by Liz Osborn —

As we prepare to celebrate the joy and triumph of Easter, I found myself reflecting on the glorious events surrounding the resurrection account.  Easter is all about Life and restoration and don’t we love to proclaim that message?

But then, my mind drifted to Good Friday and Jesus’ death.  Undoubtedly, there was grief and sorrow beyond words among Mary and His closest friends as Jesus’ lifeless body was laid to rest in the tomb.  It’s good to reflect on that part of the Easter story too and how it ultimately leads us to Easter morning’s restoration, hope and life.  How their sorrow turned to unspeakable joy, their deepest darkness to a bright, blazing light.

The Easter story offers a parallel to what we are called to witness in the lives we serve through Care Net’s First Care Clinic and The Elizabeth House: Christ’s restorative and life-giving truth and power which changes hearts and minds.  Lives are being transformed and saved, physically and eternally.  What joy – what cause for celebration!    At Care Net, we are privileged to co-labor with you in the lives of those divinely directed through our doors in their darkest hour of decision-making.

But we are also privileged to be there when a courageous post-abortive woman faces her past decision and invites us into her soul-searching, grief and pain. More times than not she’s been on this journey alone, having shared with no one her sorrow and isolation. At Care Net we offer women wounded by abortion a chance to move from heartache to healing.  We have consultants specially trained in post-abortion grief recovery, standing by to compassionately provide a listening ear and nonjudgmental care.

As Christians we know that it is only through His gospel message of forgiveness that a post-abortive woman (or those who participated in her abortion decision) can truly find complete healing, peace and new purpose.  There is freedom and joy available to all through the eternal love and forgiveness of Christ.

If along your path you learn of someone struggling with their abortion decision, please remind them there is a safe place where they will be met with the love of Jesus.

Your partnership with Care Net touches real people, and invites each to learn of and see their value through the eyes of God. Together, through Christ, it can be Easter every day.