That afternoon at the Dream Center, I looked out at the women and saw brown faces, black faces, and white faces. The color of their skin varied, but the pain in their eyes was the same. Hard living had aged many of them beyond their years: a girl grows up way too fast in the ghetto. They were listening intently, and I knew they understood my sorrow when I admitted that my bad choices far from ended with my decision to marry Jesse.
As I shared even more of my life story with the women at the Dream Center, I could tell that many of them related to the deep personal pain that stemmed from my bad choices. Some of them were sobbing openly; many had tears in their eyes. The joy is that I was able to share not just the pain and brokenness but the fact that God had loved me back to wholeness.
“God can only heal what you are willing to reveal,” I told the audience. When I gave an invitation to come forward for prayer, the response was overwhelming. Most of these women had already committed their lives to Christ, but there were still so many deep hurts that needed healing. One woman who wanted prayer shared with me that she had had five abortions. She was praying and sobbing to the point of having dry heaves. Some of the other ladies were afraid she was going to throw up and wanted to help her, but I asked them to leave her alone. It doesn’t happen that often, but sometimes a woman’s grief can be so intense that she gets physically sick. In that case, it’s actually best to let her get that out.
As I had sensed in my spirit, God did something powerful that day for these women. I was honored that He would use me as his chosen vessel.
Over the years, God has presented the opportunity over and over again to share my story with hurting women. While His healing power has worked in my life to restore me to wholeness, there are many still suffering.
I share my story because it makes Jesus real to others who are hurting.
My story isn’t pretty – it isn’t easy to hear. I am not proud of it – but it’s my TESTIMONY and it is holy unto God.
What I brag about today is not the past – but the future in Christ that I now have and others can have through the loving, forgiving, healing, covering Blood of Jesus!
HE took my sin to that Cross at Calvary so long ago.
HE will take yours too! Receive Christ today as your Savior!
Love,
~ Lori
Becoming a Hope Craftswoman – Part 1
Becoming a Hope Craftswoman – Part 2
Lori, Thank you so very much for being so real and transparent and sharing your amazing testimony! Ever since I started listening to you speak and read your book, I have felt a true connection to you even though I have not met you. My story is different than yours, but we share the same pain of losing a child through abortion. I have found that the women I have met with and are in post-abortion ministry with had an automatic connection because of our past experiences. I had my abortion on April 29, 2005 and went through a downward spiral of severe depression, attempted suicide, being promiscuous, pretty much no self-esteem, etc. It was only by the forgiveness and grace of God as well as the healing power of Jesus that I am alive today and am walking in God’s amazing love and grace. I have shared my story with others over the past 3 years with the hope that they too can be set free by the blood of Jesus! THANK YOU again for being the amazing woman that you are and for being a continual blessing and inspiration to my life! I love you!