Flourishing Life Ministries
Honoring Unborn by Dana Bridges Stout
“You want me to what?” I said as my defenses exploded in anger. “No way, no how! I purposely never wanted to do that because I knew it would be too painful, too real.” My Abortion Recovery Bible study facilitator assigned us for an honoring unborn ceremony, to name our aborted babies. And prepare for a memorial service for the babies represented in our class.
I struggled for several days with even the thought of completing this task. Eventually, I prayed for the Lord’s help and began looking at baby name books. Through tears, I decided on names for the son and daughter I never held.
The honoring unborn memorial service was one of the most holy, reverent and bittersweet services I’ve ever seen. Filled with symbolism of the uniqueness of each mother and child, we gave our babies dignity, recognized their personhood. We introduced them to the world and released them to God.
Special Ways of Honoring Unborn
Mothers honored unborn children by singing a song, writing a poem, releasing balloons or reading Scripture. Through the truths of the study, the support of the group and this final sacred moment, I was able to connect to these babies as mother and child. Honoring and remembering my children was crucial to healing my heart from the grievous choice of abortion ten years prior. I have since walked many women through the same study and presided over many of these services. Each time I am deeply touched to watch the intense struggle for healing come to completion as mothers timidly but proudly call out their babies’ names, announcing their lineage to the world.
National Day of Remembrance
The second Saturday of September is National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children. Organized as a service over the grave of 1500 aborted babies, the movement has spread throughout the United States. Pro-Lifers gather to honor the babies with dignity. Find more information and a service near you at www.abortionmemorials.com.
Perhaps you have chosen abortion and now regret that decision. One step towards healing is an honoring unborn ceremony for your child. And the biggest step is one towards the Lord, allowing Him to heal you through His Word. The wonderful ladies at Abortion Recovery Assistance at www.piedmontwomenscenter.org can help find a recovery program near you.
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
(In honor of Joshua Daniel and Delilah Starling)
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Dana Bridges Stout
About the Honoring Unborn Article Author:
Dana Bridges Stout founded Flourishing Life Ministries to minister restoration to women. She directs them to truths that help them accept the Flourishing Life that Jesus offers. Dana speaks, leads worship, writes, and teaches live online Bible studies. Connect with her at www.flourishinglifeministries.com or Flourishing Life Ministries on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/flourishinglifeministries/
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Other honoring unborn resources … Unleashing Your Courageous Compassion / 40 Reflections on Rescuing the Unborn by Susanne Maynes … find this book here: Susanne Maynes Book
From Pregnancy Help News, a guest article by Susanne Maynes “Heal a Hurting World One Heart at a Time”: Susanne Maynes Article
Inspirational and family life books by authors Stephen Bly and Janet Chester Bly here: INSPIRATIONAL FAMILY BLY BOOKS
I had no idea there was a day set apart for this. What a blessing for those who have had an abortion. Healing is so needed and this is a great way to help in that. Blessings to you, Dana, for going outside your comfort zone to help others.
Thank you for sharing my story. I hope this brings healing to many women. Help is out there, please seek it! Great freedom awaits. I honor the lives of the millions of unborn. Janet is being instrumental in leading women to this healing by sharing my story. Once again, thank you!
Dana: You’re most welcome! Glad for the opportunity to do some part in this whole difficult situation and process to recovery. And Connie Sue, thanks much for leaving your comment too!