aR Blog
Love is a Decision
With Valentine’s Day approaching, you can’t go anywhere without seeing hearts, candies, flowers and advertisements about LOVE. But what IS LOVE really?
Many think of love in a romantic sense, or in the warm feeling they have toward family or friends. I’m not arguing that feelings aren’t involved,
but I would argue they aren’t the only things that comprise love.
As the quote above says,
LOVE is a decision.
When you don’t feel warm feelings toward someone, but you choose to be patient, or kind anyway. When you don’t feel like forgiving, but you do anyway. This is what true LOVE means.
So, what do we do this month, with symbols of LOVE all around, when maybe we are feeling unloved either by others or by ourselves. Maybe we don’t feel worthy of being treated kindly, or of receiving forgiveness.
Maybe we aren’t showing ourselves much patience.
I’d challenge you to see yourself as worthy of that true, unconditional love, AND to treat yourself accordingly, even if you don’t FEEL like it. Make this the month you make a decision to care for yourself in a new way.
One way to get started is to make a list of things that bring you JOY.
In the workbook Living in Color by Jenny McDermid she offers this exercise saying:
“Use all your senses to experience joy: sight, sound, smell, taste and touch.” Here are a few examples to get you started: warm chocolate chip cookies,
snow covered spruce trees against a blue sky, going for a drive for no reason,
the warmth of sunshine flowing through a window on a winter’s day…
So TODAY start that list! Challenge yourself to write at least 10 things, even if they seem silly, and then post it somewhere you will see it often. Embrace these things, and add to your list often! You are worthy of LOVE and you deserve to fill your life with things that bring you
JOY this month and always.
If you are having trouble experiencing love for yourself, you may benefit
from the healing that attending an
aR Connections meeting,
A Celebration of Restoration Luncheon or
the Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat
retreat this month. Look below for more details…
~written by an aR Volunteer
February aR Connection meetings
aR Connection groups are for individuals who have a shared abortion experience to connect with each other and to discuss how they can find support. Connection groups provide a safe, confidential, compassionate and nonjudgmental place for individuals to begin the process of healing after abortion. Call/Text (614) 721-2100 and/or visit www.OurChoiceOurVoice.org
Columbus 2nd Tuesday of each month – 7:00 – 8:00pm – 02/12/2019
PDHC, 665 East Dublin Granville Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43229
3rd Wednesday of each month – 9:30 -10:30am – 02/20/2019
W.A.R.M., 150 Heatherdown Dr., Westerville, Ohio 43081
Other Cities Please call or text (614) 721-2100 for more information.
A Celebration of Restoration Luncheon
February 23, 2019 – 10:00am – 2:00pm
REGISTER NOW TO GET THE EARLY BIRD RATE
CONTACT CAROLYN AT CarolynK@pdhc.org FOR THE FIRST TIME ATTENDEE PROMO CODE**
**MUST USE THE PROMO CODE AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION TO RECEIVE THE DISCOUNT
Click here to Register 👇
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-celebration-of-restoration-2019-luncheon-tickets-51993852011
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www.eventbrite.com
Join other women who have found healing or who are just beginning their healing journey from a past abortion by attending our annual “me too” luncheon, now known as A Celebration of Restoration. At this special women’s event, you will laugh, cry and connect with others who can relate to your experience. You will find encouragement and support to walk in freedom, forgiveness, and restoration. This year we welcome author and speaker, Stefanie Libertore. Stefanie is a self-proclaimed Freedom Fighter. She doesn’t fight with the weapons of this world. She isn’t involved in overthrowing governments or mob mentality. Instead, she fights courageously for women who find themselves broken and spiritually stuck. Healed from her own painful past, Stefanie Libertore surrenders her own story to offer hope that others can be free. Her passion is to encourage the Bride of Christ to rise up, embrace their healing in Christ and unleash their potential, becoming Freedom Fighters for others. Discount Code offered for
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SPACE AVAILABLE
February 15-17, 2019 – Columbus, Ohio
Rachel’s Vineyard is a safe, confidential retreat to renew, rebuild and redeem hearts broken by abortion.
Call or text (614) 721-2100 or email CarolynK@PDHC.org for more info and to register!
2019: Change is Possible!
Most people are familiar with and have tried to set and keep “New Year’s Resolutions”. If you have had success with this, congratulations! However, the majority of us have more experience with good intentions that lead to not so great outcomes. As you begin 2019, we encourage you to set specific GOALS this year instead. By following some simple guidelines, we believe you will see positive changes you can be proud of!
Guideline 1: Be specific! Write down exactly what you hope to achieve, HOW you plan to do it, and WHEN you plan to achieve it. Be realistic and flexible, but “give destiny a date.” Work towards goals in a specific time frame for a greater chance of success.
Guideline 2: Be holistic! Set goals for each area of your life. (You may notice how much overlap there is!) For example, you may set relational, vocational, spiritual, physical, mental, behavioral and emotional goals.
Guideline 3: Don’t do it alone! Talk to a trusted friend, spiritual advisor, physician or counselor! Ask them for feedback about what some good goals may be for you. Again, accountability is key so don’t be afraid to ask for someone to check in on your progress.
Remember, whatever goals you choose to set, YOU ARE WORTH IT!
Taking the next steps by attending a monthly aR connections meeting, a Living in Color healing group or a Rachel’s Vineyard weekend retreat may help you to clarify your goals and bring you the support system you need to accomplish them.
Join us for aR (abortion recovery) Connection post-abortion healing support groups:
Columbus 2nd Tuesday of each month – 7:00-8:00pm – 01/08/2019
PDHC, 665 East Dublin Granville Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43229
3rd Wednesday of each month -9:30-10:30am– 01/16/2019
W.A.R.M., 150 Heatherdown Dr., Westerville, Ohio 43081
Other Cities Please call or text (614) 721-2100 for more information.
aR Connection groups are for individuals who have a shared abortion experience to connect with each other and to discuss how they can find support. Connection groups provide a safe, confidential, compassionate and nonjudgmental place for individuals to begin the process of healing after abortion. Call/Text (614) 721-2100 and/or visit www.OurChoiceOurVoice.org.
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www.ourchoiceourvoice.org
“Me Too” Event. Click above on the “me too” event to register for the upcoming “me too” luncheon on Saturday, February 23, 2019, at The Quest Conference Center at Polaris…watch this site for more information or call or text the CareLine at (614) 721-2100
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Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat Weekend
February 15-17, 2019
Rachel’s Vineyard is a safe place to renew, rebuild and redeem hearts broken by abortion.
Women who have attended a Rachel’s Vineyard Healing Retreat Weekend have said:
“It was the best thing I’ve ever done! I sensed the Lord’s presence there often in every way.”
One in four women has personally been affected by abortion.
Rachel’s Vineyard post-abortion healing retreat weekend is February 15-17, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. This is a confidential small group retreat.
Call or text (614) 721-2100 or email CarolynK@PDHC.org for more info and to register for the upcoming February 2019 Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat.
A Celebration of Restoration Luncheon
February 23, 2019 – 10:00am – 2:00pm
REGISTRATION OPENS SOON! WATCH YOUR EMAIL FOR UPDATES!
Discount hotel accommodations available the night before the luncheon @ the Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus Polaris.
Call (614) 885-8400 and ask for the PDHC Luncheon 2019 rate.
// Our Story //
In January 2015, I was having lunch with a friend I had known for years. My friend, “Susan”, knew that I volunteered at PDHC , a pregnancy care center for women faced with unexpected pregnancy. Susan, like all my friends and family, assumed I was passionate about volunteering because I had been a young, single mom and could relate to the difficulties these women face.
We ordered our favorite Thai dish, continued our small talk, but something kept tugging at my heart. I felt this overwhelming urge to tell Susan the truth about why I volunteer. Anxiety, brought on by fear of rejection and condemnation, caused my heart to race and palms to sweat. However, God’s calling to me at that moment was clear “tell Susan the truth”.
“I want to tell you the real reason I volunteer at PDHC” I paused for what seemed like an hour, my heart pounding. I went on, “when I was young I had an abortion”. Our eyes met, and I could feel the sadness in her gaze. Susan reached across the table, laid her hands on mine and said “me too”.
The truth is that about one out of four of the friends I share with say “me too” and usually follow up with something like “but I don’t want to talk about it” or “no one knows” or “don’t tell my husband”. As I become more transparent with my own past abortions, others may eventually be open to finding the same healing peace that I have found through programs like abortion recovery support groups, Living in Color, and Rachel’s Vineyard retreat weekends offered by PDHC.
The luncheon was birthed from this idea of one woman reaching across the table to another, sharing a message of healing and coming together to celebrate God’s peace and forgiveness.
Tis The Season of Triggers and… Peace
As you go through this Holiday season, you may experience triggers of your abortion grief such as family get-togethers, carols, and other traditions. If this happens, remember you can have peace even in the midst of struggle and heartache. Here are a few ideas for cultivating peace during this season…
Allow yourself to grieve. The loss of a child is tremendous, no matter the circumstances. Your grief is real, and acknowledging it will help you heal. You may want to create an expression of your grief through drawing, painting or collage. You may want to buy something such as a special ornament to honor your child’s memory. You can also express grief by writing the child a letter.
Turn emotions into actions. There is no way to take back what has happened, but you can take negative emotions and channel them into actions that produce positive results for you and others. Consider dedicating time to a cause that touches your heart, whether it’s volunteering as a tutor, serving at a homeless shelter or writing letters of encouragement to loved ones.
Find support. A support group for women who have had abortions can be an important part of post-abortion healing. Talking with others who know and understand the path you’re walking will help you feel less isolated and alone.
by A.B., dedicated aR Volunteer
Connecting with other women who can say “me too” can bring peace…
Join us for aR (abortion recovery) Connection post-abortion healing support groups:
Columbus 2nd Tuesday of each month – No December aR Connection group meeting
PDHC 665 East Dublin Granville Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43229
3rd Wednesday of each month –9:30-10:30am – 12/19/2018
***Yes, we ARE meeting***
W.A.R.M. 150 Heatherdown Dr., Westerville, Ohio 43081
Other Cities Please call or text (614) 721-2100 for more information
aR Connection groups are for individuals who have a shared abortion experience to connect with each other and to discuss how they can find support. Connection groups provide a safe, confidential, compassionate and nonjudgmental place for individuals to begin the process of healing after abortion. Call or text (614) 721-2100 and visit www.OurChoiceOurVoice.org
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www.OurChoiceOurVoice.org
“Me Too” Event. Click above on the “me too” event to register for the upcoming “me too” luncheon on Saturday, February 23, 2019, at The Quest Conference Center at Polaris…watch this site for more information or call or text the CareLine at (614) 721-2100
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Living in Color – Openings available for January groups
Living in Color is a post-abortion recovery and healing program designed for use by a small, facilitator-led support group. The small group meets once per week for 8 weeks and a workbook is used as a guide for the group.
What Living in Color participants are saying:
“I am so blessed to have completed the Living in Color sessions. [I can’t believe] the Freedom I feel…free from guilt and shame, No more anger toward my Mom or my ex-husband and knowing that I have 2 daughters who love me and don’t have anger or resentment toward me! What an amazing Journey to Redemption and Joy.”
“Keep going through it…you’ll love the outcome! Very eye-opening yet comforting! Love how personal! The beginning of a better mind.”
“I found Living in Color to be helpful and supportive because I was able to share my experience with others open and honestly… has been so healing in all areas of my life.”
Begin your healing journey…Call or text (614) 721-2100 or email CarolynK@PDHC.org for more info and to register for a healing group.
Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat Weekend
February 15-17, 2019
Rachel’s Vineyard is a safe place to renew, rebuild and redeem hearts broken by abortion.
Women who have attended a Rachel’s Vineyard Healing Retreat Weekend have said:
“It was the best thing I’ve ever done! I sensed the Lord’s presence there often in every way.”
One in four women has personally been affected by abortion.
Rachel’s Vineyard post-abortion healing retreat weekend is February 15-17, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. This is a confidential small group retreat.
Call or text (614) 721-2100 or email CarolynK@PDHC.org for more info and to register for the upcoming February 2019 Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat.
Thankful for YOU
