Sanctity of Human Life Sunday - A Recap

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I'm not sure exactly what I thought would happen this past week... Here's a taste of what did.

"Fearful of being exposed, judged, condemned and/or rejected, it’s common for a woman to find herself withdrawing deeper within herself, telling herself that as long as no one finds out, she can go on with life as if nothing ever happened." - Sydna Masse'

"I’ve said it before: “The thing about abortion is that many, many women have them. Your closest friends. And they don’t tell you. We can carry grief like a tight lead jacket under our prettiest blouses and never say a thing.” - Amber Haines

"On behalf of all men who have hurt women by pressuring, threatening or coercing them to have an abortion I would like to say, I'm so, so sorry." - Rev. Phil Holsinger

"My scars were not visible, they were emotional but just as painful and just as life scarring." - Pat Layton

"He doesn't want to beat them down with condemnation, but lift them up with His love and grace. They may have made a mistake, but HE didn't." - Sarah Pinnix

"So often we THINK we know who has abortions, we think we know the "type." But, sadly, there is no "type" ... sure there are demographics who are more likely ... but "she" looks just like me ... and you." - Teri Lynne Underwood

"The Bible says "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads" Deuteronomy 11:18. What words from scripture remind you that any life, no matter how small, is created by God and loved by Him. Wear THESE words upon your arm." - Christine Smith

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To say that it was than I dreamed of would be a gross understatement. This week went beyond what I even dared dream possible. If you missed it you can find all posts listed here.

I sat in a circle of prayer with my co-workers Friday after having just read the quote by Christine above. Spirit quiet with humility I just closed my eyes and bore the weight of it for a moment...then slowly I began to share the thankfulness in my heart for what happened.

I dreamed that this celebration of Sanctity of Human Life week would do just a few things...

1. I prayed for God to be glorified in what was shared, both through blog posts and comments.

2. I prayed that women who have been touched and hurt by an abortion decision would find the strength and direction to take a first step toward healing.

3. I prayed that those who would read would not leave the same as they came. That judgmental, critical spirits would be left in the fire of forgiveness and grace and replaced with love, compassion and understanding.

And God answered.

I used to be one of those people who said, "I don't know how a woman could EVER have an abortion!"

Not only would I say it...I would say it with boldness, self-righteousness. And I've learned that those words, spoken with such conviction, spoke a whole lot more about the state of my heart than the hearts of women hurting around me from a choice to abort.

I shudder now as I think that one in three of the women around me, hearing me speak those words of condemnation, had to bear the load I placed on her with my lack of understanding.

My walk toward compassion started the first time I ever heard a story from a real flesh and blood woman sitting across from me in a counseling room.

100s of stories later, I fully understand...

Do I think that abortion is right? Do I think it's God's best for her? No. I just don't. I don't believe in relative truth. Relative truth is no truth at all.

We can have sex until we're blue in the face, but unless God opens the womb there will be no life. That, to me, is the definition of purpose.

So no, I don't believe abortion is the right choice...but I do understand why she feels like it is...

And that changes everything.

So thank you.

Thank you to my guest writers for bleeding words on paper to share the innermost depths of your soul. I am humbled that your heart would grace the pages of my little blog.

Thank you to my commenters for being respectful and taking good care of the hearts of those sharing their pain.

Thank you those who emailed for help. I'm praying that God will take care of your every need.

And thank you to those of you who chose to open their hearts even just a little so the grace of God could shine in and soften it toward this issue. I pray you will not leave this week the same as when you started.

And now I'd like to announce the winners of each giveaway this week. If your name appears in this list please email me me with your contact information at bcmcglothlin (at) comcast (dot) net.

Monday's winners of a copy of "Her Choice to Heal"
by Sydna Masse'

Ari
Joy

Wednesday and Thursday's winners of "Surrendering the Secret" by Pat Layton

Lori Z.
Sarah P.

Friday's winner of the beautiful Life Verse bracelet from Christine Smith

Tammy

May the Lord bless each of, keep you, and make His face to shine upon you.