My story is not unique. Getting pregnant, being shocked and having the typical feelings associated with an unplanned pregnancy. Fear of…

• the future – Would anyone want to marry a single woman with a child? What about college and a career?
• reputation – I was popular, still in high school, prideful, self-centered and didn’t want to be known as the class whore.
• rejection – My Dad had said that if I got myself pregnant that he would kick me out of the house so fast…”
• judgment – “What would the neighbors think?” was often the mantra growing up. And, I knew how church people viewed pregnancy in our congregation – the looks, the sneers. I wanted to save myself and my family the humiliation.
• loss of security – Where would I live? How could I make ends meet at 17? Where would I go? What would I do?

I believed in God and Jesus Christ. But, it was skewed. I saw God as angry, judgmental and unforgiving in the ultimate sin of taking an innocent life. Instead of running to Him, I ran away.

For years, I suffered. Whatever I tried, I could not get past the darkness and hollowness in my soul.

I was terrified to seek help. I would often say to myself, “If they only knew…” I lived behind a mask in despair.

Finally, “when the pain, outweighed the shame” I sought Professional Christian Counseling and began my healing journey.

Looking back, I think I just cried for the first two sessions! Once the tears subsided, I begin talking and examining the circumstances surrounding my decision, the lies I clung to, and the pressures that were felt during this adolescent crisis.

I went from begging God to take my life (that I didn’t want to live any longer) to praising Him for the renewed joy I had received through Jesus Christ. Grace is a choice and I repeatedly rejected His offering. It took me a long time to believe that God loved ME and would forgive my sin.

After my counseling sessions were complete, I went back to college to obtain a Social Work degree. I did not want other women (or men) to suffer like I had suffered and wanted to help others as I had been graciously helped.

Today, my passion remains the same and I am honored to be part of Concepts of Truth. I am humbled to assist leading others to the truth and to the one, Jesus Christ, who will “wipe away every tear.”