Abortion isn’t something that’s widely discussed in the church. Neither is the brokenness that many women feel as a result of their decision. Nor is the healing God can bring.
That’s why I’m so glad Allison Dillaberry is here today, sharing her story of abortion, brokenness, and healing. I know you will be blessed by what Allison has to say. Here she is.
God Is the Ultimate Redeemer: Lessons Learned from An Abortion
Almost twenty years ago before I was saved by Jesus, I made a choice that negatively impacted my life forever. I’m not proud of that choice.
In fact, I wasn’t proud of my choice then either.
But I felt I had NO other choice.
It is still hard for me to admit it today, but here goes…I had an abortion.
I was in college going to school on student loans at the time. I had a boyfriend, we had sex, and from our first encounter, I became pregnant. I didn’t realize at the time what a gift from God life is, and that it should be treasured.
The father wanted no part of the pregnancy. Only my dad and stepmom begged me not to do it. They knew Christ.
But, my close friends and other family members agreed that abortion was the right thing to do since I had no way to support my baby.
I went to Planned Parenthood in my college town. They quickly sent me around the corner to the local abortion clinic. There was no counseling. There was no discussion about other options like adoption.
Nothing was planned except the death of my baby.
The fact that abortion was considered okay and a viable option was a lie that the devil breathed into my life then. That is the lie with which he has deceived so many other women before me and after me.
The consequences of that decision have been near destruction. I’ve suffered for more than twenty years with depression related to that decision. I’ve thought about suicide more than once. Abortion is murder. And when you realize that you made the choice to end your child’s life, it’s not an easy road upon which to walk forward.
There’s been little healing within the walls of the church. It’s not that people aren’t forgiving.
It’s that no one wants to talk about IT. It’s the proverbial elephant in the room.
But, that’s where Jesus comes in.
Without Jesus’ death on the cross and His sacrifice, we can’t be forgiven. But we are! Thank you, thank you, Jesus!
Because of His death that washes away our sins, because of His ultimate sacrifice, He gives us a new life in Him.
It wasn’t until the past few months at age forty-one that I have been able to openly talk or write about my experience.
Jesus has let me know that, “it is finished” (John 19:30). I am to leave my sin at the cross. He has let me know that, “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
I’ve repented, turned from my sin, and asked for His forgiveness. And I now have a new and abundant life in Him.
He is healing me through my writing and being able to share this story with you. He wants to use every broken piece of our lives that we allow Him to. He can use our brokenness for healing for others too.
If you are struggling with forgiveness, please know that God can heal any sin. You just have to be willing.
His love and mercy will wash over you like a warm ocean wave. And you can begin life anew.
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
He will use your weakness for His glory—if you let Him.
We don’t have to live in our jaded pasts. We can choose each day to live in the forgiveness of Christ. There is healing in our ultimate redeemer. Trust and follow Him!
Be Blessed,
Allison Dillaberry
Thank you so much for sharing your story, Allison. You have blessed me and so many others by your words!
Check back next week for another Real Story of the Unbeaten!
*Wondering what this whole series is about? It’s all about how God can help us learn to live UNBEATEN lives. Coming Soon: Unbeaten by Lindsey Bell
