Reclaiming Our Children: A Blog About Healing After Abortion

A Sign of Hope

Luke 6:36-38

Jesus said to his disciples:
"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

"Stop judging and you will not be judged.
Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.
Forgive and you will be forgiven.
Give and gifts will be given to you;
a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing,
will be poured into your lap.
For the measure with which you measure
will in return be measured out to you."

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.

This 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.