Hope In His Healing

Abortion ends a tiny baby's life. That young one will never share his or her special message with the world. But what about the mothers of these little ones?

Perhaps you are such a woman. In defense, you may have buried your guilt deep inside because, after all, abortion is legal and supported as a woman's right. "Have the abortion," you were told, "and then get on with your life." Why, then, does it hurt so much? If it's so "right," why doesn't the pain go away? Perhaps it's true - as someone once said - parents are parents forever, even of a dead child.

Every experience with abortion is different, yet the consequences remain the same. There is guilt, anger, despair, and heartache. These feelings ate not abnormal. And they have a name -- post abortion syndrome.

A multitude of support groups across the country are ministering to women because post abortion syndrome (PAS) is a reality. The symptoms of PAS include nightmares and flashback episodes.

Distress or anxiety may occur upon hearing certain sounds (like a vacuum cleaner) or during sexual intercourse, medical exams, or later childbirth. An emotional numbing or inability to have loving feelings toward children, friends, husband, or parents may inhibit healthy relationships. Depression and frequent crying is typical. In many cases, there may be a tendency toward self-destructive behavior, including drug, sex or alcohol abuse. "The pain of killing my child creeps up on me," mourned one mother. "It haunts my dreams, slowly, and never leaves me."

In a moment of fear or weakness, you may have chosen to do what seemed convenient and even acceptable at the time. Mixed with guilt are feelings of anger directed toward a counselor, doctor, parent, boyfriend, or husband who didn't support you at a vulnerable time and who offered no alternatives. "Why didn't anyone tell me it would hurt so much?" you ask.

Your anger may even turn inward. "Why wasn't I strong enough to protect my child?" Many women who suffer the aftermath of abortion lose confidence in themselves. Instead of feeling strong and courageous, they feel weak and cowardly.

In His goodness and mercy, God can remove the anger, anxiety, and pain. God is a patient God. He doesn't want you to live in brokenness, but that is often what needs to happen before hurting people look up in anguish to their Heavenly Father. As sinful people, we must experience the sorrow of sin before we can realize the joy of forgiveness. If we have no sorrow for our sin, how can we know the need for repentance?

If you are grieving after an abortion, God wants you to give your burden of guilt and sorrow to Jesus. The Lord of Life will forgive you, renew you, and fill you with His peace.

Perhaps you are feeling that what you have done is a sin too big to be forgiven. This is not true. "God is faithful and reliable. If we confess our sins, He forgives them and cleanses us from everything we've done wrong" (John 1:9).

Even though he knew better, King David sinned a grievous sin against God. He admitted that "when I kept silent about my sins, my bones began to weaken because of my groaning all day long. Day and night Your hand laid heavily on me. My strength shriveled in the summer heat" (Psalm 32:3-4).

But what happened when David laid this great sin before God? He continues, "I made my sins known to You, and I did not cover up my guilt. I decided to confess them to You, O Lord. Then You forgave all My sins" (v. 5).

I alone am the One who is going to wipe away your rebellious actions for my own sake. I will not remember your sins anymore.

--- The Lord God
Isaiah 43:25

Scripture from GOD'S WORD
God's Word to the Nations Bible Society
World Publishing, Grand Rapids

God didn't just talk about His love for you -- He proved it by sending His only Son, Jesus Christ, to be your personal Savior. On the cross, Jesus paid the price for every sin of every description. Today can be a new beginning for you. God doesn't want you to carry around the baggage of your sins. He doesn't desire that you be anxious or angry. He wants to lift you from your shame and guilt. He wants to restore you to Himself. That's why He invites you to confess Your sin, turn away from it and, through the gentle urging of His Holy Spirit, accept His love and forgiveness. God wants you to forgive yourself!

Through the power of Christ's death and resurrection, you are set free to rejoice in the newness of life! Through His peace that passes all understanding, you are free to be a living example of God's grace and mercy.

Won't you say this prayer -- Dear Heavenly Father, I am truly sorry for what I have done. Take my pain and dry my tears. Grant me hope in the healing love of my Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

For information and help with post abortion healing, contact:

Word of Hope

by Linda D. Bartlett
Lutherans For Life ©2000

This article is available in booklet form as part of "After the abortion . . . there is hope in His healing." Click here to go to the on-line Life Resource Catalog.