyone. It IS my job, however, to hold truth in its proper place and to call myself and others to the standards set forth in God’s word, the only absolute in a world of opinion.

Relative morality is as capricious as the wind, leaving each generation to do what is right in their own eyes, while unknowingly undermining the exact concept of “right” that they are so desperately trying to attain. Instead of shooting for the mark, we lower it, doing what is good for “us” at the time, effectually creating our own truth, which when taken to its logical conclusion is always problematic.
We, as a nation, have continued our course into dangerous waters, shaking our fist and becoming our own gods. This individual Supreme Court ruling is not the cause, but simply evidence of how far we’ve gradually drifted. The moral decay of America is not unlike moral decay in my own life, as I continually battle against self rule. It’s a gradual decline. The tire usually doesn’t spontaneously blow out. No, it’s an aggravating slow leak, that needs constant refilling of air, until eventually, busyness takes precedence and the now unattended to tire is completely flat. Life’s proverbial morality tire responds in much the same way. It’s neglecting to read and respect the Bible. It’s listening to or watching things that aren’t uplifting. It’s allowing myself a second look. It’s removing prayer from schools and our homes.
It’s legalizing the murder of babies in the womb. It’s glorifying promiscuity and reducing sex to a simple physical animalistic act. It’s objectifying woman and praising the “playa”. It’s condoning divorce. It’s standing by in silence. It’s ignoring the promptings of the Spirit. It’s Christians, myself included, not living like Christians.
Attempting to normalize illegitimate behavior by law does not make it acceptable. Moral law transcends, civil law and will continue to do so in all realms, not just sexuality. Before God, my lustful heart, pride, and selfishness, are not acceptable no matter how I or anyone else try to rationalize it. The manifestations of my sin nature, the carnal desires and appetites of the flesh, although binding and seemingly inescapable are not subsequently acceptable to act on, even though they seem to be natural or biological urges.
Love truly IS the greatest gift of all. It never fails and covers a multitude of sins. Ultimately Love DOES Win. But Love wins us with compassion, not endorsement. Love wins us with sacrifice, not self gain. Love wins with understanding, not compromise. Love wins with brokenness over sin, not jealous anger because “we lost.” Love wins with adherence to truth no matter the cost because love cares about the well being and not necessarily the HAPPINESS of its subjects.
Above all else we must love or neighbors as ourselves, yet we can not fully do this unless we love God first. (Mark 13:30,31)
It is only through knowing God, loving him with our heart, mind and soul, and seeing His great acts of love for us that we understand the fullness of what love really is.
Today, I am not disappointed because of the possible restrictions on religious exercise, the inevitable categorization of biblical teaching as hate speech and pastors as bigots, the shift in American culture, its implications and the judicial and legislative process that has brought us to this point. I am, however, saddened because of the corporate celebration and glorification of sin which renders us separated from our Creator, exposed to the natural consequences of our actions and in desperate need of a spiritual renewal and revival.
Though, I’ve had acquaintances from time to time, I do not have many friends who openly identify as gay. Last year an NFL player, told the world he was in a relationship with another man. While the television display was less than tasteful, after hearing his story, I experienced much internal conflict with my feelings on the subject in light of my convictions. Ironically we played his team in the preseason and I encountered him again at an awards show the next year. In putting a face with a name, assigning tangible humanity to this controversial and difficult issue my heart in some small way understood the struggle for those who care deeply about their friends and family who have chosen this lifestyle. I realized my shortcomings in this area, understanding that these relational and romantic bonds, although different from mine, are just as strong. I was wrong and was compelled to grow in my compassion and love for these individuals.
In spite of how we feel, though, God created one man and one woman, joining them together as an earthly picture of Christ and his bride, the church. Though we fall short, THIS is marriage, and there is no alternative. While man governs the practice of this institution it is and will forever be divine in origin. The challenge is to never compromise the truth but to speak the truth in love and compassion understanding that we all stand before a just God in need of his grace and forgiveness. It is not a time to be frustrated about the outcome, as if we can control a world that God gave free will, but to instead celebrate the fact that He is still on the throne, that the Gospel always will be our saving grace, and that because of His mercy, Love Wins

New Orleans Saints TE Benjamin watson not afraid to witness to Jesus Christ again, in response to the mess in Baltimore

Benjamin Watson and Baltimore: Having a Fearless Witness for Christ

By Kate O'Hare

Back in January, I posted a Facebook message containing a wish and a prayer for the New Year from New Orleans Saints tight end Benjamin Watson, who’s also a husband and father of five (number five, a daughter, is due in August).
Near the end of his message, he wrote:

I’M ENCOURAGED, because ultimately the problem is not a SKIN problem, it is a SIN problem. SIN is the reason we rebel against authority. SIN is the reason we abuse our authority. SIN is the reason we are racist, prejudiced and lie to cover for our own. SIN is the reason we riot, loot and burn. BUT I’M ENCOURAGED because God has provided a solution for sin through the his son Jesus and with it, a transformed heart and mind. 

Watson represents what a lot of Christians wish we had more of — a public figure who speaks out clearly, in charity and without fear or rancor, of how faith in Christ can transform our lives and the world (and wouldn’t it be great if this Saint one day became Catholic? One can hope and pray.)
Watson’s FB musings first went viral when he commented on the rioting in Ferguson, Missouri, and on Monday, he weighed in on the staggering destruction wrought by rioters and looters in Baltimore, in the wake of the a young African-American man’s death in police custody.
Again, Watson took to Facebook to examine the situation and point the way to Christ as the inspiration, the model and the solution. Here’s what he had to say:

We have major problems as a nation. Yesterday Ferguson burned. Tonight‪#‎Baltimore‬ burns. Tomorrow it will be another city in our homeland. Watching the coverage I’m hearing yet another version of a nauseatingly familiar narrative. Violence by police reciprocated by violence by the community, reciprocated by violence by police reciprocated by….
It seems fruitless to continue to analyze, condemn, and respond to these dreadful episodes. “Frustration, anger, tension boiling over, upset and unfortunate” are words we hear from Baltimore residents. When it comes to law enforcement, race, poverty, education, immigration we always talk about fixing “broken” systems. We resolve to legislate for education, job creation, and systemic overhaul. These are helpful and definitely needed BUT we have done all of these things ad nauseum and look at us!! Without a change of heart these attempts fail us. So what can we say? What can we do?
Systems are broken because people are broken and if systems are fixed without hearts being changed the result will be a legalistic attempt that will lack long-term results. Our problems are wholistic and common to the human heart. Hatred, prejudice, exploitation, pride, self righteousness, secrecy, and rebellion, manifest itself in the explosions we’ve seen over the last year, the last century, and the last millennia.
Tonight I see so much entrenched pain without remedy. Most are handling it without violence while a few are committing the unacceptable.
Tonight I see young children, asking like my daughter did earlier, “What’s happening daddy”, in desperate need of parents to walk them through these disturbing scenes.
Tonight I see “smoke,” but we must address the fire. The response that we are watching is just “smoke” from years of hopelessness.
After each situation the more I am convinced that the love of God for our fellow brothers and sisters who were created in His image, is our only hope for reconciliation. But the only way we can even see him that way is if God illuminates our view and changes our thought process. I’m not talking about holding hands and singing. Love is an action that compels one to treat another with dignity and respect even if they don’t deserve it. It pushes for education and opportunities for those in poverty. It gives identity and self worth. It administers justice without abuse. It honors authority and promotes peace. It is not weak, but strong for what is right!
Tonight I see a brokenness that only Christ can give us the wisdom and power to mend.
We pray for every disaster that happens to us. Bombings, natural disasters, cancer and outbreaks. What we’ve seen in our country lately deserves that same attention. Our attempts to fix this have fallen short.
We, and most importantly, the body of Christ, must stand for justice in all areas, for all people. We must set the standard for the correct way to treat people.
Tonight I pray for the pastors, leaders, police and community of Baltimore.
Tonight I ‪#‎PrayForAmerica‬.

Today, Watson retweeted another FB post, from actor Johnathon Schaech, the son of a Baltimore cop. Click here to read the whole thing, but he concludes with:

I’ll end on more wise words from the man who raised me — “IT’S NOT A BLACK AND WHITE WORLD, IT’S A GOOD OR BAD WORLD. AND IF YOU KEEP GOD IN YOUR HEART, YOU WILL MAKE IT.”