Why Couldn't I Be Forgiven Also?

	Mary Florida, United States

	I had an abortion because I was already a single mother and did not want to put my family through all the upheaval again. I didn't tell anyone. I felt so alone, hopeless, and full of despair. There was no one I could trust. No one I could turn to. I felt as though I did not have a choice. I took a cab to the abortion clinic. I was so afraid. I wanted to know if it was a boy or girl, but they said there was no way to tell. It was just a blob of tissue. There were so many emotions of pain and shame. I took a cab home. I immediately realized what I had done and could not undo it. As time went on I never told anyone but the memory was always there. I felt defeated, hopeless, and insecure. I turned to alcohol, drugs, men... I had committed this evil and there was no turning back. I was dead inside. I finally went back to church but felt my sin was too great for forgiveness. I went on a retreat weekend and someone told their story. I thought how brave that person was, how amazing. Then I thought if I could admire this woman for telling her story then why couldn't I be forgiven also? It was then my healing began. I joined the Pro-life committee at my church. I wanted to save someone else from going through what I went through. Some there suggested I go to a Rachel's Vineyard Retreat and so I did. From there I was put in touch with the Silent No More Campaign. I want to speak out! I want you to know God's Mercy is infinite! There is forgiveness! That is why I will be Silent No More.

Silent No More Awareness Campaign: Reach Out - Educate - Share
www.silentnomoreawareness.org