OVERLAND PARK – The annual Valentine’s Day banquet held by Kansans for Life on February 11th had the theme of “living in victory,” a reference to Super Bowl LIV. Nearly 1,200 people attended the event.
Lamar Hunt, Jr., one of the owners of the Super Bowl Champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, served as the master of ceremonies and offered opening remarks.
“I do not think it is a cliché to say we are in a life and death battle for the truth and authentic dignity of the human person. We need your full attention. You need to drop what you’re doing and join us, and this can be in so many ways: prayer, assistance to those in need, emails, phone calls, in-person meetings. Get educated about what we’re fighting about here. Really listen in and tune in.”
Later, Hunt advised, “Please take action. If you are unsure of the best course of action, seek guidance from colleagues or superiors. Place this as a major priority in your life.”
Finally, Hunt stated that he frequently encountered the phrase “Live in victory” from another resident at the assisted living facility where he visits his mother.
One day, the woman approached him and stated, “Super Bowl LIV. Live in Victory.” He encouraged her to reflect on this concept throughout the evening. He emphasized that the objective was to live in a state of victory.
In his remarks, Archbishop Joseph Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the chairman of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops Committee on Prolife Activities stated, “I believe the Kansas City Chiefs serve as an inspiration for us. They demonstrated resilience by overcoming significant challenges. While the legislative battle is not yet over, there is still hope for a positive outcome.” The outcome is not yet known, and it is our intention to provide encouragement and support to one another in order to achieve a favourable outcome for the unborn. This is a victory for the soul of our state and nation.
Naumann was referencing the ongoing effort to ratify the “Value Them Both” state constitutional amendment. The amendment is necessary to rectify the April 2019 ruling of the Kansas Supreme Court, which could be employed to challenge decades of pro-life legislation, including those that have reduced abortions by half in Kansas.
Former Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer addressed the constitutional amendment dispute, and former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum emphasized the necessity of financial resources to prevail in that conflict.
As part of the evening’s festivities, Kansans for Life leader Mary Kay Culp was honored at the banquet by a brief video highlighting her pro-life work of over 40 years for two National Right to Life state affiliates, Missouri Right to Life and Kansans for Life. Notably, she did not have to relocate from the KC metro area to fulfill her duties. One reason for this honor was that on the 150th anniversary of the Kansas City Star, she was recognized as one of the top 150 most influential people in Kansas City.
The evening’s most notable event was the keynote address delivered by Tim Tebow, former quarterback for the Denver Broncos. “It is a great privilege to be here,” Tebow said as he expressed gratitude to the archbishop, politicians, and Culp for their efforts on behalf of the unborn.
Additionally, Tebow expressed gratitude to Hunt for his fortitude in the face of adversity and for his willingness to lend support to this organization.
“It is of greater consequence than merely winning the Super Bowl,” Tebow asserted. He further observed, “At a future point in time, when one reflects on their legacy and is discussed by others, they may be asked, ‘What will be your legacy? Will it be the Super Bowl, or will it be the saving of numerous infants?'”
In discussing Kansans for Life, Tebow asserted that it is not a philanthropic organization. He further elaborated, stating that the organization’s mission is “a rescue mission.” He explained that the term “rescue mission” is used to indicate a specific timeline for action.
It is unlikely that one would recall a rescue mission occurring in a month or a few years. A rescue mission is a current event that demands immediate attention. It instills a sense of urgency, suggesting that we must act not because it is our time, but because it is theirs. I must embrace a sense of urgency because while I may have time, they do not.
Subsequently, he turned towards Hunt and Chiefs punter Dustin Colquitt, who was also in attendance, and expressed his admiration for their Super Bowl victory.
“It is remarkable. What an achievement! However, the most significant aspect of this accomplishment is that it provides an even more expansive platform for further engagement. This platform, Tebow asserted, can be utilized to advocate for causes such as the pro-life movement. It was evident that the pro-life mission is one with which he is personally invested and has been throughout his life.
“You see, my mother was informed by medical professionals 32 years ago that she needed to terminate my pregnancy because it would be fatal if she did not do so. They did not believe that I was a fetus; they believed I was a tumor.”
Tebow now reports that, as the youngest of five siblings, he was sometimes teased by his siblings, who referred to him as “Timmy the tumor.”
Tebow proceeded to elaborate on the circumstances surrounding his birth. He stated that, upon his birth, it was discovered that the placenta was not properly attached. Consequently, the attending physician, after 37 years of practice, expressed astonishment at the infant’s survival, stating that it was the most remarkable case he had ever witnessed. Tebow expressed profound gratitude to his mother for entrusting their lives to a higher power.
In 1986, Tebow’s father, Robert, prayed for God to grant him one more child. Demonstrating a more lighthearted approach to the situation, he later commented, “I prayed for a preacher and got a quarterback.”
Culp, the individual responsible for the decision to feature Tebow at the event, asserted that both parents placed their trust in God. Prior to his birth, the couple named their son Timothy and prayed for him by that name. Timothy means “to honor God.” Culp noted that neither parent had any idea about the power of their prayers, which would be answered in ways they could not have imagined. Their son’s athletic abilities and deep faith would offer him a worldwide audience that most preachers can only dream of.
In conclusion of his remarks at the banquet, Tebow stated, “The significance of your actions is clear. You are engaged in a struggle for life. You are advocating for those who are unable to advocate for themselves. I would like to pose a question to you: Are you prepared to stand firm in the face of adversity, criticism, and persecution, even when others may dissuade you from doing so?” It is possible that not everyone will be in agreement with your actions. Nevertheless, it is essential to stand up for what is right.
Daniel Miller is responsible for nearly all of National Right to Life News' political writing.
With the election of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, Daniel Miller developed a deep obsession with U.S. politics that has never let go of the political scientist. Whether it's the election of Joe Biden, the midterm elections in Congress, the abortion rights debate in the Supreme Court or the mudslinging in the primaries - Daniel Miller is happy to stay up late for you.
Daniel was born and raised in New York. After living in China, working for a news agency and another stint at a major news network, he now lives in Arizona with his two daughters.
