It's Just the Beginning!

 Watching women who have had an abortion begin a journey toward healing and wholeness has become one of my favorite things!

It's not easy for a woman who has had an abortion to come out of hiding, share her story, and accept God's healing. Many times they only take these steps because they realize they are drowning in their sorrow, shame, and guilt. Regardless of how long its been since their abortions or how many they've had, healing is a process with many layers, which can feel daunting and overwhelming. But once a woman is ready to embark on her healing journey and she surrenders to the Father, He can do incredible, amazing, seemingly impossible things in her life.

I am so very grateful God is using my story, and the ministry He created out of it, to bless other women in such a beautiful way. As women step out of the shadow of their secret and talk to others who understand and relate, they are finally able to grieve their loss, accept God's forgiveness, and forgive themselves. One of the most powerful steps in this process is honoring the preborn baby(ies) they aborted. The NFM office provides an opportunity to do just that.

On Monday a sweet young lady came to honor her children. It was very emotional time but also a time of wonderful conversation. As she placed her vases alongside so many others, tears streamed down her face. I hugged her and we cried together. She squeezed me so tight and thanked me repeatedly for the opportunity to do something for her babies. She said she could almost feel her heart healing. I looked at her and said, "This is just the beginning."

I keep hearing those words over and over in my head...

It's Just the Beginning!

I believe its true for this precious girl and so many others. Once we are willing to let God have our pain and our shame, He uses it in ways we could have never dreamed of. She started her healing journey by reaching out to NFM. She was struggling with depression, she was suicidal, and she was in desperate need of someone who understood her. Our office administrator, Erin, was there to answer her call, be a listening ear, and offer words of encouragement without even a hint of condemnation. Later, I spent an hour and a half on the phone with her, assuring her she wasn't alone, which is something she desperately needed to hear. A couple of days later, Erin and I sat with her as she created vases in honor of her babies. She will also be attending our healing retreat in September and starting our Free Indeed Bible study soon after that. She is looking forward to the day when she can minister alongside us. God is meeting her in the middle of her mess and she already wants to help others begin their journey too. Isn't that beautiful? Its also proof that God is doing a mighty work within her, in just a few short days, because she was willing to take that first step.

If you have had an abortion and are not yet healed or walking in freedom, please know that all of us at Not Forgotten Ministries are praying for you. We're waiting for you with open arms. When you're ready, we are here for you. The first step is the scariest but once you've taken it, you'll see that you really didn't need to be so afraid. I promise, the courage it takes to step our of the darkness will be worth it. God wants so much more for you! He adores you and I believe, He designed Not Forgotten Ministries with you in mind. He knew so many of us would need the support of one another as we learn to walk the freedom He offers us.

Reading these sweet messages blesses my heart so much. THIS is why Not Forgotten Ministries exist! And it's just the beginning!

Tori