I don't know if I can post this or not, so I apologize up front if I can't and I will understand if it is deleted. I am not the same person I was when I was a teen close to 25 years ago and had the abs. I REGRET MY ABS and think my actions were morally wrong. So if I have confessed my abs (I am Catholic) as a sin against God b/c it is murder (I really apologize if I can't say that!) then am I supposed to be actively campaigning against it now? I mean if I saw someone getting ready to shoot someone I would try and stop it. Then why is it that I feel Very Conflicted about being actively pro-life? I feel like I don't have the right to tell anyone what to do (though sometimes I REALLY want to) because who am I, as a woman who has had not one, but two abs, to advice someone. I am not pure. Yet, I feel like I am somehow being untrue to God or letting Him/Her down if I don't "join the fight". If I can't ask this question here, can you please advice me as to where I can ask it.

Hello mtrh22, I am thankful you did post this question because I believe it is a question that many have, you are not alone. The struggle with advicing someone against making the same choice you made (no matter how many times this choice was made) is understandable and the line of reasoning that it is hyprocritcal is a belief that many have. This belief doesn't only apply to our abortion choices but to all choices we have made in our past, especially those choices that are morally wrong. For example, I have heard parents state they will not tell their teenagers not to drink alcohol or have sex because they made these same decisions when they were teenagers and that it is hyprocritcal to not allow them the same choice. This same argument is used when a teenager/woman is facing an unplanned pregnancy. How can someone who made the choice of an abortion(s) advice another woman facing the same decision to make a different choice?

I am going to attempt to share my own heart, belief and personal journey concerning this very important question.

I believe it is best to start with an understanding in the meaning of the term hyprocrite. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a hyprocrite is someone who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings. It is also describes a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion. Based on this meaning, I don't believe by advicing someone to choose a different path is hyprocritical. The advice giving is based on personal experience and a true knowledge of the emotional, spiritual and physical aftermath. It is out of this journey that our beliefs and feelings have changed from our original understanding or conviction. Wouldn't it be more accurate to say a person who encouraged or supported an individual's choice of abortion, when this action contradicted his/her belief or principle, in being hyprocritcal? It is sometimes our silence of the truth that allows evil to continue, not the other way around. I know the word evil may seem to be harsh, however, I can't seem to think of another word that can accurately describe actions that are morally wrong based on God's Word.

With that said, I also want to caution us to ever "tell someone" what to do, unless of course it is our own children. Side note, I am sure my three teenagers would love to have the freedom to make their own choices regardless of the rules at home and receive no consequences. But this is a different topic I may discuss in a different forum . When we are talking to someone who is facing a choice we should give advice based on our own beliefs, convictions and personal experiences. We should never manipulate the truth or facts to pursade or "tell someone" what their choice should be, just as we shouldn't use fear as a tool. Jesus said, "the truth shall set you free" and I believe when given the truth and factual experiences, then an individual can make an informed decision.

I understand your question is more of should you join the fight against abortion. I personally believe the Lord will place on your heart His purpose for your life. This could be sharing the Truth of abortion in a matter that is honoring and Glorifying our Lord. For me, it is serving here at SafeHaven and helping individuals find the healing, grace and mercy that He poured into my life (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). In addition, when the Lord brings individuals into my life that is facing an unplanned pregnancy and is seeking answers to some very difficult questions, I share the truth with them. This truth is based on God's Word, my own personal journey and experiences and the facts of the three options they have before them (abortion, adoption and parenting). I will remain prolife for the remainders of my days here on earth and eternity. I will never encourage, support or go with anyone who makes the choice of abortion. However, I will always love, encourage and share truth with anyone who is hurting from this choice, no matter what reason they had in making this decision.

I am not sure if this answers your question(s), but it is my prayer that it will stir within your heart and encourage you to seek God's will and purpose in your life. Please feel free to continue this discussion here or email me at carla@postabortionpain.com

Again, welcome to SafeHaven and I enjoyed talking with you last night in our chat!

Blessings,
Carla

Oh My! I just logged in right before I have to leave for work to see if anyone had replied and I did Not expect such a wise and detailed reply!!! THANK YOU for taking the time to post such a reply. It is VERY helpful. I have to run to work so I will reply more after I get back home.

p.s. I enjoyed the chat too!

It has been so long since I've been on here!! Thank you mthr22 for asking your question, and thank you Carla for a beautiful answer. I had a super long reply all typed out and went to submit it and found out I wasn't logged in `~`.

I too struggled with the same thing. For many years I didn't even talk about my abortion, much less try to give advise. My son would be almost 29 now and I just started to face my abortion experience a little over 6 years ago. I think we all tend to rush ahead of God's timing and try to fix things. Maybe it's a woman thing, taking care of things. God will lead you to where you will be most effective when He knows you are ready. Then Satan had better watch out!!

Blessings
Libby

Carla, I don't think you could have said it better. mthr 22 (and others who are hurting) I would encourage you to seek out the healing and forgivness that comes only through Jesus; and in so doing, ask Him where/what He would have you do. He will guide you when the time is right, My own healing continues to go deeper and deeper as I follow His leading in helping/ministering His love to others. Within the last year He has taken me places that I never would have imagined, but I trust and follow Him so that women, and men, can know the truth - and the truth shall set you free.

Romans 8:1 (NIV)
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

wow, colorado-lori, I feel I could write exactly the same thing. During the past year He has taken me places I never would've imagined either, in fact, I think I'd have run away somewhere if I could've seen the things He would ask me to do! But He would've just followed me there anyway. We can't get away from Him, and I don't want to, anyway.
Thanks to everyone for these great questions and answers.