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Thursday, September 09, 2010
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Share Your AFTER Abortion Recovery Thoughts...
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Welcome to our message board for those who have EXPERIENCED an ABORTION RECOVERY PROGRAM!
If you, or someone you know has benefited from the abortion recovery process, we'd love to know the positive impact on your/their life and relationships. This will help others to see how participating in an abortion recovery program can make their lives better, and the lives around them!
If the space below isn't long enough for your comments, we'd love to hear from you. Send us your story and we may post it on our Stories of Recovery page.
NOTE: Email and city are optional fields. Neither will not show in your message.
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| Name: Leslie Dean | Date: 11/4/2009 | Having been a product of the free-love 60’s, I saw nothing wrong with ending a pregnancy in my first marriage. It was the middle of my last semester of nursing school, and with the encouragement of my parents and husband-- I ignored an internal scream --and chose to end it. I became an RN and one evening, as a new graduate, was asked to assist a doctor with three, second-trimester abortions.
I spent most of my time with one of the women, in her sixth month, who shared that she had found out her husband was having an affair and wanted him to pay. She was going to lie to him and say the news of the affair had caused a miscarriage.
This “pay-back” baby was a perfectly formed little boy. At birth, he was roughly checked by the physician to see if his eyes were fixed and then dropped in a bucket and, for what seemed like an eternity, I listened and then saw, that he was moving, and then, finally, silence. It was at this time, that I left the room and went home sick. I slept little that night and in the next few months, my marriage ended.
For several years I found myself experiencing a syndrome of symptoms that has come to be known as post-abortion stress. Destructive relationships, horrific nightmares and an inability to be around babies without an overwhelming sense of guilt. I married again and had another inconvenient pregnancy that ended in abortion. Later, having children caused me to become increasingly depressed and I was diagnosed with “post-traumatic stress syndrome” due to my abortions. I found forgiveness and grace in a relationship with Jesus Christ and through much counseling, I was healed.
If you could see my heart today, you would see the mended cracks of its brokenness. Not because the healing is incomplete, but because Jesus allows us to remember what He did for us, so we can help others put their pieces back together. I did that by starting a pregnancy care center that offered post- abortion counseling and watched as hundreds found healing as I had.
But my final blessing came when Jesus showed me, through a dream, that my babies prayed for my salvation because without it, they would never meet me. They are in Heaven waiting for me and someday I will hold them. He led me to write a book about my journey through the devastation of abortion and what led me to make those choices. It is called Forgiven Much and God is using it to help women break out of their denial and bring the darkness and secrecy of abortion into His healing light.
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| State: MD | | Country: United States |
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| Name: Kristen Kellett | Date: 11/3/2009 | I am 48 years old. I had two abortions in high school. I was a “good Christian girl”- - coming up pregnant would have made God (& me) look bad, so I justified killing my children. I stuffed my feelings and continued through life- college, marriage, kids…
Fast-forward 30 years. I began volunteering at the Crisis Pregnancy Center in town, in the hope of counseling women to choose life for their unborn children. I was required to take a 7-week post-abortion recovery Bible study class. I didn’t think I needed it- after all, I’m a well-adjusted adult…
God moved His healing hand in my heart in places I didn’t even know were damaged by my abortions! He especially worked in the area of my poor self-esteem. Now, I realize that I have great worth to God, and He can use me to make a difference in the world!
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| State: WA | | Country: United States |
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| Name: Catherine (Cathy) Kerr | Date: 11/3/2009 | I was coerced into having an abortion at age 19 by the young man I thought loved me and wanted to marry me. I remember feeling so alone, worthless and unloved that I simply shut down as a human being and did whatever others suggested I should do. This included friends and even my own family doctor. There was very little publicized support or alternatives at that time, and I felt greatly pressured and hopeless. I stopped caring.
The doctor involved told me it was only a "cluster of cells," and made me feel very stupid. They lie to women about the procedure, the pain and the aftermath. It has been many years since the abortion, during which I have been to many retreats and have received God's mercy, forgiveness and love. I will never forget, but I have learned to forgive myself.
I now know that no woman deserves the atrocity of abortion. There are many alternatives and plenty of people who care and want to help you make the right decision, if you will only reach out and not believe what society tells you about abortion. As a result, I have been called to speak out so that others will not have to suffer what I have been through: physically, emotionally and spiritually. I am the Regional Coordinator for Silent No More Awareness in San Antonio, TX. You can find me on their website on the internet and on Facebook. I am here for you with a listening heart.
May you experience God's peace! |
| State: TX | | Country: United States |
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| Name: Debbie | Date: 11/2/2009 | In March of 2006, my life turned down a path that I had avoided for many years. After a series of many, many bad choices in my life I fell into a state of complete brokenness that words just can not explain. That one "choice" that I thought was forgotten and hidden away down deep in the inner most part of my soul was being revealed to me in a way that I didn’t understand.
In 1992 I had an abortion. After that day, my life changed. I began a path of self-destructive behaviors that led me from one bad choice to another. I got caught up into the darkness of drinking, drugs and subsequently the first of two divorces and one unsuccessful suicide attempt.
After years of shame, sadness and guilt, I was so grateful to finally meet someone who knew how I really felt inside and I will never forget the words "You are not alone - there is help and hope."
The bible says:
“Come now, let us argue this out,” says the Lord, “No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can remove it. I can make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you as white as wool…let me help you.” Isaiah 1:18-19
As I began the journey toward wholeness in March 2006, I experienced first hand what the power of God’s healing can do to set us free – free of the anger, guilt and unforgiveness - to a new life of hope, healing, grace and renewal.
Was it easy? No, it was difficult to come face to face with the very sin that brought me so much anguish and pain for so many years. But, I am an example of what God’s grace and mercy can do in one person’s life. It has given me courage to step out of the darkness and into the light, with the desire to help others do the same. What satan meant to destroy me, God has turned around and is using for His glory. I am now the Founder and one of the facilitator's for Project 5:17, An After Abortion Recovery Center.
Debbie Henagan
Sulphur, Louisiana
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| State: Louisiana | | Country: United States |
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| Name: Angela Cabello | Date: 11/2/2009 | I took the RU 486 pill because I felt that I couldn't be a good role model for my students if I was an unwed teacher. When I went to the doctor's office, I just had to explain that I had sexual intercourse. Nothing else was shared about possible side effects. While I was taking the pills each day, I had to convince myself that the pills were vitamins actually helping my body. I took the last two pills in my elementary school and felt like such a hypocrite.
Soon after this I fell into a deep depression for four months. I had my suicidal plan ready to go and considered following through with the plan nightly. My fiance (now husband) talked to me every night over the phone and always tried to talk me out of it. After four months, I finally considered the words that I had heard at church (I started attending church again one month into my depression). I told the Lord that night that I either wanted my life to end that night or that He would have to pull me out of the pit. Daily I felt the weight getting lighter because He was carrying me out of the pit. Four months later, I invited the Lord into my life. Five months after that I received healing through a post-abortion Bible study. |
| State: TX | | Country: United States |
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| Name: Jennifer Kapur | Date: 11/2/2009 | I never thought I could have joy in my life again. I lived so many days and nights with regret, shame, guilt, depression, sorrow, anxiety, obesity, and addiction, what could possibly bring me healing? I had three abortions, one while I was a believer in Jesus Christ. Every time I walked into church I felt all eyes upon me, staring at the big "A" on my chest. The guilt and shame was unbearable.
Who would understand my decisions? Who would have compassion on me? Who would want to even talk to me about it? How do I go to God with this? A year later a dear friend who volunteered at a Pregnancy Resource Center called me on the phone to chat about an opportunity to volunteer. Knowing that I was a Counselor by profession she thought this would be right up my ally. She proceeded to tell me that they needed someone to head up the Post Abortion Recovery Program and she thought of me.
Needless to say, the tears and overwhelming since of God's presence consumed me. I began to share with her my struggle over the last year. She prayed with me and directed me to another center that had a Post Abortion Bible Study starting. It was God's hand upon my life, despite my sin.
During the Forgiven and Set Free Bible study, God unveiled revelation after revelation as to all the dysfunction in my life and relationships. It was a miraculous healing process that led me to an abundance of joy and peace in my life. His FORGIVENESS set me free from my sin.
My life has not been the same since. Today, I serve as the Director of Post Abortion Recovery and Client Counseling Services at Doors of Hope as well as a speaker sharing my testimony and educating others on abortion and it's effects. God is so good to me. His love has no boundaries. Romans 8:39, "...neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Peace be with you,
Jennifer Kapur |
| State: California | | Country: United States |
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| Name: Denise Mixson | Date: 11/2/2009 | I had an abortion when I was 19 years old in 1973. I regretted it immediately, but it was too late! I felt I didn't deserve to be forgiven or even have the right to mourn my lost baby. I put a mask on and suffered in silence.
I got married and by the grace of God, had 4 beautiful children. I raised them in the church, just like I had been raised, and felt like I was living such a lie. I used to listen to "Focus on the Family" with Dr. James Dobson to help me raise my kids right. When they aired "Tilly", I sent for a copy and cried and cried for my lost baby. Dr. Dobson would mention over and over again that there was healing available for women who had had abortions, and to go to your local pregnancy center to get help. I had asked God to forgive me many times, and felt He did, because He is God, after all. But I just couldn't forgive myself. When I volunteered at the pregnancy center I told the wonderful woman there my story. I told her I wanted to help women know the truth, that abortion is not a solution to "a problem", but the beginning of a larger one, shameful sin that leads to broken relationships. She told me I had to go through a Bible study in order to lead one, so I joined a group and did "Forgiven and Set Free." It completely changed my life. I was able to talk to my husband about things we had ignored for almost 27 years. I told my children, my father, and many relatives. Then came my best friends, and all showed me such love and grace, I realized that I needed to get the word out there that it is a lie that you must keep silent about your abortion.
I have given my testimony several times, and now teach the post-abortion recovery Bible study. It is so wonderful to be free of my pain, secret shame, and fear of public knowledge of my abortion. I took the risk to accept God's forgiveness and tell every woman and man I meet that it is available for every one of us! To God be the glory! |
| State: FL | | Country: United States |
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| Name: Debbie | Date: 11/2/2009 | I had an abortion in my 30's because I could not interrupt my career or tell my parents. They were devout Catholics and I thought this was the only way out. I thought I could just go on with my life and that all was well. I did not know the guilt and shame I would have to deal with. Later that year, I asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior and I still was dealing with the shame of that decision. A friend in church who was a pregnancy center director suggested that I go through the post abortion recovery program at that center. It made me realize that God had forgiven me, and HE wanted to set me free. I found out that I had male twins whom I recognized as my children and mourned their deaths in the memorial service we had. That began my recovery and now many years later the Lord lead me to a church where I will be starting a post abortion study called Surrendering the Secret. In reading this curriculum, there is still healing going on in my heart. I realize He wants me to show other women they don't have to live in guilt and shame any more, but to be set free by dealing with their secret. He never wastes suffering, and is making my mess my ministry.
Our church recently did "cardboard testimonies" and on mine the front side read "Had an abortion, lived in guilt and shame". The flip side read "FORGIVEN and starting a post abortion ministry here at church". Later , a woman came up to me and told me she had had an abortion and wanted to be included in the group when it starts. |
| State: Texas | | Country: United States |
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| Name: Ann Younger | Date: 11/2/2009 | How Recovery Helped:
"A mother never forgets for one day the child she has lost. The emptiness is there. Going through healing and recovery from my abortion has helped me experience a freedom from the guilt, shame, anger, and other negative emotional consequences that abortion promises. Recovery has not given me my daughter back but it's given me hope. It's also given me healthy ways of dealing with the ongoing memories of my loss. I didn't just lose a daughter but I lost much more in addition to losing her. The healing journey of abortion recovery has been the vessel of restoration, redemption, freedom, and acceptance. Even though I lost much I unexpectedly gained much as a result of recovery. I experienced an encounter filled with Grace like nothing else I've ever known."
Serving Him for Life,
Ann Younger, Director
A New Song, Life Ministries
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| State: Texas | | Country: United States |
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| Name: Susan Swander | Date: 11/2/2009 | My name is Susan Swander; I’m a 59-year old who lives in Oregon. This is the story of my 3 abortions and my healing from Post-Abortion Syndrome. I have two goals in sharing the horrors of my 36 years of suffering from PAS. First, I want to tell all post-abortive parents that there is hope and healing. Second, I want to make sure that all parents considering an abortion are aware of the horror that awaits them because the abortion providers will not give them all of the relevant information; they will not speak of Post Abortion Syndrome.
At 18, in 1968 I was sexually active and got pregnant & the father, who was a one-night stand, was long gone. I didn’t want my parents to know about my promiscuity, so I went to some radical pro-choice friends who helped me get drunk and get an abortion in Mexico. Six years later, I was having an affair with a married man who insisted that I get an abortion when we got pregnant. And, then in 1991, my married friend and I were pregnant again. Again, I was given a choice – him or an abortion. I had my 3rd abortion.
After each abortion, I do remember a brief sense of relief at not being pregnant, but that relief did not last very long. My drinking and my promiscuity increased dramatically; I discovered drugs; I started a deadly relationship with food and yo-yo dieting; I had a miscarriage; and I fell in love a dozen times and couldn’t make one of the relationships work. I was married & divorced twice. This spiral into hell lasted for 36 years.
My healing began in small ways – in 1981 with the birth of my son, in 1985 with God’s gift of sobriety, and in 1997 with my return to my Catholicism. In the fall of 2003, I saw a box ad in a church bulletin for Rachel’s Vineyard retreats for post-abortion healing. I went to the Rachel’s Vineyard web site (www.rachelsvineyard.org) and wept buckets of tears as I read it. It was the first time in 36 years that I really looked at my abortions for what they were – the murder of my 3 children.
It took me awhile to get up the courage to call, but thank God I did. I attended a Rachel’s Vineyard retreat in April 2004. What a remarkable, healing experience this weekend was. Words do not do justice to the love, compassion, and understanding I found during the retreat. Perhaps most importantly, I met and named my four children – Luke, Grace, Teresa (miscarried) & Benjamin. I found forgiveness – from them and from God. I am learning to forgive myself. Each time that I share my story, I heal a little more. At my retreat, I promised my children that I would no longer hide them and that I would share our story whenever I could.
If you are reading this and are contemplating an abortion, please reconsider. It will cause you untold pain and heartache. If you have had an abortion, please know that healing is available. None of us has to live alone with the shame, guilt and pain that come after an abortion.
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| State: OR | | Country: United States |
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| Name: Tamra Johnson | Date: 11/1/2009 | After about 25 years, 5 marriages, a suicide attempt and alcoholism, I was told by a priest that he thought I should go to this Post-Abortive retreat. He felt that many of my problems might have stemmed from my abortion and the death of another child when I was 6 mths pregnant. He told me that I needed to accept God's forgiveness and begin to heal.
The Rachel's Vineyard Retreat that I attended about 4 years ago changed my life in every way. I was finally able to accept God's forgiveness and even forgive myself. I was able to name my babies and attend a memorial service to honor my children.
Since then, I have lost 60 lbs, conquered my alcoholism and found happiness in my 5th marriage. But, most of all, I have a deep relationship with our heavenly father that I never even understood. I now know that I am still one of his precious children.
I now work on the Rachel's Vineyard Retreat team here in Portland, Oregon and have become the Regional Coordinator for this area for Silent No More Awareness Campaign and am involved in many peaceful, prayerful pro-life activities. |
| State: OR | | Country: United States |
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| Name: Karen | Date: 10/14/2009 | I had an abortion 35 years ago. It is something you never forget and affects you mentally the rest of your life unless you seek help. I'm Catholic, I confessed this sin and for a long time I still believed God could never forgive me. I had broken one of his 10 commandments. A a spiritual retreat weekend 20 yrs later, I finally found a bit of relief, but still could not forgive myself.
A year ago I was compelled to volunteer at a Sav-A-Life Center. There is no doubt who sent me there. Yet, last spring after viewing videos during a training session, I had a difficult time emotionally. I spoke to the director about it and she suggested a 12 week course called Forgive and Set Free. It's for abortion recovery. She and 2 counselors were facilitators. It was a committed process, very intense, much soul seeking and spiritual with bible studying, looking up scripture and recognizing our God is a forgiving God. It was an awesome experience and I'm forever grateful God sent me there. A beautiful Memorial was held for my unborn baby, Emily, which acknowledged her as my child who now lives with Jesus. I was 4 mos pregnant when she was quickly aborted because of a chromosome disability and we never thought to give her a proper burial at that time. I always regretted it. I will forever treasure the items I have now in a little white box, including a birth certificate they gave me. No longer am I ashamed and I've finally forgiven myself. I've recently began counseling at the center. |
| State: Ms | | Country: United States |
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| Name: Johnnie Thompson | Date: 8/23/2009 | I am much older than you young pretty girls, however I went thru the Abortion Recovery with Rhonda and had I not gone thru that I am not so sure I would be here today. God has done such a work in my life and is continuing to do so. I was an alcoholic. bulimic, and smoked 2-3 packs of cigarettes a day and wa in a pit so deep I wanted to die and had been there 33 years and never told anyone about my abortion. There was not a night that I did not go to bed without being drunk! I was suicidal and a wreck . God has restored me and I do not drink, smoke or cuss and he has healed me. God is continuing to restore me to a person he wants me to be. He is so awsome!!! To know that he loves us so much and he wants us to have his best for our lives and have the heart of our Father. I didn't deserve this kind of love but he came and give me life and he has given me a new heart with it. What love he has for us.
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| State: Kansas | | Country: United States |
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| Name: Karin | Date: 8/23/2009 | I had an abortion at around the age of 25 or so...didn't know a thing about them. I was with a guy who had raped me, took full advantage of me, wanted to have a baby, and to "make him happy", I gave in. Of course to look back at it now, I TOTALLY regret it! I had to spend 18 + yrs holding this a secret from my own father, in which my own mom didn't want him or anybody else to know about it, so, for all those years I went on with my life.
Then about 4-5 yrs ago, one night my dear husband was in bed, as he has been THE biggest support system next to the Lord. Anyways, I was online one night and decided to google "abortion", I was so surprised at what I found. All these different places to go seeking for help, one of them was called "Rachel's Vineyard" retreats. It seemed very interesting, so, as I shared this with my husband, he was all for me in going, supported me and all. I told everybody that I was going on a weekend retreat through our church, I didn't want anybody to know at that time. So, I packed for the weekend, and flew to Arizona knowing NOTHING, and returned a CHANGED person....and it was WONDERFUL!! I went through that weekend, making new friends, talking everything out, and being able to receive support that I never knew could get. To this day I am still friends with the leader I met up with, and helped me to go....I love her SO much for all her help!
The biggest thing that I was able to do that weekend was we were encouraged to write a letter to somebody in our life who didn't know what had been going on....well, it was then that the Lord layed my dad on my heart because this was the secret that I had to keep from him. So, I wrote a letter, went to him, read it, cried my eyes out, and after that he literally came up to me and HUGGED me!! The relief that came over was amazing!
I still suffer in areas to this day, BUT, I am SO beyond grateful for being able to go to this retreat, find healing, friends, and becoming closer to our Lord!!
As you go through these different testimonies and read them, it is o.k. to feel scared, lonely, and all those other feelings you have. But, to know that God is on your side, you have women out there that are there for you. God Bless you all for being able to take that first step in your journey with Him!
Karin
California |
| State: CA | | Country: United States |
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| Name: Beth | Date: 1/26/2009 | This is a small portion of my testimony I speak when I am asked to share.
As a young girl of 15, I was looking for love and acceptance and a certain person came along that said all the right things and told me what I wanted to hear. 1 month or so before my 16th birthday I got pregnant.
My parents told me that abortion would be the best option and that they were not raising another child (my child, their grandchild). They felt backed into a corner by their black sheep daughter who had gotten pregnant out of wedlock, which for them, was a terrible shame.
So late in a cold, Midwestern November of 1983, a month after I had turned 16, my Mom took me to an abortion clinic. I really did not want to do it. I loved my baby already and wanted her, but at the time I had never heard of a PRC. I was scared and I did not know what my options were.
I tried carrying on after my abortion, but within 4 months of that abortion I was diagnosed with severe depression. I literally wanted to die. That is a big burden for a 16 year old to carry. Though I “recovered” somewhat with medication and counseling my life was never the same. For over 16 years after that abortion there was not one day I did not think about it and cry.
Sometime in early 1999 an article ran, written by Sydna Masse, in the Focus on the Family magazine. One of the things it mentioned were the symptoms of Post Abortion Syndrome. Sadness, long-term grief and anger, flashbacks, guilt, depression, anniversary
reactions, suicidal thoughts, sleep problems, increased substance abuse, difficulty maintaining relationships… I couldn’t believe it! That article could have been written about me! I had most if not all the symptoms. But thankfully God kept me from substance abuse and alcohol. But one of the things I remember while reading that article was the feeling of relief that I was not alone in my symptoms. That all those tears shed were pretty “normal” for a post abortive woman.
For me, in the spring of 1994 I had accepted Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior. Though I was saved I could not lay down my terrible burden that I carried around because of my past abortion. But in January 2000 I got ahold of the post-abortion study Forgiven and Set Free and went through it and thanks be to God, I was truly forgiven and set free. God is so gracious and merciful. It says in Micah 7:19, “He will again have compassion on us; He will tread our iniquities under foot. Yes, He will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.
In spring of 2006 I was able to attend a training conference and became certified to be able to lead my own group. I also get the opportunity to counsel during the day with the girls who are coming in to the center for pregnancy tests.
Thank you for letting me tell you my story of hope and healing. It is my work now that God has called me to help in the healing of women who have experienced the pain of abortion. If you have ever experienced this yourself or know someone who has please contact someone through AbortionRecovery.org and get help!
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| State: Georgia | | Country: United States |
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| Name: Ginger | Date: 1/19/2009 | 15 years ago I had an abortion. If I could go back and do it over I would choose life. I murdered my own child because I was afraid. I was afraid of my parents and afraid that I would lose my boyfriend (the father of my child who was the first person who ever cared at all about me). He was scared too-that his father who had left the family when he was only five would reject him after recently having restored their relationship. We wanted to do what our families expected of us-to finish college a "make something of ourselves". That's what they tell kids like us who come from poor families-that getting through college is #1. Well, it's not! We realized later how wrong we were-we got married less than a year after our abortion and by God's grace we have both become Christians and are still married. We have seven children (five of whom are living now and one we killed through abortion and one we miscarried a little over a year ago). We love them very much and God has healed us in so many ways. It makes me recall the verse in Psalms that talks about how there are not enough words to express what God has done for us. Today my husband and I are doing sidewalk counseling together at our local Planned Parenthood and also sharing out testimony of how God's grace IS sufficient to cover even this-the most heinous of sins. Please seek God and His forgiveness and love and comfort if you have not done so already.
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| State: Indiana | | Country: United States |
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| Name: Roberta | Date: 12/20/2008 | | Thank God for this website and others like it. You are truly exsposing the lie of abortion. Like many others, I have also had an abortion.. I dealt with the emotional and spiritual aspects, they don't tell you about. I know I am forgiven in Jesus Christ, but I still struggle sometimes with the guilt and pain, especially on anniversary times. It has been six years, I would do anything to help others to reconsider having or supporting abortion. I know because, I have been there. |
| State: New York | | Country: United States |
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| Name: Nona Ellington | Date: 12/20/2008 | At age 15, I chose to have an abortion, after being lied to by Planned Parenthood and coerced by friends and family. That choice was the most selfish, devastating choice I have ever made in my life. As a result of the abortion, I spiraled into very self destructive behavior of drugs, alcohol and promiscuious sex to fill in the void of taking my son's life. After 17 years of running from God, I gave my heart to Jesus, and He changed my life.
I joined a post abortion bible study called, "Beauty for Ashes" based on the workbook, "Forgiven and Set Free". Through the 12 week study, the Lord brought healing to my broken heart and I began to have a much deeper relationship with Him. He delivered me from drugs, alcohol and the attempts of suicide. Jesus filled my heart of many empty spaces that were there, that I wasn't even aware of. This is a continual healing that takes place each time I step out to help someone else going through the same trauma.
Learning through God's Word and a deeper walk with Him, I chose to forgive all involved in my abortion, including myself. The more and more I choose to receive the forgiveness of Christ for this sin, the deeper I am able to forgive myself.
God bless you for taking the time to share in my experience,
Nona |
| State: Texas | | Country: United States |
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| Name: Rebecca | Date: 12/16/2008 | Going through abortion recovery changed my life. I didn't think I needed it...in fact I thought I was just fine. Fine until I heard the word abortion, fine until I saw a baby, fine until I heard a baby crying....
It was required at the Pregnancy Center I was going to volunteer at, so I agreed to go through their program to "help the girls I would be counseling". I was seperated from my husband and I thought it would give me something to do.
The first night I cried filling out the forms...I was the only one who had had multiple abortions...what was I thinking? I cried all the way home, not intending to return....I told my husband and he cried too...he had forced his first wife to abort their child many years ago.....but my Forgiven and Set Free facilitator prayed for me all night.
We both ending up going through recovery. Me with "Forgiven and Set Free" and he completed "Healing a Father's Heart" Afterwards our marriage was restored, and going through recovery was 95% of it. It changed both of our lives. I am now called to help other men and women in their healing.
There is a scripture that says it all :
What a wonderful God we have-he is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why does he do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 TLB
So I would encourage you to allow the Lord to bring His comfort to you. It will not be an easy journey, but He will walk every step of the way with you! |
| State: FL | | Country: United States |
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| Name: Carla | Date: 12/16/2008 | I had an abortion in 1990. After years and years of drinking, nightmares, suicidal thoughts and one attempt I started to seek healing. I did Forgiven and Set Free, a bible study and then led a group myself. I began to share my story to anyone that would listen. I went through a Rachel's Vineyard weekend and am not sure I can express what it has meant to me. It was a miracle to talk of my children and remember them as their mother. They have a place in my heart, my life, my family. They are mine and I consider that weekend such a gift. Permission to hurt and permission to heal with others that have been through what I have been through. I was safe to love my babies!!!
If you are struggling please know that you are not alone and it has been my calling and the calling of thousands of others to reach out our hands to you and embrace you. Wherever you are on your journey, we link arms with you in love. We long to lead you out of the darkness and into the light. |
| State: WI | | Country: United States |
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DISCLAIMER: Abortion Recovery InterNational, Inc. and services provided by us: ARIN CARE Directory, ARIN CARE Line, ARIN CARE Centers/Programs are referral and informational websites, not professional counseling sites. We are not all licensed therapists, although many of our affiliates may hold those credentials. We are not responsible for the actions performed by any person as a result of anything written within or related to Abortion Recovery InterNational or any division of our organization. By using our services, you agree to these terms.
Abortion Recovery InterNational, Inc. strongly encourages individuals affected by abortion to have completed an abortion recovery program PRIOR to involving themselves in the counseling of others; legal, research, speaking or activism opportunity.
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