I can only imagine what it must have been like. Being a man of the field myself, I’d love to go back in time and step into the sandals of the shepherds who were tending their flocks on an ordinary night. Suddenly, heaven itself opened up before them as angels proclaimed that Christ the Savior had been born. It is this celebration of life that prompts me to ask for your consideration this Christmas season.

As Chairman of the Forsyth County Republican Party, it is my job to be the best steward of our party’s platform that I can be. Our platform unequivocally calls for the promotion of a “culture of life” - from the protection of the unborn to caring for the infirm and elderly. It is more than just a slogan. It has been an integral part of the identity of our party for at least the last quarter century. In our own community, there is a non-profit organization operating without the benefit of taxpayer dollars.

Whispering Hope is a non-political, faith-based group that plays a vital role in the advancement of the culture of life. Offering an outstretched hand to the woman facing an unexpected pregnancy, Whispering Hope truly represents the “boots on the ground” in the front lines of this effort.

Here a woman can find help in dealing with her crisis pregnancy. Not only is she given information and education about the baby that grows within her, but she is also provided resources to help her in every step along the way. Parenting classes, adoption choices, counseling, and even job training are just a few of the many services that Whispering Hope provides. In this season of giving and celebration of life, please consider joining me by offering your time and tax-deductible financial support to Whispering Hope, regardless of your political affiliation. The needs are great and the benefits are real.

More information about Whispering Hope can be found at www.whisperinghope.org. On December 12th the Forsyth GOP will be welcoming the Whispering Hope director, Pat Shope, to our regular monthly meeting (visit www.forsythgop.us for time and location information). Our goal is to provide Whispering Hope with a Christmas gift that will benefit them throughout all of next year.

If you cannot be present but would like to give, you can either do so by giving online at the Whispering Hope website or by contacting me at 770-205-7668. It would be my honor to personally drop by and collect whatever gift you might be able to make. If you do give online, please let me know or drop them an email thanking them for the important work that they do. Merry Christmas to you and your family – and may we never forget what this season is really about. R Gray Smith Chairman, Forsyth County Republican Party