After Abortion ...The Journey of Self-Forgiveness
by Debra Elliott
(Birmingham AL USA)
For You, O Lord, are good, and ready to forgive and You are abundant in mercy and loving-kindness to all those who call upon You. Psalm 86:5
In my last column I talked about the journey of self-healing and part of that journey includes self-forgiveness.
Forgiveness is the first step to healing and one of the toughest aspects of the healing process that you will experience.
I am still trying to find self-forgiveness. It is the number one countenance that constantly nags at my soul and I want to help you face the most difficult hurdle that you will have to overcome.
On this very challenging journey I have realized that to forgive one's self you have to ask to be forgiven and seek forgiveness.
The "what ifs" or "whys" will always be there in your mind and heart if you do not seek self-forgiveness.
Days, weeks, months, and years pass, but time stands still and focuses on that very millisecond that your life changed forever.
The "forgiveness factor", as I like to call it, is your minds way of not letting go of your heart so you can heal.
I am reminded of the saying "time heals all wounds", but that's not true of everyone. For those of us who have had an abortion our "wounds" cannot be healed without self-forgiveness.
A guiding scripture that has helped me to overcome my "wounds" and to heal is Psalm 147:3(He healeth the broken in heart,and bindeth up their wounds.)
Before you can move forward in your innermost private journey, you have got to forgive yourself. The doubts and the questions will
forever play havoc on your mind and in your soul if you hang on to the guilt and (NOT) forgive yourself.
I want to encourage and support you, and the Bible has become my greatest refuge in the forgiveness process. It is my shelter from distress, where I have found comfort during my journey.
One of my favorite passages from the Bible is Matthew 7:7-8;
(Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.)
When you are feeling discouraged and you cannot find self-forgiveness, remember that the Lord is always with you.
As I close this article I want to leave you with these thoughts:
TRUST in the LORD BELIEVE in YOURSELF SHARE your EMOTIONS Thank you for your heart-felt thoughts and comments on my last column. I deeply enjoyed reading your favorite bible verses also.
It is my hope that we can encourage each other through the intimate fellowship of my words and I look forward to your thoughts and favorite bible verses as we travel on the long journey ahead.
Blessings,
Debra
