I saw the following post on Facebook and it struck
me like a bolt of lightening ~ I am that quote. Through the grace
of God, my wounds are healed and that's why I write devotionals and am involved
in Rachel's Hope and Silent No More.
This doesn't just apply to post-abortive women, it
applies to anyone who has experienced physical, emotional or spiritual trauma.
It is human nature to bury those memories in the deepest recesses of our
soul...defense against re-experiencing them. Reaching out for help in
dealing with past traumas and trusting in the love and mercy of God removes the pain and
anguish that has taken up so much valuable space in our souls, making room for
indescribable peace, serenity and joy.
"He
heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
My bags are packed and I’m
ready to go...leavin’ on a jet plane!Now that I wrote that, I’m sure that song
will linger in my head for days.Oh
well, it is one of my favorite songs so things could be worse, right? Anyway ... this
coming Wednesday, me and my overpacked (as usual) bags will be whizzing through
the clouds from the warmth of San Diego to a frigid Washington, D.C. I’ll be testifying alongside some of my Silent No More sisters and brothers on the steps of the Supreme Court building at the March for Life.
Preparing for this
adventure, I was reminded of something that happened while attending the West
Coast Walk for Life a few years ago.My
friend Leslie and I were interviewed on Immaculate Heart Radio. We were asked to share our stories about life before, but most
importantly, after our abortions.
The interview was not planned. We were not prepared and had no idea what to expect; in fact, I barely remembered anything that was said until I got the clip from the radio station weeks later. Right before my segment finished, a priest on the panel thanked us for having the courage to tell our
stories in front of so many people let alone on national radio.
Others have also made that same comment, in fact, some have
asked me if I get embarrassed because my past was consumed by so many ugly
excesses. And yes, it got me thinking (okay folks, here it comes) …
I'm not courageous by any means. I'm a nervous wreck when speaking.
I've considered backing out on several occasions, but God is quite persuasive.
He has called me to share because, unfortunately, there are many women out
there just like me. It's an opportunity to reach out to them and give
them comfort knowing they are not alone and no matter how bad they think they
are, nothing is unforgivable in God's eyes. It's also an integral part of
my healing journey.
As far as being ashamed or embarrassed … Yes, I was. I shuddered every
time another part of my past surfaced, but found the more I share my past,
it turns into a bigger blessing. As a caterpillar morphing into a
beautiful butterfly, evil miraculously emerges as good. God saved me from total
self-destruction for a reason. He's using me as one of His messengers … a
beacon of hope for those suffering in silence and a guide back to Him. I pray
each and every day I don't let Him down.
The March for Life will be televised on EWTN starting at 11:30 a.m./EST, including our testimonies at approximately 2:30 p.m./EST, Friday, January 22nd.
