Robin Williams and Other Lost Talent

By: Adam McClendon

Adam is the Lead Pastor at Springhill Church and the Director of New Line Ministries.

Robin Williams’ death was truly a tragic loss.  His talent and personality proved to lift spirits and brighten lives all over the world.  He was truly unique, and yet, in the wake of his death, I’m concerned about a greater loss of talent that happens every day through abortion.

It is estimated that there are 1.2 million abortions in America each year.

This figure represents the loss of untold potential talent to include actors, comedians, scientist, athletes, etc.  And, while Robin Williams chose to take his own life, these lives are taken without their consent.

Those who feel that a “fetus” does not equate to human life simply because it is dependent upon its mother tread down a path with concerning implications (yes I understand there are other arguments as well, I’m just dealing with this one) ignoring the fact that many of these “fetuses” would survive if brought outside the womb.

For example, if being dependent upon another person for life necessitates the mere definition of life, then what about a baby after he or she is born.  Babies can’t feed themselves.  What about someone who is on blood pressure medicine?  “Wait!”  You may say, “That’s totally different.”  Why?  They are dependent upon someone else’s ability to produce a product in order for them to live.  Without that medicine, many of these people could not survive.

But, one may ask, “What’s the difference between us taking someone off of life support after an accident?”  Well, a couple of differences exist.  Consent is often provided in a living will or there is reasonable assurance that the wounded person may not get better or there will be a significant decrease in their quality of life.  For the abortions performed in this country, that qualification does not generally seem to be met.

So, it is appropriate for us to grieve the death of Robin Williams.  It is tragic, but let us not forget a greater tragedy carried out daily in this country where our future talent is silenced before they’ve had an opportunity to perform.

They too will be missed.