40 Days For Life: DAY 31: Hope after abortion

 

​

Vigil participants in Lawndale, California observed a man repeatedly drive by their vigil site. Eventually, the motorist stopped to thank the peaceful prayer warriors for being out there. In his 20s, he accompanied a friend to abort her baby. Though the child was not his, the experience haunts him to this day. Unfortunately, it wasn't the man's last brush with abortion. When his son got a girlfriend pregnant, the man didn't object to the abortion of his own grandchild.

"Since that time, he was saved and knows God has forgiven him," reported Laura, the local vigil leader. "However, he is still grieving the loss of his grandchild. Last year he watched Unplanned, and that is what opened his eyes to the truth about abortion." Laura and her team provided the still-mourning man with post-abortion healing resources. "It is a gift to be able to console and counsel people wounded by abortion during our vigils," Laura said. "The Holy Spirit brings them to us."

Cork, Ireland Abortion was only recently legalized in Ireland... ...but already women are coming to recognize and regret the destruction and trauma it causes. A volunteer in Cork met a woman who had a chemical abortion, in part because she was homeless. Of course, the abortion didn't provide her with a home; it merely broke her heart. The vigil participant offered the post-abortive mother a devotional medal and post-abortion healing resources. "She cried with joy, knowing that she is forgiven by God when she looks for His mercy," reported the campaign team. "Please remember this poor soul in your prayers."

Spring, Texas The Spring campaign team received a heartbreaking letter written by a post-abortive mother to her baby boy. The mom carried the grief and shame of her abortion for more than 40 years. But after watching Unplanned and reading To the Heart of the Matter, she found and joined her local 40 Days for Life vigil as a way to honor the memory of her son's short life. "You are not forgotten, my son," the letter reads. "You are my inspiration."

Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them. —Psalm 139:16 Gracious God, help us to appreciate the wonder and beauty of Your creation. Help us proclaim on behalf of every one of our fellow human beings, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made." May the knowledge that we are intimately known by You shape our lives and actions. See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn Carney President/CEO, 40 Days for Life

40 Days for Life 4112 E 29th St. Bryan, Texas 77802 United States (888) LIFE-316