Day Nineteen - Abortion Survivors

Today's Reflection:
by Grace Chaffins

This month, our group's general meeting was centered around discussion of a little known group of people: abortion survivors. Although we too frequently hear about the victims of abortion, we seldom hear about those who miraculously survive. And now, they are speaking out and sharing their stories with the world.

Founded in 2012, the Abortion Survivors Network seeks to unite abortion survivors and give them a platform through which to share their testimony. These stories are so powerful and touching because they humanize the unborn baby. They give us a glimpse of the millions of lives that have been lost from abortion, and convict us to speak out against the injustice of abortion.

One of the points that stuck out to me the most from their message was that of forgiveness. Many of the survivors shared their struggle to forgive their birth mothers for making the choice to end their lives. However, through the grace of God and their own heroic efforts, many were able to extend forgiveness to the person who hurt them the most. This is what finally brought them peace over their life and their situation.

This Lent, let us try to practice this kind of forgiveness. Let us each resolve to forgive someone who has hurt us, so that we too might offer them the love of Christ and have peace in our hearts. I also encourage you to watch and share the stories of abortion survivors. https://facesofchoice.org/home/ is a great place to start. I hope that these testimonies may strengthen your resolve to continue fighting for the pro-life cause!

Prayer for the Strength to Forgive

Faultless Lord, enduring death for me,
You have consummated the debt of my sins:
Your sacrifice of forgiveness was absolute!
Grant me the strength to also forgive others,
To excuse their transgressions against me.
So I may truly reflect this spiritual fruit,
Obliterate any persistent feelings of malice.
Let each trespass end as a closing chapter,
My continuing on the road of righteousness.
Forgive my sins as I aspire to forgive others.
You are truly archetypical of forgiveness.
You are a most forgiving Lord!

Amen.

Prayer from Catholic Online.