Today's blog will focus on the healing of hearts God desires for His daughters and sons who have experienced an abortion. I wrote last week that God will use your tears for a purpose greater than you could ever imagine. Your tears will water a spiritual garden that can yet still bear good fruit. Until you turn that healing corner you may not have any idea what I am talking about but, I challenge you to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV). He can yet create beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61:3 NLT). I know. I wandered around in the wilderness for nearly 40 years not knowing that abortion healing and abortion recovery was a 'thing' God could use to His glory. I am proof positive that what satan meant for evil, God uses for good (Genesis 50:20 KJV).
I know several women who have experienced healing from their abortion through a one on one personal encounter with Holy Spirit that cleansed them of the symptoms of Post Abortion Stress Syndrome we talked about in last weeks blog. I am awed by all that God has done in their lives and feel in my heart that their sanctification process was and is real.
I know many more women who have gone through a Holy Spirit led community supported healing program that has not only restored their relationship with God but ALSO created bonds with others that will last as long as they breathe. Please know that God's ability to heal you and create in you a clean heart is not hampered by ANYTHING earthly; only enhanced, in my opinion, by community healing. There is a reason God asks us to be in a community to heal. James 5:16 KJV "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." There is more to be had by healing in community!
That said, let me share with you several types of healing programs that are available to you as you process your grief and seek healing:
Self-directed. There are several studies that you can start on your own at any time you feel ready and receive promoting by Holy spirit to get started. One is a five day introduction to healing called "Abortion and You" from the organization SaveOne.org . Another one that is non-religious is called "Keys to Hope and Healing" distributed by SupportAfterAbortion.com. I was able to recommend this one to a Muslim woman. The last is a nine part online bible study by Synda Masse called "Her Choice To Heal" which also has video content and a "lifeline" if you would like someone to walk along side you. There are more but this will give you a great place to start.
Group Studies: Next are multiple week studies that are designed to be done in a group setting either in person or online. Most are free excluding the cost of a book. "Forgiven and Set Free" written by Linda Cochrane is the study that liberated me. Another is "Surrender The Secret" by Pat Layton which has videos along with self reflection and group discussion. A newer study is from SRTservices.org called AbAnon or Abortion Anonymous which is story based and designed for online access but lead by a facilitator. There is a wonderful Facebook group called PATH-Post Abortion Transformation and Healing run by my friend Jeannie Pittam who uses the book "Worthy of Love" by Shadia Hrichi. The group is private so, search on Facebook at: http://Facebook.com/groups/PostAbortionTransformationHealing. This list is not exhaustive by any means as there are many newer studies available at local abortion recovery programs.
Weekend Retreats: Three of the most used retreats are: "Rachel's Vineyard" which offers both Catholic and non-denominational facilitators. Some branches ask for a nominal fee as there are supplies that are provided for the experience. Another is "Project Rachel" which incorporates reflective study along with art and movement exercises that provide a wholistic healing approach. Last is "Deeper Still" a newer retreat with multiple facilitators held in beautiful locations around the country. This retreat is completely free to participants and some offer an opportunity for couples to participate.
I pray that this list gives you a starting point to see just how God wants to use your tears to water a new garden. Through healing is freedom. And in freedom ANYTHING is possible!
Again, feel free to reach out to me at AriseDaughter@gmail.com or on the website AriseDaughter.org for more information. Our partners at H3HELPLINE.ORG stand ready 24/7 to walk with you in your pain and grief and to offer additional local resources. You can also go online to AbortionChangesYou.com
Much love!! Sylvia
PS. Part 3 next week examines the ministry opportunities that follow healing and freedom!