My after-abortion recovery group (Some Cares) uses the book Forgiven and Set Free to process through the stages of recovery. Chapter Eight (Acceptance) was a pivotal point in my journey to freedom. Through scripture, I came to believe that God didn’t want me to be consumed by the grief and guilt I had felt for so many years. He wanted me to forgive myself as He had forgiven me. He wanted me to know my child and I would reunite in heaven.

I have listed some of the questions in Chapter 8. I hope they may benefit you in any situation in which you feel remorse and self-blame. (All scriptures are from the Message Bible.)

1. For all the tears that have been shed and the pain that has been felt, what great hope is there?

And God will wipe the tears from every face. He’ll remove every sign of disgrace from his people, wherever they are.  Isaiah 25:8

The people God has ransomed will…sing as they make their way home…as all sorrows and sighs scurry into the night.  Isaiah 35:10

2. Once you have accepted God’s forgiveness in your life, joy can replace guilt. After David accepted God’s forgiveness how did he respond in Psalm 30:11-12 and in Psalm 16:11?

(Lord), You changed wild lament into whirling dance; You ripped off my black mourning band and decked me with wildflowers. I’m about to burst with song; I can’t keep quiet about you. God, my God, I can’t thank you enough. Psalm 30:11-12

Now you’ve got my feet on the life path, all radiant from the shining of your face. Ever since you took my hand, I’m on the right way. Psalm 16:11

3. What does Peter describe in 1 Peter 1:1-9?

. . .Not one is missing, not one forgotten. God the Father has his eye on each of you. . .Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you’ll have it all—life healed and whole.

In my next post, read about the new direction after-abortion recovery can take men and women—away from pain and toward seeking the Lord’s direction for their lives.

After abortion counseling can help women and men find healing, peace, closure and hope. Classes and retreats are going on currently.

Someone Cares Website https://someonecaresdfw.org/

Email someonecares@someonecaresdfw.org

Forgiven and Set Free: A Post-Abortion Bible Study for Women by Linda Cochrane available on Amazon.

Read more about my personal history in the book, Call me Worthy, also available on Amazon.