Episode Summary:
Statistics suggest that 1 in 3 women will have an abortion, and all need to know there is hope for what they often experience as post-abortion syndrome. The ultimate shame and grief over the loss of that child is often as intense as a mother who loses a child to miscarriage or premature death. If you or a loved one have endured an abortion, then today is the perfect show for you for a hope-filled perspective.
In this episode, we talk with Jessica DeYoung, who shares her story surrounding her decision to have an abortion, as well as her experience with the post-abortion syndrome. Jessica explains that she believed that if she had her baby, it would destroy her family, and that she felt (as many women do) that abortion was the only option. So she and her boyfriend came to the conclusion that they needed to take the life of someone nobody knew about rather than destroying both of their families.
Jessica shared that she repeatedly asked God to forgive her for having an abortion, and one day when she was apologizing yet again and asking God to forgive her, he replied, “Sweet daughter, I don’t know what you are talking about” because He had already forgiven her, but she had yet to receive His forgiveness and forgive herself. Jessica explained that part of the healing process in her post-abortion syndrome entailed sharing her story, first with one person, then with many, so that the secrets she held in the dark would no longer have power over her.
In this blog post, Jessica shares 5 Things You Should Know If You Are Healing After Abortion.
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Quotables from the Episode:
When you are pregnant and in a desperate situation, it feels like there is nothing else you can do, but that is not the truth.
Each of us will have times in our lives where there feels there is no way out of the situation so we take things into our own hands.
With hardship, it doesn’t matter how big or little it seems to other people, when you are the one going through it, it is a big things.
Loving a woman who is in the midst of a post-abortion syndrome can help them not feel so ashamed and allow them to heal.
Satan wants to keep up in darkness, but as soon as we shine God’s light into our darkness and through the cracks of our hurt and pain, shame, and guilt, that is where healing starts.
It is never God who inflicts guilt, shame, or condemnation on us—that always comes from the enemy of our soul. God is faithful to forgive us.
We don’t have the power to forgive ourselves nor do we have the power to save ourselves. What we do have the power to do is to trust in the forgiveness of our Father, and to fully surrender and trust that what He said is true.
Scripture References:
“Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
“There is therefore no condemnation for those of us who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4
Recommended Resources: (If there are affiliate links in this post, meaning, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no extra cost to you)).
“Surrendering the Secret: Healing the Heartbreak of Abortion” by Pat Layton
Ask Dr. B: What Do I Do When I Can’t Forgive Myself
Ask Dr. B: How Do I Forgive Myself?
When You Don’t Feel Like Forgiving
Ask Dr. B: How Do You Grieve Well?
Truths to Remember When It Feels Like Life is Falling Apart
Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award.
Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award.
Social Media Links for Host and Guest:
To connect with Jessica DeYoung
Blog Website / Instagram / Facebook
For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:
Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube
Guest: Jessica DeYoung, founder of Grace Unworthy ministry
Jessica DeYoung is unapologetically in love with Jesus. She founded the ministry Grace Unworthy with the mission to encourage, challenge, and guide Christian women to a better understanding of Christ’s unfailing love and grace. Jessica’s passion is bringing women to the Word of God and encouraging them to strengthen their relationship with Him through life’s trials. She is real and raw and isn’t afraid to speak the truth in love.
She hosts twice-weekly live broadcasts where she teaches what God’s Word says about each of us while incorporating her own witty humor and stories about her own life struggles. She has published articles in magazines and written as a guest on blogs. She is currently working on publishing a series of devotionals as well as a book full of women’s stories of God’s grace!
Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson
Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson
This is so good. There are so many women who need these words of comfort and of hope. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks Jessica. Thanks Michelle. Again, such a great post and needy topic. You tackled it beautifully.
Pinned and tweeted.
Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!