Reclaiming Our Children: A Blog About Healing After Abortion

His Mercy is waiting for you this Lent & Always!

I can still remember clearly pulling up to the rectory of the local parish. I had made an appointment to speak to the parish priest about an abortion I had fifteen years previously.

As I parked my car, I felt like my feet were glued to the floor, and I was filled with fear and anxiety. Thanks be to God my fear and anxiety did not override the desperation I felt to be healed from my abortion. As terrified as I was, I forced myself to get out of the car and go knock on the rectory door.

As fearful as I was as someone who had not gone to the sacrament of confession for many years, I proceeded to tell the priest about my abortion and the lifestyle I had been living that resulted in the pregnancy and subsequent abortion. It was the first time I actually felt heard in many years. Often people have a lot to say about abortion, but once it is done no one wants to speak of it.

I was filled with guilt, shame and grief yet somehow held on to some hope of forgiveness although I felt unforgiveable. That afternoon in that rectory, my life changed. Forgiveness was obtained through the sacrament of reconciliation and hope of healing was born, that I could find peace in my heart again.

It is easy to get caught up in the unforgiveness. To keep the focus on ourselves and genuinely believe there is no hope for us after abortion, after all it is a terrible sin, but our healing in the end has nothing to do with what we did, but about the love and mercy of a God who saves. Who sent His only Son into the world to pay the price for our sins through His suffering, death.

I get it. I know the fear, the despair, the shame that you may be feeling because of your abortion. I know what it is like to have the feeling that you are unforgiveable. I know the taunts of the evil one who wants you to believe there is no mercy for you, but I also know the truth! The truth of who God is, the truth of His mercy and forgiveness for our sins if we are contrite. The truth is that He is waiting for each one of us to give us His peace and reconciliation.

Yes, it is a journey to healing but one you will not be taking alone once you receive the graces of the sacraments. This lent take a risk – step out in trust in the mercy and love of our God who saves us. I promise you will not be disappointed. He is waiting for you!