Faith
Healing Through Faith: A Journey Beyond Abortion’s Pain
In a deeply moving episode of the “Politely Rude” podcast, pro-life advocate Abby Johnson and author Robin Gerblick have brought to light the often-hidden wounds of abortion and the profound healing that can be found through faith in Jesus Christ. This conversation is a testament to the enduring power of Christian values and the importance of faith in overcoming life’s deepest regrets.
Abby Johnson, a stalwart in the fight against abortion, opened the episode by reaffirming her commitment to defending the unborn and highlighting the profound harm that abortion inflicts not only on children but also on women. “I think everyone knows that my primary fight in our culture today is the fight against abortion, the fight against the murder of the unborn in the womb,” she stated, setting the stage for a heartfelt discussion on the subject.
Robin Gerblick, who has personally experienced the devastating impact of abortion, shared her story with raw honesty. Her journey began in 1973, the same year Roe v. Wade was decided, and it led her down a path of pain and confusion until she found solace in her Christian faith. Reflecting on her past, she recalled, “I just moved to San Diego to start attending college, and he was my boyfriend, for sure, but also the love of my life.”
Gerblick’s experience at a clinic was one of isolation and pressure, highlighting the lack of support for women facing unplanned pregnancies. “There’s just no support, there’s no anything, and you’re just told … you need to have an abortion,” she recounted. This narrative is all too familiar in a society that often normalizes abortion, a point Johnson emphasized by noting, “It’s really interesting how normalized abortion has become, and how the abortion industry has done such a great job … of making abortion feel normal and compassionate for women.”
For Gerblick, the aftermath of her abortion was akin to “40 years of wandering in the desert,” a poignant reference to the Israelites’ journey in the Old Testament. She grappled with feelings of shame and a loss of self-worth, seeking validation in all the wrong places. “I was so desperate for love and so desperate for validation and worth,” she confessed.
However, it was her encounter with Jesus Christ that marked the beginning of her healing. “He could do what no other man on Earth could do, and that was love me unconditionally. And that was a life changer for me,” Gerblick shared, illustrating the transformative power of divine love.
A pivotal moment in her journey came when she visited a crisis pregnancy center and saw images of fetal development for the first time. Overwhelmed with emotion, she named a small model of a 10-week-old fetus “Grace,” symbolizing the life she lost and the grace she found in Christ.
Gerblick’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of naming and grieving one’s past, a process she believes is essential for true healing. “Although with our faith we know that we’re forgiven, we also have to be able to forgive ourselves,” she explained, emphasizing the need for self-compassion and understanding.
Her message to women carrying the burden of abortion is one of hope and redemption: “There is grace for them.” She has encountered women who have carried their secret for decades, urging them to find solace in the Savior who came to deliver us from our burdens.
Through her book, “Giving Up Grace: The Spiritual Rebranding of the Soul,” Gerblick chronicles her journey of redemption, offering a beacon of hope for others seeking healing. “Sometimes you need to give up the grace you don’t know in order to get the grace that you really need,” she concluded, pointing to the transformative power of Jesus’ grace.
In a world that often strays from traditional values, this podcast episode serves as a poignant reminder of the healing power of faith, the sanctity of life, and the enduring strength found in embracing Christian principles.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.