"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
Galatians 5:1
Freedom. I love that word. I love how it makes me feel when I think about it. It makes me want to take a deep breath and let it out slowly. My soul longs for freedom. I think we all do. To me freedom feels like running through open fields arms stretched out, spinning around when I feel a burst of joy running through my being, and then laying back on the cool grass, eyes closed, soaking up the warmth of the sun on my face. I can imagine myself there now. I feel at ease, light, joyful, refreshed, relaxed, unhindered, and mostly feel one with God.
Scripture tells us that "it is for freedom that Christ has set us free." He has set us free so we can experience freedom. What does that mean? For me, it helps to take a look at where I was before I received the gift of freedom, and to examine where I am today. You see, I have had definite moments of freedom, and seasons of freedom, but consistently living in freedom is often a challenge for me. Just as I know what freedom feels like, I also know what the opposite feels like ... it is dark, secretive, and isolating. It feels heavy, like being held back, trapped, and confined. It is slavery.
There was a time in my life when I lived in this darkness. I felt trapped in a cage, knowing that I will never be able to escape. The cage represented all the hard things in my past that will always be with me, surrounding me and keeping me from being free. Yet a gracious God lead me to a Bible study for post-abortive women, a place where I could be myself, share my past and catch a glimmer of hope. Over time I noticed that the cage door had been unlocked. Not really believing that I could leave, I chose to remain in my safe place. Gradually, that cage door opened a little more, then a little more each day. I started to think maybe freedom is possible. But still chose to stay in the place that was familiar. Then one day the cage door was flung wide open to stay. Wow, I thought, I can leave this cage anytime I want. Yet, I still questioned whether I should go or stay. I was scared to leave all I have known, but wanted so badly to believe there is a better life. A life of freedom.
The Reflections Bible Study was a huge part of my journey. I saw that through God's love, through the sacrifice of His son, my past sin of abortion could be forgiven and I could be set free from that bondage of shame, guilt and secrecy. I finally accepted His gift, I finally ran out of the cage and into the open fields of forgiveness, love, grace and mercy. This freedom is what Christ desires to give all of us. He has opened the door, we can leave all the past behind us. We can run, laugh, play, be ourselves, sing with joy and have oneness with God. This is freedom.
So, let us "stand firm, then, and do not let ourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." To me that means to be strong in the Lord, trust Him, don't be tempted to go back into the cage of the past, no matter how safe and familiar it seems to be in there. Walking in freedom is a one-time decision and a life-long process. We may have a defining moment of receiving the gift and then it is up to us to continue to stand firm, holding on to the truths of God's Word. We need to be on guard and not let ourselves go back into slavery, whether it is the old bondage of shame and guilt, or new areas of potential bondage such as sinful attitudes, pride, pretense, fear, perfectionism, unbelief, or worry. If we are honest with ourselves, we know we continue to fall even as we continue to let God grow us. We don't intend to stumble, but it happens. Let's keep ourselves in check, examine our hearts daily, stay in the truth and stand firm.
We are a team of women just like you who want to listen, to talk, and to share the hope and freedom of Christ with you. Feel free to share your thoughts by posting a comment or contact us through email or our confidential phone line 661.599.2307.
Simply His,
Debbie Haupt
Reflections, Ministry Director
Monday, November 9, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
The Mask
A great devotional I wanted to share from HomeWord Devotionals
The Mask
By Kelly McFadden
The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight."
Luke 16:14-15
Each October, children and adults all over the United States head to shops to buy costumes as children anticipate a day to pretend to be something or become someone else. Some costumes are fun, some adorable, some are gross and some are scary. Whatever the case, those who choose to dress up take on a role of something other than their real selves.
Perhaps, in a way, some of us wear masks year round. Jesus berated the Pharisees for their attitudes numerous times during His ministry. The Pharisees were focused on the religious rules of faith and not concerned with the heart of the message, or the Messiah who taught it. They put on a show of obedience and righteous living. Even though their hearts were calloused with greed and selfish desires, they wore masks of holiness and perfection on the outside. The Pharisees were more concerned about their appearance than they were about actually letting God work from the inside out.
Jesus saw right through the masks the Pharisees wore, and today, He sees right through our masks too. Sometimes people wear a mask pretending, like the Pharisees, to be holy and righteous on the outside, but setting standards that no one, not even they can live up to. However, there are other types of masks we wear. Sometimes we wear masks to cover our grief, loneliness or despair. There are other people who want to “keep up with the Joneses,” maintaining appearances only to find themselves in huge financial debt. Others wear masks at church each weekend, projecting an image of having it all together, while inwardly struggling with sin, never seeking help because there is fear in being rejected.
The good news is that in Christ, we can find freedom from wearing masks. Make it your goal to live life as the person Christ has created you to be, not what everyone else thinks you should be. Remember that God sees everything—not just our actions, but our hearts as well. This ought to be both a challenge and a comfort to us. Today, take off the mask! God is big enough to lovingly deal with the real you and, at the same time, lead you toward being conformed to the image of Christ.
GOING DEEPER:
1. What in your life do you hide with a mask? How can you pray to ask the Lord to help you lift it off?
2. Ask the Lord to reveal to you people in your life who are walking around with a mask of happiness, but inside are filled with despair. Find ways to help that person.
FURTHER READING:
John 5:31-47; Acts 15:6-21; 2 Corinthians 3:1-5
The Mask
By Kelly McFadden
The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight."
Luke 16:14-15
Each October, children and adults all over the United States head to shops to buy costumes as children anticipate a day to pretend to be something or become someone else. Some costumes are fun, some adorable, some are gross and some are scary. Whatever the case, those who choose to dress up take on a role of something other than their real selves.
Perhaps, in a way, some of us wear masks year round. Jesus berated the Pharisees for their attitudes numerous times during His ministry. The Pharisees were focused on the religious rules of faith and not concerned with the heart of the message, or the Messiah who taught it. They put on a show of obedience and righteous living. Even though their hearts were calloused with greed and selfish desires, they wore masks of holiness and perfection on the outside. The Pharisees were more concerned about their appearance than they were about actually letting God work from the inside out.
Jesus saw right through the masks the Pharisees wore, and today, He sees right through our masks too. Sometimes people wear a mask pretending, like the Pharisees, to be holy and righteous on the outside, but setting standards that no one, not even they can live up to. However, there are other types of masks we wear. Sometimes we wear masks to cover our grief, loneliness or despair. There are other people who want to “keep up with the Joneses,” maintaining appearances only to find themselves in huge financial debt. Others wear masks at church each weekend, projecting an image of having it all together, while inwardly struggling with sin, never seeking help because there is fear in being rejected.
The good news is that in Christ, we can find freedom from wearing masks. Make it your goal to live life as the person Christ has created you to be, not what everyone else thinks you should be. Remember that God sees everything—not just our actions, but our hearts as well. This ought to be both a challenge and a comfort to us. Today, take off the mask! God is big enough to lovingly deal with the real you and, at the same time, lead you toward being conformed to the image of Christ.
GOING DEEPER:
1. What in your life do you hide with a mask? How can you pray to ask the Lord to help you lift it off?
2. Ask the Lord to reveal to you people in your life who are walking around with a mask of happiness, but inside are filled with despair. Find ways to help that person.
FURTHER READING:
John 5:31-47; Acts 15:6-21; 2 Corinthians 3:1-5
Monday, October 12, 2009
Abundant Life
We had our first ministry meeting of the new season last Thursday evening. We listened as many shared their story of how they became a part of Reflections and what God had done in their lives. Some of these incredible women are moving on to new things this year. As hard as it is to see them leave us, we are comforted knowing God is working out His plan for them. And also for Reflections ... because the "seeds of Reflections" go with them wherever they go, and more importantly God is with them. Everyone that comes through this ministry, whether as a participant in the study or as a non-post abortive prayer partner, has a story of God getting a hold of their heart and teaching, healing, refining, loving, and, ultimately, changing them. Really, it is almost impossible not to be a changed person after being involved in this ministry, and seeing God work right before your eyes, and feeling Him work right within your own heart. We see lives transformed each year, and have the honor of "seeing" God and knowing He is "real" ... and that is "experiencing the abundant life" (thanks, Mike!) that Christ offers us. What can be better than that!
Simply His,
Debbie
Simply His,
Debbie
Post Abortion Syndrome
Post-Abortion Syndrome is a form of post-traumatic stress disorder. The process of making an abortion choice, experiencing the procedure and living with the grief, pain and regret is certainly, at its very core, traumatic. As with any trauma, individuals often try to "forget" the ordeal and deny or ignore any pain that may result. Many simply don't relate their distress to the abortion experience. At some point, however, memories resurface and the truth of this loss can no longer be denied. During these moments, the pain of Post-Abortion Syndrome reveals itself in the hearts of millions of lives.
The symptoms of Post-Abortion Syndrome will not necessarily appear at the same time, nor is any woman likely to experience the entire list. Some may occur immediately after an abortion and others much later. If you can identify with more than two of these symptoms, it could be that you are experiencing Post-Abortion Syndrome.
Below are the symptoms that describe Post-Abortion Syndrome, as described by Dr. Paul and Teri Reisser in their book, Help for the Post-Abortive Woman (now entitled A Solitary Sorrow.)
1. GUILT. Guilt is what an individual feels when she has violated her own moral code. For the woman who has come to believe, at some point either before or after the abortion, that she consented to the killing of her unborn child, the burden of guilt is relentless. There is little consolation to offer the woman who has transgressed one of nature’s strongest instincts: the protection a mother extends to her young. In fact, many post-abortive women believe that any unhappy events that have occurred since the abortion were inevitable because they “deserve it.”
2. ANXIETY. Anxiety is defined as an unpleasant emotional and physical state of apprehension that may take the form of tension, (inability to relax, irritability, etc.), physical responses (dizziness, pounding heart, upset stomach, headaches, etc.), worry about the future, difficulty concentrating and disturbed sleep. The conflict between a woman’s moral standards and her decision to abort generates much of this anxiety. Very often, she will not relate her anxiety to Post-Abortion Syndrome, and yet she will unconsciously begin to avoid anything having to do with babies. She may make excuses for not attending a baby shower, skip the baby aisle at the grocery store and so forth.
3. PSYCHOLOGICAL "NUMBING". Many post-abortive women maintain a secret vow that they will never again allow themselves to be put in such a vulnerable position. As a result, often without conscious thought, they may work hard to keep their emotions in tight check, preventing themselves from feeling the pain of what has happened, but also greatly hampering their ability to form and maintain close relationships. Cut off even from themselves, they may feel as though their lives were happening to another person.
4. DEPRESSION AND THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE. All of us experience depression from time to time, but the following forms of it are certainly common in women who have experienced abortion:* Sad mood--ranging from feelings of melancholy to total hopelessness.
• Sudden and uncontrollable crying episodes--the source of which appear to be a total mystery.
•Deterioration of self-concept--because she feels wholly deficient in her ability to function as a “normal” woman. Sleep, appetite, and sexual disturbances--usually in a pattern of insomnia, loss of appetite and/or reduced sex drive.
• Reduced motivation--for the normal activities of life. The things that occupied her life before the depression no longer seem worth doing.
• Disruption in interpersonal relationships--because of the general lack of enthusiasm for all activities. This is especially evidenced in her relationship with her husband or boyfriend, particularly if he was involved in the abortion decision.
• Thoughts of suicide--or preoccupation with death. Not surprisingly, in a study done by the Elliot Institute some 33% of post-abortive women surveyed reached a level of depression so deep that they would rather die than go on.
5. ANNIVERSARY SYNDROME. In the survey reference previously, some 54% of post-abortive women report an increase of Post-Abortion Syndrome symptoms around the time of the anniversary of the abortion and/or the due date of the aborted child.
6. RE-EXPERIENCING THE ABORTION. A very common event described by post-abortive women is the sudden distressing, recurring “flashbacks” of the abortion episode, often occurring during situations that resemble some aspect of the abortion, such as a routine gynecological exam, or even the sound of a vacuum cleaner’s suction. “Flashbacks” also occur in the form of recurring nightmares about babies in general or the aborted baby in particular. These “dreams” usually involve themes of lost, dismembered or crying babies.
7. PREOCCUPATION WITH BECOMING PREGNANT AGAIN. A significant percentage of women who abort become pregnant again within one year, and many others verbalize the desire to conceive again as quickly as possible. The new baby, sometimes referred to as the “atonement baby,” may represent an unconscious desire to replace the one that was aborted.
8. ANXIETY OVER FERTILITY AND CHILDBEARING ISSUES. Some post-abortive women maintain a fear that they will never again become pregnant or be able to carry a pregnancy to term. Some expect to have handicapped children because they have “disqualified themselves as good mothers.” Many refer to these fears as punishments from God.
9. INTERRUPTION OF THE BONDING PROCESS WITH PRESENT AND/OR FUTURE CHILDREN. Fearing another devastating loss, a post-abortive woman may not allow herself to truly bond with other children. Another common reaction is to atone for her actions toward the aborted child by becoming the world’s most perfect mother to her remaining or future children. Likewise, the woman who already had children at the time of her abortion may discover that she is beginning to view them in a different light. At one extreme, she may unconsciously devalue them, thinking things like, “you were the lucky one. You were allowed to live.” Or she may go in the opposite direction and become overly protective.
10. SURVIVAL GUILT. Most women do not abort for trivial reasons. They are usually in the midst of a heartbreaking situation whereby they stand to lose much if they choose to carry their pregnancies to term. In the end, the decision boils down to a sorrowful “It’s me or you, and I choose me.” But while the abortion frees them from their current trauma, it frequently produces in them an unrelenting guilt for choosing their own comfort over the life of the child.
11. DEVELOPMENT OF EATING DISORDERS. Some post-abortive women develop anorexia or bulimia. While this phenomenon remains largely unexplored at this time, several factors may contribute to it. First, a substantial weight gain or severe weight loss is associated with unattractiveness, which reduces the odds of becoming pregnant again. Second, becoming unattractive serves as a form of self-punishment and helps perpetuate the belief that the woman is unworthy of anyone’s attention. Third, extremes in eating behavior represent a form of control for the woman who feels her life is totally out of control. And finally, a drastic weight loss can shut down the menstrual cycle, thus preventing any future pregnancies.
12. ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE. Alcohol and drug use often serve initially as a form of self-medication--a way of coping with the pain of the abortion memories. Sadly, the woman who resorts to alcohol and/or drugs eventually finds herself having not only more problems but also fewer resources with which to solve them. The mental and physical consequences of alcohol or drug abuse only amplify most of the symptoms the woman is already experiencing.
13. OTHER SELF-PUNISHING OR SELF-DEGRADING BEHAVIORS. In addition to eating disorders and substance abuse, the post-abortive woman may also enter into abusive relationships, become promiscuous, and fail to take care of herself
medically or deliberately hurt herself emotionally and/or physically.
14. BRIEF REACTIVE PSYCHOSIS. Rarely, a post-abortive woman may experience a brief psychotic episode for two weeks or less after her abortion. The break with reality and subsequent recovery are both extremely rapid, and in most cases the person returns completely to normal when it is over. While this is an unusual reaction to abortion, it bears mentioning only because it is possible for a person to have a brief psychotic reaction to a stressful even without being labeled a psychotic individual. During such an episode, the individual’s perception of reality is drastically distorted. These individuals should be referred to the care of a professional.
The symptoms of Post-Abortion Syndrome will not necessarily appear at the same time, nor is any woman likely to experience the entire list. Some may occur immediately after an abortion and others much later. If you can identify with more than two of these symptoms, it could be that you are experiencing Post-Abortion Syndrome.
Below are the symptoms that describe Post-Abortion Syndrome, as described by Dr. Paul and Teri Reisser in their book, Help for the Post-Abortive Woman (now entitled A Solitary Sorrow.)
1. GUILT. Guilt is what an individual feels when she has violated her own moral code. For the woman who has come to believe, at some point either before or after the abortion, that she consented to the killing of her unborn child, the burden of guilt is relentless. There is little consolation to offer the woman who has transgressed one of nature’s strongest instincts: the protection a mother extends to her young. In fact, many post-abortive women believe that any unhappy events that have occurred since the abortion were inevitable because they “deserve it.”
2. ANXIETY. Anxiety is defined as an unpleasant emotional and physical state of apprehension that may take the form of tension, (inability to relax, irritability, etc.), physical responses (dizziness, pounding heart, upset stomach, headaches, etc.), worry about the future, difficulty concentrating and disturbed sleep. The conflict between a woman’s moral standards and her decision to abort generates much of this anxiety. Very often, she will not relate her anxiety to Post-Abortion Syndrome, and yet she will unconsciously begin to avoid anything having to do with babies. She may make excuses for not attending a baby shower, skip the baby aisle at the grocery store and so forth.
3. PSYCHOLOGICAL "NUMBING". Many post-abortive women maintain a secret vow that they will never again allow themselves to be put in such a vulnerable position. As a result, often without conscious thought, they may work hard to keep their emotions in tight check, preventing themselves from feeling the pain of what has happened, but also greatly hampering their ability to form and maintain close relationships. Cut off even from themselves, they may feel as though their lives were happening to another person.
4. DEPRESSION AND THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE. All of us experience depression from time to time, but the following forms of it are certainly common in women who have experienced abortion:* Sad mood--ranging from feelings of melancholy to total hopelessness.
• Sudden and uncontrollable crying episodes--the source of which appear to be a total mystery.
•Deterioration of self-concept--because she feels wholly deficient in her ability to function as a “normal” woman. Sleep, appetite, and sexual disturbances--usually in a pattern of insomnia, loss of appetite and/or reduced sex drive.
• Reduced motivation--for the normal activities of life. The things that occupied her life before the depression no longer seem worth doing.
• Disruption in interpersonal relationships--because of the general lack of enthusiasm for all activities. This is especially evidenced in her relationship with her husband or boyfriend, particularly if he was involved in the abortion decision.
• Thoughts of suicide--or preoccupation with death. Not surprisingly, in a study done by the Elliot Institute some 33% of post-abortive women surveyed reached a level of depression so deep that they would rather die than go on.
5. ANNIVERSARY SYNDROME. In the survey reference previously, some 54% of post-abortive women report an increase of Post-Abortion Syndrome symptoms around the time of the anniversary of the abortion and/or the due date of the aborted child.
6. RE-EXPERIENCING THE ABORTION. A very common event described by post-abortive women is the sudden distressing, recurring “flashbacks” of the abortion episode, often occurring during situations that resemble some aspect of the abortion, such as a routine gynecological exam, or even the sound of a vacuum cleaner’s suction. “Flashbacks” also occur in the form of recurring nightmares about babies in general or the aborted baby in particular. These “dreams” usually involve themes of lost, dismembered or crying babies.
7. PREOCCUPATION WITH BECOMING PREGNANT AGAIN. A significant percentage of women who abort become pregnant again within one year, and many others verbalize the desire to conceive again as quickly as possible. The new baby, sometimes referred to as the “atonement baby,” may represent an unconscious desire to replace the one that was aborted.
8. ANXIETY OVER FERTILITY AND CHILDBEARING ISSUES. Some post-abortive women maintain a fear that they will never again become pregnant or be able to carry a pregnancy to term. Some expect to have handicapped children because they have “disqualified themselves as good mothers.” Many refer to these fears as punishments from God.
9. INTERRUPTION OF THE BONDING PROCESS WITH PRESENT AND/OR FUTURE CHILDREN. Fearing another devastating loss, a post-abortive woman may not allow herself to truly bond with other children. Another common reaction is to atone for her actions toward the aborted child by becoming the world’s most perfect mother to her remaining or future children. Likewise, the woman who already had children at the time of her abortion may discover that she is beginning to view them in a different light. At one extreme, she may unconsciously devalue them, thinking things like, “you were the lucky one. You were allowed to live.” Or she may go in the opposite direction and become overly protective.
10. SURVIVAL GUILT. Most women do not abort for trivial reasons. They are usually in the midst of a heartbreaking situation whereby they stand to lose much if they choose to carry their pregnancies to term. In the end, the decision boils down to a sorrowful “It’s me or you, and I choose me.” But while the abortion frees them from their current trauma, it frequently produces in them an unrelenting guilt for choosing their own comfort over the life of the child.
11. DEVELOPMENT OF EATING DISORDERS. Some post-abortive women develop anorexia or bulimia. While this phenomenon remains largely unexplored at this time, several factors may contribute to it. First, a substantial weight gain or severe weight loss is associated with unattractiveness, which reduces the odds of becoming pregnant again. Second, becoming unattractive serves as a form of self-punishment and helps perpetuate the belief that the woman is unworthy of anyone’s attention. Third, extremes in eating behavior represent a form of control for the woman who feels her life is totally out of control. And finally, a drastic weight loss can shut down the menstrual cycle, thus preventing any future pregnancies.
12. ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE. Alcohol and drug use often serve initially as a form of self-medication--a way of coping with the pain of the abortion memories. Sadly, the woman who resorts to alcohol and/or drugs eventually finds herself having not only more problems but also fewer resources with which to solve them. The mental and physical consequences of alcohol or drug abuse only amplify most of the symptoms the woman is already experiencing.
13. OTHER SELF-PUNISHING OR SELF-DEGRADING BEHAVIORS. In addition to eating disorders and substance abuse, the post-abortive woman may also enter into abusive relationships, become promiscuous, and fail to take care of herself
medically or deliberately hurt herself emotionally and/or physically.
14. BRIEF REACTIVE PSYCHOSIS. Rarely, a post-abortive woman may experience a brief psychotic episode for two weeks or less after her abortion. The break with reality and subsequent recovery are both extremely rapid, and in most cases the person returns completely to normal when it is over. While this is an unusual reaction to abortion, it bears mentioning only because it is possible for a person to have a brief psychotic reaction to a stressful even without being labeled a psychotic individual. During such an episode, the individual’s perception of reality is drastically distorted. These individuals should be referred to the care of a professional.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Testimony 2
I became pregnant the first time I had sex, and it was with a boy I had been dating for about a month. Very close to two months later, at the age of seventeen, I had the abortion. I chose to have the abortion because I was still in high school. I would have been pregnant at prom, had the baby around graduation, and I could have not graduated at all. Through the next years I went on with my life and it seemed like I had never had an abortion, it was like a dream.
Three years later, at the age of twenty-one, I heard about Reflections at the Sanctity of Life Sunday at LBC. As I sat there listening, God really spoke to me about my abortion and made me think of how I was pushing it into the back of my mind. I heard Him say to me that I really needed to face what I had done and accept His forgiveness. I knew that this study would help me go through that process.
I called someone from the Reflections Ministry Team a few days after that Sanctity of Life Sunday. I was late joining but the lady I spoke with said she would put me in a group. Even though I started the study a couple of weeks later than the other ladies, I caught up, and I was soon on the same page as the rest of the group.
Each chapter of the study works with the emotions that you feel or have felt during and/or after the abortion. It really helps you deal with everything you have gone through and the emotions that you didn’t realize you went through.
Knowing that two people are praying for you constantly is amazing. Also, the notes you get from them each week really helps with the study. It is hard to grasp how much these people care about you even though they do not have any idea who you are. Getting to thank those two people at the end of the study just completes it all.
Through Reflections you can feel God’s love fill you and you can see how much He wants you to feel Forgiven and Set Free. I can’t explain in words what Reflections really has done for me. You come out of this program completely changed, and you don’t know how you lived with having your abortion before this study.
Three years later, at the age of twenty-one, I heard about Reflections at the Sanctity of Life Sunday at LBC. As I sat there listening, God really spoke to me about my abortion and made me think of how I was pushing it into the back of my mind. I heard Him say to me that I really needed to face what I had done and accept His forgiveness. I knew that this study would help me go through that process.
I called someone from the Reflections Ministry Team a few days after that Sanctity of Life Sunday. I was late joining but the lady I spoke with said she would put me in a group. Even though I started the study a couple of weeks later than the other ladies, I caught up, and I was soon on the same page as the rest of the group.
Each chapter of the study works with the emotions that you feel or have felt during and/or after the abortion. It really helps you deal with everything you have gone through and the emotions that you didn’t realize you went through.
Knowing that two people are praying for you constantly is amazing. Also, the notes you get from them each week really helps with the study. It is hard to grasp how much these people care about you even though they do not have any idea who you are. Getting to thank those two people at the end of the study just completes it all.
Through Reflections you can feel God’s love fill you and you can see how much He wants you to feel Forgiven and Set Free. I can’t explain in words what Reflections really has done for me. You come out of this program completely changed, and you don’t know how you lived with having your abortion before this study.
Testimony 1
Other than becoming a Christian, the Reflections Bible Study group is the best thing I’ve done. I was a wallflower spiritually and physically. I knew God loved me, but He was surrounded by all the important Christians, His “pets”, and He would wink at me as I stood be the wall as if to say “yeah I love you too.” I can never fully understand God’s love for me, but I now know that I am His beloved. He loves me as much as He loved Peter and Paul. For the first time I’ve been able to experience God’s joy. I’m free of the guilt and shame.
My relationships with my husband and children have significantly improved. The walls I’ve built up over the years have been falling. I can finally let them get close to me. I hated who I was, but I can now say I like who I am. This is who God made me. He has a purpose for me in this life, that I will bring Him glory. I’ve had people comment on the change that has taken place in my life. These are people who do not know I went through the Reflections Bible study.
When I found out about the Reflections Bible study, I thought I had effectively dealt with my abortion. I thought I was okay. I decided to go through the study because I wanted to help other women who had abortions. I thought it would be a helpful tool and I could deal with any issues I hadn’t dealt with. I soon realized I hadn’t experienced God’s healing at all. The 11 weeks of the study were hard, having to deal with emotions and guilt that had been suppressed for so long, but they were also the sweetest times. I loved knowing I had two people praying for me. At first I felt unworthy. The notes I received were a great encouragement. Being able to talk about my experience with other women and hear their thoughts and feelings about their experience was very helpful in the healing process. We wrote letters to God about our babies and named our babies. Today, I can acknowledge my baby, and instead of being appalled by the white crosses that are put out every January in remembrance of the aborted babies, I can now say there is a cross for Rachel.
My relationships with my husband and children have significantly improved. The walls I’ve built up over the years have been falling. I can finally let them get close to me. I hated who I was, but I can now say I like who I am. This is who God made me. He has a purpose for me in this life, that I will bring Him glory. I’ve had people comment on the change that has taken place in my life. These are people who do not know I went through the Reflections Bible study.
When I found out about the Reflections Bible study, I thought I had effectively dealt with my abortion. I thought I was okay. I decided to go through the study because I wanted to help other women who had abortions. I thought it would be a helpful tool and I could deal with any issues I hadn’t dealt with. I soon realized I hadn’t experienced God’s healing at all. The 11 weeks of the study were hard, having to deal with emotions and guilt that had been suppressed for so long, but they were also the sweetest times. I loved knowing I had two people praying for me. At first I felt unworthy. The notes I received were a great encouragement. Being able to talk about my experience with other women and hear their thoughts and feelings about their experience was very helpful in the healing process. We wrote letters to God about our babies and named our babies. Today, I can acknowledge my baby, and instead of being appalled by the white crosses that are put out every January in remembrance of the aborted babies, I can now say there is a cross for Rachel.
Friday, October 9, 2009
"Forgiven & Set Free" Study
The "Forgiven & Set Free" study, written by Linda Cochrane, is a Bible study designed specificially for post-abortive women that gently guides them on the incredible journey of receiving healing, grace and forgiveness from their loving God.
Reflections offers this 10-week study once a year beginning each January. Our next study will be beginning in January 2010. If you are interested or have any questions, please call our confidential phone line 661-599-2307 or email us at reflections318@gmail.com
We would love to chat with you!
Reflections offers this 10-week study once a year beginning each January. Our next study will be beginning in January 2010. If you are interested or have any questions, please call our confidential phone line 661-599-2307 or email us at reflections318@gmail.com
We would love to chat with you!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
A New Season
Here in Bakersfield, California, we have been in limbo between summer and fall. One day can be 104, the next 79 degrees. Strange, I know. There is a building anticipation of finally turning that corner where the heat will be behind us and the fall crisp, cool air upon us. AHHHH.... I love and welcome the changing seasons.
In the ministry of Reflections we are also beginning a new season. Our 7th year! Wow! If you are new to Reflections you will want to stay tuned in to begin learning about the amazing history of this God-inspired ministry that brings healing to women who have abortion in their past. We are a group of women who have been touched by the grace of God and have the joy of walking in complete freedom, and who desire to share this freedom with other women. We are just like you... mothers, daughters, sisters, homemakers, business owners, pastors' daughters, school teachers, grandmothers .... some of us are post-abortive, some not. But we all have a heart for God and love being a small part of His big plan.
This is a newly created blog which is replacing our previous website. It just must be a year for change, for newness, since several things are new this year. Our director last year, Kelly DeMoes, announced she was feeling lead by God to step out of Reflections and step into a much-needed role within our church's high school ministry. She has been involved in Reflections since, well, before it even had its name. In fact, before Reflections was born, Kelly and Heidi Williams, who directed this ministry from its beginning in 2003 to 2007, prayed for many years asking God for direction and timing for ministering to post abortive women. Reflections is God's answer to those prayers! Heidi, who moved in 2007 to North Carolina, is still involved as our ministry Visionary. (just a little bit of Reflections history for you!)
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to step in as director of Reflections for this next season. I became involved in this ministry just as it was beginning, when I met Heidi in 2003. Together, we had the joy of leading the very first study group in January 2004. Excitedly, we are now entering our 7th year! I invite you to join us, to follow, post comments, give us feedback and thoughts - as we begin to prepare our hearts, minds and souls for what God has planned this year - as we focus on renewing our passion for intimacy with our Lord and Savior. Come along!
Simply His,
Debbie Haupt
Reflections, Ministry Director
Debbie Haupt
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