I woke up this morning with a feeling of elation and wanting to cry at the same time. So because of this I’m reposting my friend (and fellow SaveOne chapter leader) Carolyn’s story. Why you may ask? Because her husband is part of the Iowa state legislature who co-sponsored and pushed the fetal heartbeat bill through the state, and the Iowa governor just signed it into law.
He told Carolyn’s story of abortion on the house floor. We are literally seeing abortion end in our country and around our world because of abortion recovery. Stories are powerful. And if you’ve heard me talk about politics, you know I have said for many years when we have enough people telling their stories, then politics will follow us! WE ARE SEEING THIS COME TRUE! The end of abortion is in these stories folks…..Enjoy Carolyn’s story again, from a whole different perspective. 
When Carolyn called my office and asked me to come and speak in Iowa, I had no idea the enduring friendship that would ensue. I could tell immediately this girl was a go-getter….my kind of woman. She was planning the local pregnancy center fundraising banquet, working at the center, raising her children (all pictured below), while working on her husband’s political campaign. She is an inspiration to all who meet her!
When we started this “Truth Tellers SaveOne” series, her name was one of the first ones that came to my mind. I wanted you to hear her story and see her beautiful family. God has redeemed so much in her life. Enjoy my interview with Carolyn…
Sheila: Carolyn, how long have you been a chapter leader with SaveOne?
Carolyn: Seven years.
Sheila: What is one thing you would like to tell the world about SaveOne?
Carolyn: SaveOne sheds light to a dark and secret evil in society. The more we bring light to abortion, the weaker it becomes.
Sheila: Can you tell us a little about your story and healing? Why are you so passionate about this subject?
Carolyn: 26 years ago, I was driving home from work and listening to a Christian radio station in Chicago. A young lady named Gianna, was being interviewed and she was talking about her experience surviving a saline abortion. As the interview continued, it brought back memories of my own abortion experience when I was 18. I grew up fearing God, but as I got older, I became proud and thought I knew better than God, what was best for me. After my abortion, I was never the same. I would constantly wish that I was dead, even though I had a comfortable, worldly life. I would often think about what I did and tell myself, “I had no choice, it was for my best.”
The interviewer assured those listening, God could forgive anybody who had an abortion. Then Gianna said that only God should have the right to choose whether a baby lives or dies. It was as if a veil was lifted and I finally realized, no matter how hard or how many times I justified my abortion, I in fact played God and took the life of my own child. I began to scream, “I killed my baby, I killed my baby!” My pride left me and I knew that hell was all I deserved.
As I cried out in repentance, God revealed the tremendous price that Jesus paid with His precious blood. He gave me a new life that day, and everyday since, He continues to heal me. Sharing my abortion story is probably the most difficult thing I ever have to do, but my story of His redemption, His forgiveness, His healing, and the joy I have being His daughter is what gives me the courage to do so.
Sheila: If people could only hear one “God-truth” about your story what would it be?
Carolyn: Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Sharing our stories, though very difficult and takes great courage, brings tremendous healing, abundant joy, and new vibrancy in our relationship with the Lord.
Can you see why this woman inspires me? She is rock solid in her faith. I love her quote, “The more we bring light to abortion, the weaker it becomes.” We could sum up our whole purpose at SaveOne, in that one sentence.
Thank you Carolyn for bringing light to the abortion issue by being courageous with your story. Now, who of you reading this is ready to have that same courage with their story? Write to us today, or comment below, and we will help you find the hope and healing you need.