“The list of Abortion PTSD symptoms is endless,” the father of a post-abortive woman wrote despondently. “Abortion is something people cannot get over. I know they can say they have, but I don’t see evidence of that.”
The hopelessness of this man’s bleak perspective made my heart break. I whispered a brief prayer that this mindset would not be expressed to his wounded daughter.
I gently responded that nothing could be further from the truth, outlining how God has healed and used me personally after my abortion. “I’m positive proof that God can use a sinner,” I concluded, “because I’m here to encourage you today. Had God not healed my heart, perhaps no one would be here to help you.”
The fruit of my healed post-abortive heart is evidence that God is still offering redemption and healing, despite the sin. There are thousands of people alive today because God used me to talk to their mothers, who once considered abortion. Since God healed my heart in 1992, I’ve likely spoken to more post-abortive people than anyone living on the earth today. From that perspective, God’s incredible grace has been extended exponentially.
This hopeless sort of dysfunctional mindset often encourages silence within the post-abortive community. Family reactions that are unforgiving and angry when this sin is confessed often outline the exact reason the woman aborted.
In a world where abortion pain is undocumented, rarely revealed, and often denied, God’s word is still the best “therapy” for any sin. Scripture is filled with hopeless sinful women that Jesus took the time to encourage and then use magnificently.
In John 4, Jesus talks to the Samaritan woman at the well, outlining her sins plainly but with gentle compassion. Then he offers her specific healing in verses 13-14, saying, Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.
Jesus defends a sinful woman to a judgmental Pharisee named Simon in Luke 7:36-50. This woman ministers to Jesus in a very special manner, by washing his feet with her tears and drying them with her hair.
Simon’s disdain must have been obvious. Jesus read his mind and took a moment to address this pompous soul with a parable of truth.
Jesus relayed a tale of two men who owed money. One was forgiven a greater amount of debt than the other. “Now which of them will love him more?” Jesus asked.
“I suppose the one who had the bigger debt cancelled,” Simon responded.
Our Savior then drew the woman into the conversation. Gently, he shared that, Her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little, loves little.
Jesus knew from her touch on his feet that this sinful woman had the capacity to love deeply because of the incredible forgiveness and love personally bestowed upon her life. The same is true for men and women who have received God’s healing after abortion. While we may be imperfect still, God can use us to change the world.
Here are ways society can help post-abortive women discover God’s healing and unlock the amazing potential for love in these wounded hearts.
- Encourage them to read Scripture — Nothing is more inspirational than reading about Jesus healing the blind, ministering to the oppressed and loving the sinful. Encourage them to read one chapter in John each day for twenty-one days, along with one chapter in Psalms. God will make himself known in their hearts during this time.
- Outline the hope of God’s healing and encourage them to attend a healthy abortion recovery program – When women meet others who share their pain, God’s ministering spirit is enhanced and the healing spreads. This form of ministry is typically available through local pregnancy centers.
- Teach them to Hear God’s Voice – Explain the difference between the enemy’s accusations and God’s encouragement in a believer’s heart. Share about the character of God and his love for them, outlined in Romans 8:28 – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
- Don’t Be a Pharisee – Post-abortive women will listen to every word you say – waiting for condemnation. Even if they are hostile, that doesn’t mean God can’t heal their hearts. Temper your words and don’t say anything that could be perceived as judgmental. Show her love and respect.
- Dispel the “Stoning” Myth – If you are not post-abortive, you can be an incredible window to the Christian community that says you are here to help and not to judge. But for the grace of God, you could have found your way into an abortion clinic. God can use you to be his arms of love to these women. How incredible they feel when they realize you know their darkest secret and love them anyway! Then they will minister to you!
Sydna Masse is President & Founder of Ramah International and author of the book, Her Choice to Heal: Finding Spiritual and Emotional Peace After Abortion.
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