Like a butterfly, we've all been transformed in one way or another. Take a look at your old photo albums, or your grade school pictures, and you'll quickly see the difference. Change can be good, with the right tools and the right attitude!

Take a look into a butterfly's transformation, it's timely, but needed. In order for the cocoon to be removed, the beauty process on the inside must first take place. The silky cocoon covering around the larva protects the process inside. For us, God is our protection and His word is the delicate covering we need, to be changed and transformed into a beautiful person. From my experience, the word of God is the only thing that made a complete and total change in my life. What was once old, became new. What was promiscuous is now set free. I'm free from any shame and guilt from my past because of the word of God. Romans 1:16 says, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth..." When you believe and trust in the word of God, you will be more than a beautiful butterfly. You will excel and fly far beyond your ability, because you're free to be who God created you to be.

Here's a story from a young lady that allowed God's word to transform her. Where guilt and shame dominated her life, faith and strength now reside. She has broken the cocoon of shame from her life and I encourage you to do the same. ~Monica Ware

Young, confused & scared but she does it, she goes through with the abortion. Afterwards it felt as if the world was continuing on without her, and she's on the outside looking in. Hello, I'm a woman who had an abortion. As a teenager, it was such a traumatic experience, that I blocked it out of my mind. As a matter of fact, I would not be able to even give you complete details today, because I can't remember. The shame that came on me was indescribable. It was something only Jesus could break off me.

When I came into the knowledge of Jesus and what God did for me, ( John 3:16 ) the enemy would come to me and say, "You had an abortion." It was something that was always put before my face, until one day, our church had a visiting pastor, and he clearly said,"Someone here has had a curse on them since they were a teenager, and God wants to free you." I accepted it and received forgiveness for myself. I thank God that in John 3:16 it says whosoever believes, it didn't say those who had an abortion can't believe. Accepting and understanding that Jesus died for my sins, was the beginning of my restoration.

Honestly, it took years before I felt the shame lift. I didn't feel valuable to God, nor to myself. It took the Holy Spirit, through the word of God, to show me how valuable I was. You see, Jesus came to restore us. By me staying on my face and seeking God, He brought me out of that cocoon of shame. It hurt! I did a lot of crying and I had to face issues that were deep in me. God comforted me through the whole process, and at the same time, I got to know God as my father. He lead me to study who I am in Christ, through the word. I went through a shame coarse given by my church, and it was truly the word of God that changed my whole way of thinking, about myself and my past sins.

I know that my child is in heaven with my Father, and this gives me peace and comfort. I also know that God forgives me, loves me and needs me. (To use me!) So I'm pressing toward the things in Christ, knowing my God loves me.

If you are struggling with the guilt and shame of an abortion, know that you are not out of God's reach. Your sin is not too great for Him. He is able to forgive, restore, release and use you. You have to believe that God is able and willing to do this for you. In Galatians 2: 20, it says, "...I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me." (and for you.)

We pray this woman's testimony encouraged you to choose life. If you, or someone you know is contemplating an abortion, call one of these hotline number for help. We want to save the baby's life and yours!

1-800-662-2678
1-800-238-4269
For post-abortion counseling call: 1-800-228-0332