Nita: As a teenager, I was a victim of date rape and chose not to tell ANYONE who was close to me (not even my only sister or my best friend) when I then became faced with a teen pregnancy.
I did share the situation with my female boss. I was comfortable telling her because she led quite a sordid life and I knew she wouldn’t judge me. She suggested that I have an abortion. I didn’t even know what that word meant since it was the fall before all the news about the Roe vs. Wade decision. I scheduled a doctor’s appointment to see how far along I was because my boss said the procedure was time sensitive. I was 8 weeks pregnant. I had mentioned to the doctor that my boss had advised me to abort and he said that I needed to hurry up and make my decision then because it wasn’t a “baby” yet! I did go through with the abortion and kept it quiet for over 20 years until I heard of a ministry nearby that offered a post-abortion Bible study. I was scared to death for anyone to find out, but I went anyway, and this began my journey to healing. Now, I am very open about sharing my story.
I have given my testimony in various churches and was a sidewalk counselor (like in the movie “Unplanned”) for 20 years. I am also a registered nurse and have had the privilege to work as an ultrasound nurse in a crisis pregnancy clinic for years. I was able to share my testimony of hope and healing with our clients. Many chose life for their babies, but most importantly, some chose Jesus as their Lord and Savior! God also has led me to lead several Post-Abortion Bible studies for women who have experienced the tragedy of abortion in their lives, and they are able to receive the cleansing and forgiveness of Jesus, giving them a “new dream” as well!
I definitely feel this is now my life’s calling and that God has truly given me beauty for ashes and joy for mourning!
