Monday, April 10, 2006

Post abortion thoughts from Joan to our counselors

With the recent news of my client Lisa who chose abortion (see March 27, 2006 post) I felt that I wanted to share with the volunteers what I have experienced.. not only now, but also in the past, when a woman we have counseled with chooses to abort. Feel free to do with it as you choose.

Lean not on your own understanding. There are times at the center I have experienced sadness and a broken heart when I learned about a decision by one of my clients to have an abortion.

As a volunteer I want to let you know that you too are not alone if you have struggled with such stirring emotions.

When women we speak to at the center make a choice to abort it not only affects the client but at times it deeply wounds the volunteer who counseled and prayed for her. There's a bond that takes place with the client and her unborn baby, and the volunteer can experience some aspects of post abortion trauma.

So allow yourself permission to grieve and always remember that the Lord would want us to trust in Him in spite of the lost lives. There is also forgiveness that needs to take place as well.

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith of greater worth than gold, which perishes, even though refined by fire may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1st Peter 1:6-7

Having the sure confidence from the Word of God that the aborted child is with the Lord always brings such peace as you work through your grief and forgiveness. I have learned that being successful is found in obedience and humility not in the choices our clients make.

We must continue to love and speak the truth in love and leave the rest to the Lord. Often times I have been reminded of the verse of Scripture from Galatians 6:9 "Do not grow weary in well doing for in due time you will reap if you do not lose heart".

In His Service and Love,
Joan Vitale
March 28, 2006

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