Reclaiming Our Children: A Blog About Healing After Abortion

Saturday we had an “Entering Canaan” retreat at The Sisters of Life. This
retreat day is part of the progression of our ministry and is call “A Day of
Prayer & Healing”. Our goal for this one day is to bring those who come to
us shattered, shameful ,sorrowful and often despairing from a past abortion, to
the knowledge that there is hope of healing. In fact, it is Gods
desire that they are healed and have joy in their lives again. If the women who
participate in this first day leave with that hope in their hearts, the day was successful.

There are many dynamics to post abortion healing. Each person is unique and
we strive to honor the dignity of each of them. Some may reach healing quickly,
while others have suffered many wounds and may take longer to heal. We trust in
God’s goodness and His love for each person and know He is working and wants to
heal each one to their core.

A common experience of many of the people who come to us is a feeling
judgment by others. This judgment often confirms for them what they already
feel, unforgiveable, and it leaves
them with no hope of healing and a
fear to come forward because they do not believe Mercy is available to them..  Many have kept their abortions hidden living
with the fear of being found out.

Today’s gospel calls us all to be careful of judging others. Whether it is
judging those who have had abortions or those who may condemn them. Jesus calls
us to see we are all in need of His Mercy and so this same mercy should be
shown to others.

May all of us reflect the mercy of Christ in the world, and when we feel
judged or condemned, may we offer a prayer for the person instead of getting
angry. May we each be a sign of Christ’s hope
in the world knowing He is showing us the same mercy we are called to show.