The reality of the emotional pain of abortion became more real to me and some of my friends yesterday afternoon, as we stood out at Planned Parenthood. I've heard the stories, read testimonies on Silent No More Awareness and watched videos of the personal testimonies of so many men and woman who have been scarred by the tragedy of abortion. But, there's nothing like hearing it first hand from a stranger in tears.
My friends and I had been chatting a little in-between fervent prayer, all the while trying to keep the little ones occupied (ages almost 1 - 8 years) :-) I, Mrs. Emerson, and the kids had huddled under a couple umbrellas and we had just begun to pray again, when I noticed a man walk across the street. He put his arm around Mr. Emerson, who was a little ways down the sidewalk from us, and then they walked toward us. I was a little wary, unsure of what this man would say and or what he would ask. But he seemed like a nice older man and as they came near he asked, "Which one of you dear ladies is the leader of this effort?" I introduced myself as he did the same. And then he proceeded to tell us his heartfelt story.
He told us before he and his wife were married they lived the life of any usual young person - a little crazy, always fun and sometimes not very smart. :-) Then they got the news - you're pregnant. They were so young, afraid, and unable to provide for their baby. Like so many young couples or teens, they were desperate and thought abortion was not only their only choice - but also the responsible choice. So they made that decision to abort. His eyes filled with tears as he fell silent for a few moments. Then, "Sorry, I thought I could get through this...it still hurts 33 years later."
33 years later...
33 years this man and his wife lived with the regret of their abortion. How heartbreaking it is that SO many young people are being told that abortion is the easy way out. That they're lives will be restored to normalcy as they finish their college studies and become successful business people. But the truth is - abortion ALWAYS leaves an emotional and psychological scar. So many men and women have shared their heartfelt stories and testimonies of the pain and anguish they have felt after their abortion through healing programs like Silent No More and Rachel's Vineyard.
Studies have shown that:
80% of women who have aborted expressed feelings of "self- hatred"
49% of women who aborted began or increased their drug use.
39% began or increased their use of alcohol.
14% described themselves as having become "addicted" or "alcoholic" after their abortions.
In addition, 60% reported becoming suicidal, with 28% actually attempting suicide. 14% actually attempting suicide two or more times.*
The reality is that abortion does not help but hurts women and men in crisis. The PPFA (Planned Parenthood Federation of America) does not "Care, no matter what." They've now come out with something more real. "Abortion care, happens here."
 |
| A sign the 40 Days for Life volunteers in Boston photographed. They put up their sign next to it :-) |
Praise the Lord, the good news is, this man that came out to speak with us, had become a follower of Christ and experienced the surpassing mercy, forgiveness, healing and new life found in Him. Praise the Lord! He prayed for us, and thanked us for being there.
That is our heart and our hope, as we fervently pray during 40 Days for Life - that the precious men and women who have experienced the emotional, physical, and psychological pain of abortion will experience forgiveness and healing through a redemptive relationship with Christ.
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in Spirit." (Psalm 34:18) We pray that they will personally experience and know Romans 8:1 that. "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
We pray also for the precious people who work in abortion clinics across the nation. We pray that their eyes will be opened to the painful reality of abortion, and that their hearts will be softened and broken by the work they do. We love them, because Christ first loved us. When we were in sin and without hope - He rescued us and transferred us from darkness to the Kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. We pray every single PP staff member - especially Ms. Cecil Richards (PPFA President) - will leave their jobs and become followers of Christ.
Thank you Lord for your love and mercy. May the MILLIONS of precious people who have experienced the trauma of abortion find healing and hope in in you alone. Thank you for your death for us, so that we could be set free from the penalty of our sin and experience a wonderful relationship with you. We love you, and we trust that one day you will end the evil of abortion. We pray especially for the staff of PP, that they will leave their jobs, and be transformed by your grace and redemption. We love them, because you first loved us. We praise You for You are a good and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in love and mercy. May you will be done for your Kingdom and your glory!
Resources: abortionfacts.org
No comments:
Post a Comment