Have you ever just collided into an instant friendship with someone you just met? I am talking about the kind of friendship only God can orchestrate? It happened to me about three weeks ago during my workout. It started with a simple “Hey, you want to be my partner?”, and from there God took over. The point I knew God was in this was on a Saturday. I posted a picture on Facebook of balloons being released during the closure service of the abortion recovery Bible study that I lead. A few moments later I got a text from my new friend asking what my picture was about. I gave her the short version of how when I was 16 I became pregnant and regretfully chose abortion and that God led me to the pregnancy center to find freedom through this Bible study and that now I lead the same Bible study that set me free from bondage and then I remembered that my new friend had mentioned she was adopted and I felt compelled to give her a message...one I believe to be true. Here is the text I sent her: “Last night, when you shared that you are adopted I couldn’t help but smile. You were and STILL are so loved by your birth mom. She chose life for you and I know her choice to give you more than she could at that time was the hardest and most heartbreaking one she has ever made. What a strong and courageous woman she must be”!
Now to the part that still has me blown away by God’s goodness and how He orchestrates. My friend’s birth mom and I were pregnant at the exact same time and due in the same exact time of the month of March. Coincidence….. I don’t think so. We both likely had the same struggles, yet we both chose differently. She had courage and strength and I didn’t.
My friend has been struggling for as long as she can remember with feeling unwanted, abandoned, unworthy, unaccepted, unloved, rejected, etc. My heart literally broke for her. I believe God breaks our hearts for what breaks His and this was truly breaking His heart. I know this was one of the main reasons God put her in my life; to encourage and minister to her. She has struggled for years believing something must be terribly wrong with her emotionally and mentally and she confided in me of her pain. There was just something in me that knew her struggles were not as she thought...that it must be common with those who are adopted so I researched emotional struggles of adoption and everything I read described her dead on. I sent her several links and let me tell you....bondage has been broken from this sweet girl. She is confident that this is the root of her lifelong struggles and feels a heavy burden has been lifted from her heart. She said to me the other night, “if my birth mom really did love me and really does still think about me then why hasn’t she tried to find me’? I then explained to her that had I chosen to carry Rylee and then placed her with another family but then years later decided I wanted to find her that I would be terrified of her reaction...that she would hate me and want nothing to do with me. I told her maybe someday she will be ready to search for the woman who gave her life. She isn’t ready yet but someday I think that just might change. Until then I will continue to minister to her and when she is ready I will share with her what her birth mom was likely going through when she found out she was pregnant with her; the emotions she felt, the likelihood that there were those around her who may have been trying to convince her that there were other options than carrying her. I will then remind her again what an amazing, strong, extremely selfless woman her birth mom must be....then and now. God is just beginning to write my young friend’s love story. He is turning her misery into a ministry. I am so thankful for her friendship. I could care less that she is 16 years younger than me. She lights up any room she is in, she has the most adorable personality and I am delighted to have her friendship. I can’t wait to see how her story plays out.
P.S. My friend gave me permission to share this and I am glad she did:)
Friday, November 30, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
A New Creation In Christ
Once again I have experienced God claim four of his daughters back to Him, where they belong, fully and completely. Four women who are no longer in bondage, four women who are no longer suffocated by shame and guilt because that shame and guilt...are gone! Four women who were brave enough to face the shame of their past choice and bring it into His holy light of redemption where a forever healing took place. Four women who have allowed their heart to emotionally attach to their child in heaven. Four women who can now be used by Him fully and effectively to share of God’s true love and goodness and how His desire is to pour out His grace and mercy to all who have fallen short.
I know firsthand that this journey for these women was not always easy but it’s through this process I see concrete evidence of God drawing these women, His daughters, back into His perfect arms and once a person really knows what it feels like to be in His arms, and these women now know, they will never want to leave again for it’s in His arms that safety, love, contentment, belonging, and never-ending grace is found.
I just want to commend these women for trusting me but above all trusting God. Thank you for seeing this through and completing the race that was set before you. Now its on to the next race, whatever that might be. Let yourselves be used by your Father. You each have an amazing story of redemption to share whether it be to one person, small groups, large groups or just a stranger whom God may place in your path. I can promise you that there is nothing better or more fulfilling than being used by God. Remember what you have learned the past ten weeks because what you have learned will last for eternity. It’s Truth, plain and simple!
Now, go out and let your light shine bright! Love you all!
Kristi
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned: the flames will not set you ablaze”. Isaiah 43:2
I know firsthand that this journey for these women was not always easy but it’s through this process I see concrete evidence of God drawing these women, His daughters, back into His perfect arms and once a person really knows what it feels like to be in His arms, and these women now know, they will never want to leave again for it’s in His arms that safety, love, contentment, belonging, and never-ending grace is found.
I just want to commend these women for trusting me but above all trusting God. Thank you for seeing this through and completing the race that was set before you. Now its on to the next race, whatever that might be. Let yourselves be used by your Father. You each have an amazing story of redemption to share whether it be to one person, small groups, large groups or just a stranger whom God may place in your path. I can promise you that there is nothing better or more fulfilling than being used by God. Remember what you have learned the past ten weeks because what you have learned will last for eternity. It’s Truth, plain and simple!
Now, go out and let your light shine bright! Love you all!
Kristi
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned: the flames will not set you ablaze”. Isaiah 43:2
Friday, September 2, 2011
My Beloved....
Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
I love it when the Lord gives me His sweet words. Words that He spoke when He walked the earth; words that are still as alive, powerful, and true today as they were when He spoke them. These words that He spoke came to me for a specific reason and that reason is for those of you who are holding onto guilt & shame that resulted from a painful choice you made either years ago, a year ago, or just a few months ago. I am referring to your abortion, the most heart breaking, life altering, and regretful thing you have ever experienced. This post is for you, but KNOW that it is not from me. It’s straight from the heart of God.
On Saturday, September 10th, I will be starting a new abortion recovery group but I have ran into a small roadblock. Though I have several women who I have been in contact with who want to participate, I only have one who has committed herself and her heart to the Bible study. This brings me to the reason I am writing.
This post is for every woman that has shared with me and for the ones who haven't shared with me that they too have personally experienced an abortion but you are fearful of something that will force you to bring to surface something so painful, something you tirelessly work daily to NOT think about, something that will bring about emotional feelings that you are afraid to feel. I completely understand this!
The four women in my last group understood too, but those four women and every other woman across the country and across the world who have experienced an abortion recovery group of some sort DO NOT have to fight NOT thinking about it anymore, they don’t have to worry about emotions resurfacing anymore and here’s the best part; the guilt and the shame that was weighing them down,well, it’s not weighing them down anymore. That bondage is completely gone. Forever!
Midway through my last group I asked the ladies to share what abortion recovery is doing for them and in them. Keep in mind that before we ever started they were afraid of the exact things you are afraid of. They didn't like the idea of opening old wounds that they worked daily to keep sealed but they knew what the prize would be on the other side and they knew that Jesus would walk with them and even carry them through the healing process because they believe Him when He says, "Come to ME, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest". The best part is His kind of rest is permanent because His kind of rest means healing. It means FREEDOM!
Here is what the ladies shared;
"Abortion Recovery has shown me there IS freedom from the bondage of guilt and shame."
"God wants me to receive complete forgiveness for my abortion just as any sin I commit, because He has forgiven ALL of our sins through Christ. He also wants to totally break off the shame that has surrounded me all these years since my abortion. That is a tool the enemy has used to hold me back that will no longer work!"
"Jesus wants us to be free and I believe this session has played a major part in helping me identify my own freedom. Being able to open up and share with other women going through similar situations helps me to understand that I am not alone. We've laughed, we've cried, we've prayed, we've confessed, and we have gradually begun to see each other reach the place of freedom Jesus talks about when He says..."they shall be as white as snow."
The healing begins the moment you decide, once and for all, that you're tired of the guilt weighing you down, tired of the painful memories that come and never leave, tired of the hold Satan has over you and tired of that wall that you put between you and the Lord. The biggest and most difficult step is just saying yes to Abortion Recovery. Once you say yes God will do the rest. He will take it from there. Does that mean the enemy will just step aside and let you on through? I am afraid that answer is NO. You can expect him to do anything and everything he can to keep you from reaching a place of healing. You can expect attack after attack but need I remind you who wins? That's right, Jesus wins! Every single time! Satan cannot have you and you just have to keep telling him, in Jesus' name, that very fact.
Are you ready? Are you ready for that wall you have built around your heart to come crashing down; that same wall that you think is protecting your wounds?
Here is what I hear in my heart when I read Matthew 11:28:
"My beloved daughter, please turn your eyes to Me and come to Me. I watch you everyday. I see the pain in your eyes even as you try to mask it. I see your heart and all the broken pieces. Let Me make it whole again. I feel the weight of your burdens and I feel your sorrow. Let Me carry that weight and turn your sorrow into joy. Come to Me and let me heal you and restore you. I will make you new again."
To all of my sweet sisters who are reading this and know you need His healing to get through your pain, please trust Him with that pain. Let Him walk with you and even carry you to that place of healing where He so desperately wants to take you.
Don't put it off any longer. Email me at khaysfsphc@gmail.com if you are ready to say yes to FREEDOM and I will give you the details of the Bible study/recovery.
I want to end this post with a song my sweet friend Emily introduced me to when I told her of the Scripture this post came from. The song is called My Beloved by Kari Jobe.
I hope to hear from you very soon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hQRgyr5uko
I love it when the Lord gives me His sweet words. Words that He spoke when He walked the earth; words that are still as alive, powerful, and true today as they were when He spoke them. These words that He spoke came to me for a specific reason and that reason is for those of you who are holding onto guilt & shame that resulted from a painful choice you made either years ago, a year ago, or just a few months ago. I am referring to your abortion, the most heart breaking, life altering, and regretful thing you have ever experienced. This post is for you, but KNOW that it is not from me. It’s straight from the heart of God.
On Saturday, September 10th, I will be starting a new abortion recovery group but I have ran into a small roadblock. Though I have several women who I have been in contact with who want to participate, I only have one who has committed herself and her heart to the Bible study. This brings me to the reason I am writing.
This post is for every woman that has shared with me and for the ones who haven't shared with me that they too have personally experienced an abortion but you are fearful of something that will force you to bring to surface something so painful, something you tirelessly work daily to NOT think about, something that will bring about emotional feelings that you are afraid to feel. I completely understand this!
The four women in my last group understood too, but those four women and every other woman across the country and across the world who have experienced an abortion recovery group of some sort DO NOT have to fight NOT thinking about it anymore, they don’t have to worry about emotions resurfacing anymore and here’s the best part; the guilt and the shame that was weighing them down,well, it’s not weighing them down anymore. That bondage is completely gone. Forever!
Midway through my last group I asked the ladies to share what abortion recovery is doing for them and in them. Keep in mind that before we ever started they were afraid of the exact things you are afraid of. They didn't like the idea of opening old wounds that they worked daily to keep sealed but they knew what the prize would be on the other side and they knew that Jesus would walk with them and even carry them through the healing process because they believe Him when He says, "Come to ME, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest". The best part is His kind of rest is permanent because His kind of rest means healing. It means FREEDOM!
Here is what the ladies shared;
"Abortion Recovery has shown me there IS freedom from the bondage of guilt and shame."
"God wants me to receive complete forgiveness for my abortion just as any sin I commit, because He has forgiven ALL of our sins through Christ. He also wants to totally break off the shame that has surrounded me all these years since my abortion. That is a tool the enemy has used to hold me back that will no longer work!"
"Jesus wants us to be free and I believe this session has played a major part in helping me identify my own freedom. Being able to open up and share with other women going through similar situations helps me to understand that I am not alone. We've laughed, we've cried, we've prayed, we've confessed, and we have gradually begun to see each other reach the place of freedom Jesus talks about when He says..."they shall be as white as snow."
The healing begins the moment you decide, once and for all, that you're tired of the guilt weighing you down, tired of the painful memories that come and never leave, tired of the hold Satan has over you and tired of that wall that you put between you and the Lord. The biggest and most difficult step is just saying yes to Abortion Recovery. Once you say yes God will do the rest. He will take it from there. Does that mean the enemy will just step aside and let you on through? I am afraid that answer is NO. You can expect him to do anything and everything he can to keep you from reaching a place of healing. You can expect attack after attack but need I remind you who wins? That's right, Jesus wins! Every single time! Satan cannot have you and you just have to keep telling him, in Jesus' name, that very fact.
Are you ready? Are you ready for that wall you have built around your heart to come crashing down; that same wall that you think is protecting your wounds?
Here is what I hear in my heart when I read Matthew 11:28:
"My beloved daughter, please turn your eyes to Me and come to Me. I watch you everyday. I see the pain in your eyes even as you try to mask it. I see your heart and all the broken pieces. Let Me make it whole again. I feel the weight of your burdens and I feel your sorrow. Let Me carry that weight and turn your sorrow into joy. Come to Me and let me heal you and restore you. I will make you new again."
To all of my sweet sisters who are reading this and know you need His healing to get through your pain, please trust Him with that pain. Let Him walk with you and even carry you to that place of healing where He so desperately wants to take you.
Don't put it off any longer. Email me at khaysfsphc@gmail.com if you are ready to say yes to FREEDOM and I will give you the details of the Bible study/recovery.
I want to end this post with a song my sweet friend Emily introduced me to when I told her of the Scripture this post came from. The song is called My Beloved by Kari Jobe.
I hope to hear from you very soon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hQRgyr5uko
Thursday, June 9, 2011
God is approachable!
As I sit studying this weeks “Forgiven & Set Free” lesson I can’t help but burst with joy as I think about the last five weeks. I have five women in this group, all with different stories, but all with one goal in common; complete and lasting FREEDOM. Three of these women are very active in their church. All three with tremendous faith, yet the enemy still has them questioning whether the blood of Jesus covers the sin of abortion. They know in their heart His blood shed was for all sins but there is just something about abortion that makes post abortive women question whether His blood covers them as well. This is what this Bible study is all about. Getting to know God on a crazy deeper level, trusting Him enough to approach Him with their experience and then trusting Him to heal them and show them that YES, He sent His precious Son to the cross for them too. I sit amazed each week as we come together and they share with me and each other of what all God showed them and I am seeing it in their faces and hearing it in their voices. What I am seeing and hearing is freedom. They are finding their voices again and God has plans for each of these women and I believe that He is going to use them to share how He brought beauty from their ashes.
So I have shared with you about three of these women. I do have two other beautiful women doing the Bible study, however, one of these women recently obtained a job and works on the days we meet so we have agreed that she will participate in the Fall session. I told her to feel free to keep doing the weekly work or she could just wait and pick it back up in the fall. She has chosen to keep doing the homework which tickles me to death. What a strong and committed woman! The fifth woman was absent from our last class. I have made attempts to call her and the other participants have made attempts as well. She was the one I was worried about the most as far as trusting God with her experience and completing the class. I am praying God’s protection over her from the enemy and hope to see her beautiful face when we meet for our next class.
So here is my whole point for writing today. I know I have post abortive women who read my blog who are still afraid to come out of the dark. I am asking these women to search for the courage to step into His light and trust Him. Yes, His forgiveness is enough but there’s still bondage. There is still healing to be done. Trust Him and trust me. Next group starts in September.
So I have shared with you about three of these women. I do have two other beautiful women doing the Bible study, however, one of these women recently obtained a job and works on the days we meet so we have agreed that she will participate in the Fall session. I told her to feel free to keep doing the weekly work or she could just wait and pick it back up in the fall. She has chosen to keep doing the homework which tickles me to death. What a strong and committed woman! The fifth woman was absent from our last class. I have made attempts to call her and the other participants have made attempts as well. She was the one I was worried about the most as far as trusting God with her experience and completing the class. I am praying God’s protection over her from the enemy and hope to see her beautiful face when we meet for our next class.
So here is my whole point for writing today. I know I have post abortive women who read my blog who are still afraid to come out of the dark. I am asking these women to search for the courage to step into His light and trust Him. Yes, His forgiveness is enough but there’s still bondage. There is still healing to be done. Trust Him and trust me. Next group starts in September.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
One loved Momma right here!
Can I just bore you for a moment and share how blessed I am to be the mother of two thoughtful boys. They are both so different in the ways they show their love for me. Bailey tends to the little things that mean so much to me like picking up around the house, running some of my most hated errands now that he’s 16 and the one I think I love the most is the way he demands that his little brother respect me. Nothing sets Bailey off more than when his momma is disrespected. I love this about him. He stands up for and protects me which tells me that he is going to be a great husband. He not only stands up for me but he also stands up for his beliefs. He loves God! He strives to live a life that is pleasing to God. This makes this momma a happy one!
Jared, on the other hand, shows his love in complete other ways. While he is not one who picks up after himself unless, of course, there are privileges at stake, he is one who shows his love in much different ways, ways that are profound and really touch my heart.
If you have read my post about Jared setting Rylee’s brick in an area of my flowers then you have seen into the heart of this young man. Well I am writing today to tell you that he has done more work in this area. He told me yesterday while I was home for lunch that he had Grandma helping him with something. My heart just smiled at the selfless act this little man was in the process of doing.
As I was finishing things up at work for the day he called me and told me he had a surprise for me when I got home. I had a hunch of what I might find when I got home but I hurried home anyway.
Here is what I found.
He planted some flowers!
What a sweet, sweet boy! He can be such a little smart mouth but on the other hand he is the kindest kid I know. He was working in his garden when I got home. I walked over to him and gave him a bear hug and thanked him. I told him that I bet his big sister smiled down on him as he worked on her memorial spot and said, “that’s my little brother!”. I love that Jared takes time to do these things for me and even more so that he thinks so much of her that he wants her to be remembered as someone who though isn’t here with us she is a part of our family.
God has blessed me and just keeps pouring out His blessings upon me. I am married to the sweetest man on earth and we have two gorgeous boys. Is life always perfect in the Hays household? Of course not, but we live each day out together and Wayne and I are raising our boys with moral values and integrity and to serve and love God in the hopes they will take these things with them throughout their lives. We want them to be used by God in mighty ways.
So that is the reason for this post, to just brag about these two boys and how they continue to blow my mind!
Jared, on the other hand, shows his love in complete other ways. While he is not one who picks up after himself unless, of course, there are privileges at stake, he is one who shows his love in much different ways, ways that are profound and really touch my heart.
If you have read my post about Jared setting Rylee’s brick in an area of my flowers then you have seen into the heart of this young man. Well I am writing today to tell you that he has done more work in this area. He told me yesterday while I was home for lunch that he had Grandma helping him with something. My heart just smiled at the selfless act this little man was in the process of doing.
As I was finishing things up at work for the day he called me and told me he had a surprise for me when I got home. I had a hunch of what I might find when I got home but I hurried home anyway.
Here is what I found.
He planted some flowers!What a sweet, sweet boy! He can be such a little smart mouth but on the other hand he is the kindest kid I know. He was working in his garden when I got home. I walked over to him and gave him a bear hug and thanked him. I told him that I bet his big sister smiled down on him as he worked on her memorial spot and said, “that’s my little brother!”. I love that Jared takes time to do these things for me and even more so that he thinks so much of her that he wants her to be remembered as someone who though isn’t here with us she is a part of our family.
God has blessed me and just keeps pouring out His blessings upon me. I am married to the sweetest man on earth and we have two gorgeous boys. Is life always perfect in the Hays household? Of course not, but we live each day out together and Wayne and I are raising our boys with moral values and integrity and to serve and love God in the hopes they will take these things with them throughout their lives. We want them to be used by God in mighty ways.
So that is the reason for this post, to just brag about these two boys and how they continue to blow my mind!
Victory And Loss
Things were so crazy last week so I am just now able to share the events of said week. Most of what occurred are crazy amazing while some are heartbreaking. Tuesday March 15th is a day that will forever be imprinted in my mind. It was both a day of victory and a day of sorrow. Before I proceed to tell you about Tuesday let me back up to Monday. Monday is my day to volunteer at the center. While I was still at work I got a call form Hattie telling me of a young woman who called wanting to know if we performed abortions. After visiting with this woman briefly, Hattie was able to convince her to come to the center later that day. Hattie asked if I could meet with this woman. Of course I said yes. I arrived at the center around 4:00 knowing that at 4:30 I would be counseling this young woman. Well, 4:30 turned into 4:45 which turned into 5:00 and still this woman had failed to show up. I sat behind the counter and stared at the appointment book at this woman’s name and phone number. I felt God encouraging me not to give up. I picked up my phone and typed out a short message and sent her a text. I simply said that I was really hoping for a chance to visit with her and asked if I could possibly call her. She replied saying she just couldn’t come for the fear of being judged but that I could call her. I replied and told her, no judging here just love.
I waited until I got home to call her. She had one of the sweetest voices I have ever heard, so scared yet so tender. She told me she can barely support her two year old and didn’t know if she could support a second child as well. There were other reasons discussed but for her protection I will skip sharing those. I told her that we could provide her with the help she needed to address those reasons. She also told me she did not want to see an ultra sound of her baby because she knew if she did abortion would become less of an option. We talked for a while and I shared with her my story and assured her that though she felt she was in a hopeless situation that we had the resources to help her. I was able to gain her trust and as we hung up I explained to her that Hattie would be contacting her the next day and would be offering to set her up with an ultrasound. I asked her to do me a favor and take Hattie up on this offer. She said she would.
Now onto another big part of this crazy week;
I got a message from my “Miracle in March” woman late Monday night. She proceeds to tell me that she is on the phone with a friend who is extremely upset about an appointment she has the next day. Her appointment is for her abortion. Our conversation goes on and eventually I get an ok to contact this friend the next day.
I am able to finally speak with her at the time she is to be walking out the door to leave for her appointment and as I am talking to her I am praying for God to speak my words for me. We talk for a while and thankfully I am able to get her to postpone her abortion. At the same time my “Miracle in March” woman is on her way to the center when I call her and tell her that her friend has possibly postponed her abortion. She immediately turns her car around and goes and picks up her friend and brings her to the center with her. I took early lunch and headed to the center myself. I finally get to meet my “Miracle in March” woman and also get to visit with her friend. Her friend also got to speak with Teia. Teia shared with her how we can help her and that we also have other resources who can help her. We just wanted her to know that what seemed like a hopeless situation to her was in fact not hopeless at all.
Well here is the outcome of both stories;
All three women mentioned above were at the center and all three will have stories to tell.
The first woman whom I was supposed to meet with Monday afternoon and instead spoke with on the phone came into the center that Tuesday and met with Hattie. She not only chose to keep and parent her baby, she also chose a life with Jesus and He is now her Savior. I had the privilege of taking this woman to her ultrasound later that day. What an awesome thing to be a part of as I watched God pour out His joy into this sweet woman’s heart as she saw and heard her baby’s heartbeat for the first time.
My “Miracle in March” mom is marching on. She found out she has been accepted into Nursing School and she is hoping that just maybe God will bless her with a baby girl.
I wish I had better news to share about the third woman but I don’t and I will just leave it at that. I know all involved who counseled this young woman did all God had us to do. She knows that we will continue to be there for her and walk her through the difficulties that her decision will bring.
Before I close, I am happy to share that because of River Valley Abortion Recovery support class there is now another woman who walks in freedom from the regretful choice she made a few years ago. It was really neat to watch as God healed her more and more week after week. God restored her. Her arms are no longer aching for the baby she never held. Her pain and suffering were brought before God and He forgave her, He dried her tears and helped her let go. To God be the glory for the things He has done, is doing, and will continue to do through this ministry.
Preparation is already underway for the next class which will start on May 7th. I still have room for more participants. If you are reading this, and you know you need healing from a past abortion and you know this class is exactly what you need, please contact me and let’s talk. My phone # is 479-462-6826 and my email address is khays002@centurytel.net.
Until next time......
I waited until I got home to call her. She had one of the sweetest voices I have ever heard, so scared yet so tender. She told me she can barely support her two year old and didn’t know if she could support a second child as well. There were other reasons discussed but for her protection I will skip sharing those. I told her that we could provide her with the help she needed to address those reasons. She also told me she did not want to see an ultra sound of her baby because she knew if she did abortion would become less of an option. We talked for a while and I shared with her my story and assured her that though she felt she was in a hopeless situation that we had the resources to help her. I was able to gain her trust and as we hung up I explained to her that Hattie would be contacting her the next day and would be offering to set her up with an ultrasound. I asked her to do me a favor and take Hattie up on this offer. She said she would.
Now onto another big part of this crazy week;
I got a message from my “Miracle in March” woman late Monday night. She proceeds to tell me that she is on the phone with a friend who is extremely upset about an appointment she has the next day. Her appointment is for her abortion. Our conversation goes on and eventually I get an ok to contact this friend the next day.
I am able to finally speak with her at the time she is to be walking out the door to leave for her appointment and as I am talking to her I am praying for God to speak my words for me. We talk for a while and thankfully I am able to get her to postpone her abortion. At the same time my “Miracle in March” woman is on her way to the center when I call her and tell her that her friend has possibly postponed her abortion. She immediately turns her car around and goes and picks up her friend and brings her to the center with her. I took early lunch and headed to the center myself. I finally get to meet my “Miracle in March” woman and also get to visit with her friend. Her friend also got to speak with Teia. Teia shared with her how we can help her and that we also have other resources who can help her. We just wanted her to know that what seemed like a hopeless situation to her was in fact not hopeless at all.
Well here is the outcome of both stories;
All three women mentioned above were at the center and all three will have stories to tell.
The first woman whom I was supposed to meet with Monday afternoon and instead spoke with on the phone came into the center that Tuesday and met with Hattie. She not only chose to keep and parent her baby, she also chose a life with Jesus and He is now her Savior. I had the privilege of taking this woman to her ultrasound later that day. What an awesome thing to be a part of as I watched God pour out His joy into this sweet woman’s heart as she saw and heard her baby’s heartbeat for the first time.
My “Miracle in March” mom is marching on. She found out she has been accepted into Nursing School and she is hoping that just maybe God will bless her with a baby girl.
I wish I had better news to share about the third woman but I don’t and I will just leave it at that. I know all involved who counseled this young woman did all God had us to do. She knows that we will continue to be there for her and walk her through the difficulties that her decision will bring.
Before I close, I am happy to share that because of River Valley Abortion Recovery support class there is now another woman who walks in freedom from the regretful choice she made a few years ago. It was really neat to watch as God healed her more and more week after week. God restored her. Her arms are no longer aching for the baby she never held. Her pain and suffering were brought before God and He forgave her, He dried her tears and helped her let go. To God be the glory for the things He has done, is doing, and will continue to do through this ministry.
Preparation is already underway for the next class which will start on May 7th. I still have room for more participants. If you are reading this, and you know you need healing from a past abortion and you know this class is exactly what you need, please contact me and let’s talk. My phone # is 479-462-6826 and my email address is khays002@centurytel.net.
Until next time......
Thursday, March 10, 2011
A Miracle In March
It was Tuesday March 8th and I was getting ready to call it a day at work. I glanced at my cell phone and saw that I had missed a call from Hattie, my PHC co-worker. I listened to the message she had left me telling me to call her as soon as possible. I immediately returned her call for I knew and felt it was urgent. For some reason, a God reason, she was still at the center after closing for the day. It was 4:05 when the phone rang. She contemplated not answering it, but she did and it’s a woman who is pregnant and has already made her appointment for an abortion. Hattie visits with her on the phone and answers this precious woman’s questions. Before the phone call ended Hattie mentioned to her my name and the fact that I have experienced abortion. Hattie asked her if she would like to speak with me and praise God she said YES! I immediately started praying asking the Holy Spirit to be my every thought and my every word.
I didn’t call her until I got home. I will admit that when I called her and got her voicemail I was a little worried that she might not return my call so I sent her a text telling her I looked forward to hearing back from her and would be waiting. Thirty minutes later she called and we had a lengthy conversation. Her hopes were that I would tell her that its ok if she has the abortion. She wanted to hear me say that life would go on as normal. She did not hear what she was hoping to hear. I shared with her that she would not be ok and that life as she knows it would never be the same. I told her of how my life was turned upside down, how the enemy had put blinders on me and then ripped them away once I had gone through with the abortion, how I remembered and still remember when my daughter’s birthday comes around, how I still sometimes wonder what she would be studying in college right now, and how I will probably always feel that something is missing in my life. Yes, I shared with her that I walk in freedom today but it took me years to get there. I told her of the women who are still in unbearable pain years after their abortion. This sweet woman cried as she told me she just didn’t know if she could love this baby. She has a 7 year old child so I asked her if she loves her child and she said yes. I asked her if she would die for her child and she said yes. I then told her that she would feel the same exact way about the child she is carrying. I told her that her son is already a big brother and she is a mother of not one child but two.
She asked me if I regret the choice I made when I was sixteen and I said every single day but that I also know that my child is waiting for me and I will see her again one sweet day.
Before the call ended I asked her to consider doing something. I asked her to cancel her appointment at the abortion clinic for now. At least until she is able to have an ultrasound. I didn’t expect her to answer me one way or another. I just wanted her to consider what I was asking.
We ended the call and I did the only thing I knew to do. I prayed. I pleaded with God to show Himself to her, to hold her in His arms and whisper to her how much He loves her, to remind her that she is not alone and will not go through this alone and to tell her of the plans He has for her and this precious one she is carrying.
The next day I knew she had an appointment at the center with Bonnie and that an ultrasound would be scheduled for her. I continued to pray throughout the day and then Emily emailed me and said, “She’s here! Be praying!” I immediately got a prayer chain going. The next three to four hours were the longest I have ever experienced as I just waited. She was in with Bonnie for almost three hours. During that time there was multiple people praying. Teia had also got her an ultrasound appointment and this woman would be leaving the center and be heading straight to her appointment for her ultrasound and also to see a doctor.
At approximately 3:25PM on March 9th of 2011 I received a text from Emily, who got to go with her by the way, that said and I quote, “She’s keeping it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” To say I was ecstatic doesn’t even come close to what I was feeling. God performed a miracle and I got to be a part of it. I will never forget this day! I will never forget how awesome it was to be a part of this amazing woman choosing life for her little one. I pray that God will use me and my sisters at the center many more times.
I spoke with this woman last night and the first thing I noticed is that there was something different in the sound of her voice. I heard peace in her voice. I heard God in her voice. She shared with me that she experienced God like she has never before on this day.
What a happy day! One more thing I want to share. As she visited with the doctor who happens to be an OB/GYN she mentioned the fact that she doesn’t have a doctor and hated the idea of trying to find one. This doctor told her he would be her doctor! Before she left she made her next appointment. Thank you God, for doctors like this sweet godly man.
So as I close, I ask that you keep this woman in your prayers. Yes, God is drawing her close to Him but she is still very fearful of what her future holds. Satan lost the battle but he will continue to try to attack her. I believe God has some crazy awesome plans for this woman and the child she is carrying. What a testimony she now has! Pray with me for this woman.
I will keep you posted as her story unfolds.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
And to this sweet woman I just want to encourage you to keep drawing close to God. I am so thankful that He put you in my life and in the lives of the other women at the center. We are going to be there with you every step of the way. More importantly, God is with you always! He’s there even on the days you cant feel Him. He’s there. And I was serious; I want to know when the baby arrives. I want to be there with you and its pretty safe to say that Emily will be there too. Walk with Him and during times when you just can’t walk He will carry you.
I didn’t call her until I got home. I will admit that when I called her and got her voicemail I was a little worried that she might not return my call so I sent her a text telling her I looked forward to hearing back from her and would be waiting. Thirty minutes later she called and we had a lengthy conversation. Her hopes were that I would tell her that its ok if she has the abortion. She wanted to hear me say that life would go on as normal. She did not hear what she was hoping to hear. I shared with her that she would not be ok and that life as she knows it would never be the same. I told her of how my life was turned upside down, how the enemy had put blinders on me and then ripped them away once I had gone through with the abortion, how I remembered and still remember when my daughter’s birthday comes around, how I still sometimes wonder what she would be studying in college right now, and how I will probably always feel that something is missing in my life. Yes, I shared with her that I walk in freedom today but it took me years to get there. I told her of the women who are still in unbearable pain years after their abortion. This sweet woman cried as she told me she just didn’t know if she could love this baby. She has a 7 year old child so I asked her if she loves her child and she said yes. I asked her if she would die for her child and she said yes. I then told her that she would feel the same exact way about the child she is carrying. I told her that her son is already a big brother and she is a mother of not one child but two.
She asked me if I regret the choice I made when I was sixteen and I said every single day but that I also know that my child is waiting for me and I will see her again one sweet day.
Before the call ended I asked her to consider doing something. I asked her to cancel her appointment at the abortion clinic for now. At least until she is able to have an ultrasound. I didn’t expect her to answer me one way or another. I just wanted her to consider what I was asking.
We ended the call and I did the only thing I knew to do. I prayed. I pleaded with God to show Himself to her, to hold her in His arms and whisper to her how much He loves her, to remind her that she is not alone and will not go through this alone and to tell her of the plans He has for her and this precious one she is carrying.
The next day I knew she had an appointment at the center with Bonnie and that an ultrasound would be scheduled for her. I continued to pray throughout the day and then Emily emailed me and said, “She’s here! Be praying!” I immediately got a prayer chain going. The next three to four hours were the longest I have ever experienced as I just waited. She was in with Bonnie for almost three hours. During that time there was multiple people praying. Teia had also got her an ultrasound appointment and this woman would be leaving the center and be heading straight to her appointment for her ultrasound and also to see a doctor.
At approximately 3:25PM on March 9th of 2011 I received a text from Emily, who got to go with her by the way, that said and I quote, “She’s keeping it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” To say I was ecstatic doesn’t even come close to what I was feeling. God performed a miracle and I got to be a part of it. I will never forget this day! I will never forget how awesome it was to be a part of this amazing woman choosing life for her little one. I pray that God will use me and my sisters at the center many more times.
I spoke with this woman last night and the first thing I noticed is that there was something different in the sound of her voice. I heard peace in her voice. I heard God in her voice. She shared with me that she experienced God like she has never before on this day.
What a happy day! One more thing I want to share. As she visited with the doctor who happens to be an OB/GYN she mentioned the fact that she doesn’t have a doctor and hated the idea of trying to find one. This doctor told her he would be her doctor! Before she left she made her next appointment. Thank you God, for doctors like this sweet godly man.
So as I close, I ask that you keep this woman in your prayers. Yes, God is drawing her close to Him but she is still very fearful of what her future holds. Satan lost the battle but he will continue to try to attack her. I believe God has some crazy awesome plans for this woman and the child she is carrying. What a testimony she now has! Pray with me for this woman.
I will keep you posted as her story unfolds.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
And to this sweet woman I just want to encourage you to keep drawing close to God. I am so thankful that He put you in my life and in the lives of the other women at the center. We are going to be there with you every step of the way. More importantly, God is with you always! He’s there even on the days you cant feel Him. He’s there. And I was serious; I want to know when the baby arrives. I want to be there with you and its pretty safe to say that Emily will be there too. Walk with Him and during times when you just can’t walk He will carry you.
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