Do Not Be Ashamed

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.

“So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.”

2 Timothy 1:8

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.

Silent No More Music Video