when I first began reading this I got a little worried because I thoughtit was going to say you needed to speak out to be healed, but it did not, in fact, I thought it was a great post about sharing about your abortion in a way that was unselfish and allowed those you told time to process, grieve and yes, even become angry :
Telling Your Secret November 23, 2010
Most women who complete the Forgiven & Set Free Bible Study receive substantial healing, yet many slip back into bondage of secrecy because they do not take the final step of testifying to others. Many women have not even told their immediate family about their abortions, precluding the possibility of sharing with others. In addition, secrets within the family are destructive. Full, free intimacy between husband & wife is impossible when they keep secrets from each other. Satan would like nothing better than for the healed post-abortion woman to remain bound by her secrets because it thwarts her joining God in his ministry of reconciliation.
Who are the people you fear know your secret? What are you particular fears about telling each person you’ve named? Take these fears to the Lord and ask Him for wisdom. Who NEEDS to know? When? How? People who need to know before you are free to speak out publicly are husband, children, parents, siblings, and in-laws. Telling others about your abortion requires preparation and prayer. When sharing your story:
- In most case it is appropriate to briefly share about your sin of abortion, the sorrow and pain it caused you and then move on to what God has done for you. However, if you have wronged another person, you will need to give time to expressing your repentance and asking his/her forgiveness (example: not having told you husband, mother, etc.)
- NEVER make excuses, justify yourself or shift responsibility
- Share your desire to obey God’s command to proclaim God’s offer of healing and restoration and to help prevent other women from making the same damaging choice.
Family members may be disappointed or get angry with you. It may take time for them to grieve and come to peace with this knowledge. Allow them the freedom to raise the subject again and ask questions. Don’t get defensive and try to justify yourself when they express what they are feeling. Remember, you are forgiven and there is now no condemnation for you in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).
Telling your children is an especially delicate situation and must always be for their benefit and NOT for your own purging.
read the rest here: http://victoryoverabortion.wordpress.com/2010/11/23/telling-your-secret/
