After Abortion... The Journey of Self-Value

by Debra Elliott
(Birmingham AL USA)

When I sat down at my computer to write this column, I had no idea where our journey would take us this month. We have explored the journeys of self-healing and self-forgiveness.

After reading your comments and pondering all the many facets of abortion and the many different meanings it may have for you, I decided to write about the journey of self-value.

Let me ask you, What do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you see a reflection of an unknown person? That's what I saw for many years. I saw myself as an unknown person, one who did not have worth or esteem. I was missing the body, mind & spirit balance. I was missing the two aspects of self- value: self-worth and self-esteem.

After an abortion it's easy to “beat yourself up” as I did. You will deal with a quagmire of emotions.

One of those emotions is guilt. Guilt will worm its way into your body, mind, and spirit destroying your self-value. Guilt will make you feel worthless. You will lose your esteem.

I have been there. I was riddled with guilt for many years. I couldn't look at myself in a mirror. I was unworthy. I had no esteem. My body, mind, and spirit were destroyed by something I did. I was living in instant re-play. I couldn't turn it off.

You have to remind yourself that you have nothing to feel guilty about. What happened to you is in the past. You are already forgiven. There is nothing to feel guilty for.

Then Jesus said to the woman, "Your sins are forgiven!"
(Luke 7:48)ISV

Another emotion that can tear us apart is fear. Fear can devour your body,soul,and mind twisting the truth. Fear will lead you down a path of “I'm not worthy” and take away your self-esteem.

Right after my abortion I feared getting pregnant again, starting new relationships, telling my husband about my abortion. I feared telling the truth about my circumstance. I let fear consume me. I hid within myself. I became a living shell. Fear can become a battle that we cannot win. It can become our mainstay.

You have to take a cue from David in Psalm 27:1;
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Do not let guilt and fear take away your self-worth and your self-esteem. Always remember YOU HAVE VALUE in the eyes of the Lord.

It has been a great honor and pleasure to write this column. Your comments and bible verses have been a constant reminder that the Lord is with us always.

It is my goal to help you over hurdles and through the fire after an abortion.

I look forward to hearing from you as we go through our journeys together.

Be blessed,
Debra