My Body, My Choice

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

In recent days here, in light of Alabama’s recent Human Life Protection Act, there seems to be a caustic energy that is sweeping the world.

Celebrities like Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, Pink, Reese Witherspoon, Cynthia Nixon, Rihanna, Courteney Cox, Kylie Jenner, Emma Watson, Karlie Kloss, Hilary Duff, Gigi Hadid, Diddy, Ellen Degeneres, Ariana Grande and countless others, have joined in the outrage of our neighbors and former classmates on Facebook, shouting “Men Shouldn’t Be Making Laws About Women’s Bodies.“

They’re doxxing the people who voted in favor of the bill. And Alyssa Milano has even gone so far as to pledge a #SexStrike in protest of the prolife legislature that is “robbing” them of their “bodily autonomy.”

Well tonight, instead of joining the argument about this deeply emotional issue, I instead wanted to offer a different perspective on my own relationship with my body, as someone who has had to live with the results of my choice for the last 11 years now.

If you were to ask me, when I was in the throes of my anorexia, I would have shouted from the rooftops: “MY BODY, MY CHOICE.”

Because that’s exactly how I was living: I was choosing to destroy my body through starvation, obsessive exercise, insomnia, and other destructive manifestations of my eating disorder.

I did not want ANYONE to have any say over the way I was choosing to treat it. I wanted to destroy it as I so pleased, and there wasn’t a damn thing anyone could say or do otherwise about it.

And in fact, as an 18-year old high school senior, no one could. Because I was legally an adult.

And so even though I was clearly a danger to myself, and was wasting away to 78 pounds, my parents, legally could not force me to go to inpatient treatment. Because it was…my body, my choice.

And even though I would have never said, “I want to die,” that’s exactly what my actions — my choices — were not only communicating, but successfully manifesting.

You know what my choice got me?
Osteopenia at 18 years old.
All my hair fell out.
I never got my period, and even to this day, I still have only menstruated thrice.
My circulation, even to this day, sucks.
I suffered from edema for six years, even after recovering.
My relationships took a huge hit.
I had to drop out of college.
And I can still struggle with feeling unworthy of love.

I wish I could just go back in time, and shake that strong willed, hurting, and terrified young girl and say, “Your choices are killing you.”

I would hug her so tightly and not let go.

There’s so much I wish I could tell her. So much perspective that I would share, now — as a whole, healthy, and healed young woman — that I so desperately needed to hear back then.

Because the only way I have been able to embrace recovery, and leave those destructive behaviors behind, was to realize that — my body was not mine to destroy.

Yes, it was my body, but my choice? Not quite. My body is a gift – on loan to me by the Father. And you know what, yeah that might seem a little bit “out there.” But take it from someone who was literally knocking on death’s door — there are certain things you wake up to when you’re teetering on the edge.

When I realized and embraced that I was a child of God, and handmade by the Father, it suddenly became crystal clear that my body was a temple. It was my act of worship. The instrument through which I am to glorify and honor Him who gave me life, and saved it.

It was no longer my choice. It was my responsibility. It was my privilege. It was my beautiful vessel to honor Him with.

I think we can get so lost in our pride, our ego, our autonomy. I know I did. My body was mine to deprive nutrients. It was mine to kill with olympic caliber workouts on no sleep and no fuel. I could berate my mind and spirit with flagellating, critical thoughts, and isolate myself so that no one could tell me otherwise.

But in the end, a life of striving for autonomy led me to the brink of death, literally.

And I’m still paying the price for my choices.

As someone who lived the most radical, and most extreme manifestation of “My Body, My Choice,” I want to just leave you with one final thought.

We all have that fundamental human right over our bodies. That’s absolutely true – and as I found out – up to and including autonomous choices that lead to self-demise. For better or for worse, that is the prerogative of each and every person.

But that human right, is not actually what is coming under “attack” in these prolife legislations. Because that autonomous choice to self-destruct is our fundamental right, UNTIL it threatens the life of another person.

That’s why a person is free to drink alcohol to the point of passing out, and yet — if that same person gets behind the wheel of a car, it’s illegal. Why? Because all of a sudden, that choice threatens the life of another.

Which is exactly the case with abortion. Because those choices now involve another person. And now, it’s no longer a human right, but a civil right.

Sitting here today, I’m just so grateful that my family and loved ones were able to get through to me that my choices were not only killing me, but deeply hurting the ones I love most. And thank God it wasn’t too late.

In my recovery, I’ve vowed not only to never return to that way of life again, but that everyday, I will make the choice, to honor my body, and use it as the instrument of peace and hope God entrusted me with.

And to those saying that Men Shouldn’t Be Making Laws Against Women’s Bodies – I say, you’re right. And further, Women Shouldn’t Be Making Choices to Destroy Their Child’s Body.

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BBB: Because we're all recovering from something. // For speaking/business inquiries: beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com

354 thoughts on “My Body, My Choice”

    1. Thanks so much Sadie! I’m so glad this resonated with you 🙂 so glad you stopped by! big hugs xox

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  2. I am not sure if I am going to post on my own blog about this, since I lost a friend after Prop 8 in California…the Gay Marriage issue. Being the eldest living with a rare metabolic disorder, I am thankful my mother didn’t choose Abortion. My sister passed away a few month’s after birth and then I had the same symptoms. My parents fought for me to survive and I am still here.. although they’re not.

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    1. Oh gosh, you have a powerful story. Thank you for sharing it. I’m so sorry for the loss of your sister. I am inspired by you. Sending big big hugs xox

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  3. When you wrote this “…I think we can get so lost in our pride, our ego, our autonomy. ..”

    You’re hitting the nail on the head, their chants and rants are about self and no other.
    They’re incapable of viewing it from your perspective because of their own selfishness, basically sin in a nutshell.

    God Bless.

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    1. Thanks so much friend. I have been in that headspace for sure, and that’s what it was. Hugs and love xox

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  7. Well said! You made an excellent point about being allowed to drink to you pass out, but when you get behind the wheel you are endangering the lives of others, much like choosing to kill the baby inside your body.

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    1. Thank you so much Jennifer! So glad this resonated with you! Yeah, I think when we take away the super emotional aspect of it (involving a child) and look objectively at the situation, it’s easier to see the truth of the matter. So glad you stopped by 🙂 big big hugs xox

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  9. Once again, a great, thought-provoking post. I’ve been struck by something that Abby Johnson posted on her FB today. She reached out to those who feel unwanted or disposable because of the current and heated rhetoric of the abortion debate. She address “foster children, adopted children, abortion survivors, people who are differently-abled, people who have conceived a child in rape, those who are conceived in rape”, etc. These are real people … real humans … not simply invisible decisions. My husband and his brother were adopted. I know two women who were the results of violent rapes. Several close friends are raising children with Downs Syndrome and other physical or mental health challenges. Several friends and family are fostering children … some of the situations leading to adoption. My heart hurts that in the screaming for rights, these precious souls are labelled “less than,” undeserving of life because they have inconvenienced those shouting, “My body, my rights.” Think of the guilt we are placing on people because they are alive while millions with the same circumstances are dead … never given a chance. This guilt is a real thing … I’ve watched love ones struggle with always feeling unworthy and with deep depression because of the stigma that “choice” has put in their lives.

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    1. Hi friend! Oh gosh thank you so much for sharing your heart. I haven’t seen that post but I will definitely check it out!! it’s SO TRUE! All this talk is communicating “less than” which is SO AWFUL. you hit the nail on the head – they are precious souls that are wanted and worthy of life just like every other person in the world. Breaks me heart. Extra prayers for them. Hugs and love xox

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  11. I endorse your views on this issue and as always, your insight is spot-on. Very well written. God bless you for standing up for the rights of the unborn. I am horrified at the mindset that women’s’ rights over their bodies preempts aborted baby girls’ rights to be born, grow to womanhood, and claim rights over their future bodies that was taken away in the womb by today’s women? Terrible sentence structure, but a conundrum nonetheless.

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    1. Hi Sherron, thank you so much for your support. It truly means the world. I fully agree!! A conundrum indeed. Hugs and love xox

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  12. Your story inspires me every time you tell it. It isn’t just about actual hurting your body that kills but how you treat it on the long or short run and it is funny how people believe that hurting a physical human being is murder and hurting a growing being isn’t. Selfish is what they are. Thank you for the write up. No one called themselves to existence so why take the life of an existence you didn’t create??? God bless you!!

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    1. Oh my gosh thank you so much. You’re so right – we do not have the right to extinguish a life, no matter how small. Hugs and love xox

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  13. Well written Caralyn, however I feel that you should have endorsed the movie, “Unplanned” in there as well – sort of encouraging women who’s views are pro-abortion, to first watch that movie before picketing, etc.

    There are so many “what if” cases and scenarios that are being thrown around at the moment – Rape, child abuse, etc. Considering the lives of the victims of such crimes, I would certainly be pro-abortion. However when I consider the majority number of those who are just using the system for a quick fix to a mistake…. Also the considering that a life is a life.. I’m pro-life.. I will always be.

    It saddens me that people will get all up in arms over the gun violence and claim that every life is precious; yet, they are willing to deny the same rights to an innocent child in the womb.
    These are the same people that say we can’t neuter rapists because that would be a violation of human rights, yet killing an infant isn’t.

    They say because the fetus is deformed, it can’t be called a human being. I’m sorry, by that logic anyone born deformed can’t be called a human being either. #JustSaying

    The world is so full of double standards and it has come to a point where the world is not paving the way for the next generation to be a bunch of soulless, brain-dead, robots; who’s only mission in life is themselves. And anyone who actually is God-fearing and has a heart, is demonized.

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    1. Thank you so much for this response. Yes, in hindsight I do wish I would have mentioned Unplanned. As you recall, I have endorsed them in probably 6 or 7 of my most recent posts. It just slipped my mind this time. But you’re correct it is SUCH a powerful and important film that everyone should see. Powerful points my friend. Powerful points. Hugs and love xox

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      1. I also find it very interesting that women, even celebrities, make so many comments about their rights, having to endure sexual discrimination, etc.. yet, will go to a club and dance to music and hip-hop songs with lyrics making sexually derogatory comments about the women in their lives.. Those artists refer to their girlfriends as “My B****” or “that W****”…
        And no one says anything? Why?

        Double standards… 😦

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      2. Yeah that’s a great point. The misogyny is pretty disgusting in the lyrics

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  16. BBB, yet again, your clarity of mind (and soul) bubble up to the surface to get to the core of an issue, clear away the distractions and expose Inner Truth (and wisdom). This life you see, was never about us… It is about Jesus Christ as we are living through Him. God bless you.

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    1. Thanks so much MW – you’re so right about that. We are on His mission. Not about us. Hugs and love xox

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    1. Oh my gosh thank you so much Mike!! I appreciate you taking the time to read it! Hugs and love xox

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  18. Hello beautiful sis, this one of your most strongly written, eloquent and passionate post of yours I have ever read. And filled with so much wisdom and unique point of view in light of your own experience. We humans are very limited in our wisdom and that is why we need others to check and balance us. This is why no one person is meant to rule a country alone, cuz one person isn’t always right. We cannot have sole say in how we live our lives because of our ego, pride, limited wisdom and biased viewpoints. Even the Bible says that in the multitude of counselors there is safety. A baby growing inside of us is NOT our body. God gave the baby to us as a gift no matter the tragic or regretful circumstances the child was brought into the world. May God have mercy on us justifying murder of innocent little lives. Who are we to decide that a human doesn’t get to live out their destiny?

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    1. Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words! You’re so right about that – life is a gift bestowed upon us. Who are we indeed. Hugs and love xox

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  19. Gun laws and the death penalty means Alabama isn’t a pro life state. I don’t think this is about being pro life, I think it’s anti-woman. The law is unmoveable in any case even rape and incest, the victim forgotten.
    Most women don’t go having abortions lightly. It’s an agonising decision for most. I think the “do the deed and live with the consequences” rhetoric is too blasé. Who will provide healthcare, education, not to mention Day to day expenses for these children? Contraception fails. Not everyone uses contraception but if they’re raped then they have to live with that and potentially have a baby too? You can’t ban abortions, you’ll drive it back underground and women will die.

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    1. Thank you for sharing your position on this deeply emotional issue. I do agree that there are a lot of needs that society should address, but I don’t think the answer to those structural issues is to kill the children. I do appreciate you stopping by and joining the dialogue on this difficult issue. I respect your views and I hear you! Hugs and love xox

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  20. You’re an inspiration! I agree with your views all the time politically. Not to mention, your writing has power in the fact you’ve been through hard times, which you overcame through blood, sweat, and tears.

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    1. Oh my gosh thank you so much for this wonderful note of encouragement. It really means a lot. That which doesn’t kill us makes us stronger! 🙂 big big hugs xox

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  22. Ahhhhhh! First – awesome post! Second – WE WANT TO REACH THROUGH THE COMPUTER AND HUG YOU! We started https://marriedstrong.com/ because we hurt when others are hurting and we want to help couples who are going through pain in their marriage. God has surely blessed you and is taking good care of you now. ALL LIFE is an amazing blessing. Thank you for sharing!

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    1. Thank you so much!!! Oh my gosh I am so touched by your kind words. And what an awesome ministry!! Cheering for you! Hugs and love xox

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    1. Thank you so much Heather!! I really appreciate you taking the time to read it!! Hugs and love xox

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  24. Straight from the heart! Beautifully written. My the LORD continue to bless you and your ministry of helping others heal from their personal pain. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. Aw thank you so much Debra!! That really means a lot. And same to you dear friend! Hugs and love xox

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  26. Bravo! I know several women who (while in our teens) chose abortion, and to this day (35 years later) still grieve that loss. Keep speaking out. And keep exposing social media for blocking and banning you. You’re speaking truth and they hate that.

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    1. Thank you so much Lisa, for sharing that. I’m so sorry to hear that those women are having to deal with that grief. That’s one thing I think is so important — offering support, compassion, and resources to post-abortive women, because it does take a large toll on their heart. THey need love! Thanks for your encouraging words. big hgus xo

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  27. Thank you for posting/talking about this!

    I’ve been seeing a lot about this issue on social media lately, especially on Facebook. And I’ve been seeing people on either side of the spectrum: either incredibly against abortion and related issues or incredibly for the “my body, my choice” argument.

    I think it’s great that you’ve put up a post where you give a “compromise” of sorts. Kind of like you said, we do have control over our bodies, but when our choices affect the lives of others, that’s when it isn’t so simple.

    Thank you.

    • Victoria

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    1. Hi Victoria, thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement. You’re so right – when our choices impact the lives of others, we have to reexamine what’s going on. Big hugs to you xox

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  28. Best of your posts I’ve read so far. Truth is truth even if it slaps you in the face. But people will still reject truth even if they were paid to keep it. If the Bible hadn’t given us heads-up I would have been deeply worried, but nothing surprises me anymore. We will keep speaking for truth. Well done, sis.

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    1. Hi friend! Oh gosh, thank you so much 🙂 “Truth is truth even if it slaps you in the face -” WOW! I’ve never heard that one before but dang is that one of the most accurate things I’ve ever heard. I really appreciate your support! big hugs xox

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  29. “For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them.”
    ‭‭PSALMS‬ ‭139:13-16‬ ‭NASB‬‬
    https://www.bible.com/100/psa.139.13-16.nasb

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    1. Yes!!! This is my ABSOLUTE favorite verse that shows the tender love that Father has for us, especially as He was forming us in the womb. If this isn’t the most crystal clear evidence, then I don’t know what is! hugs xo

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    2. This only gives hope for the lives of the children that were aborted – the abortion victims, the unwanted. God knows all, sees all, hears all… Therefore he foreknew what was going to happen. And so you can be sure God has made provisions for them…
      You can talk about the most famous unwanted child in the bible – Ismail. Ismail was not in the plan of God at all. His birth was the result of planning outside of God’s will. Perhaps if it didn’t happen, there would not be any issues in the middle east at all. Did God know that it would happen? Yup and God already made plans for him; in keeping with the covenant he made with Abraham.
      Where the souls of the aborted children are, will be a mystery. I have my own theories about that. But I shall keep them to myself.

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  30. Having had an abortion myself, this topic is very dear to my heart. In addition to everything you said, the emotional guilt that comes with it is heavy. I don’t honestly think legislation alone will solve this problem. I think community support for people who are vulnerable, and for the children when they are born will help a great deal.

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    1. Hi Efua, thank you so much for sharing your story. I’m so sorry that you’ve been carrying that heavy emotion, and I pray that you’ve got a strong support system around you. Because you’re absolutely right – community support is so important. That’s one of the beautiful things about prolife crisis pregnancy centers – is that they offer those resources and support before, during AND AFTER the pregnancy. They help the mothers with all the resources and clothes, and diapers. They help the mothers get jobs, and find child care. They help them get child support, depending on their circumstance. Or they walk them through the adoption process. They also offer women who have had abortions the counselling and therapy they need. Friend, I cannot imagine the difficult road that was to walk for you, and my heart is with you as you heal from that. I just want you to know that I love you, I am praying for you, and that if you ever need to talk, I am here and would be honored to listen to your story. Sending so much love. xox

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      1. Thank you so much for your kind words. Praise God for his forgiveness as such I am no longer held bound by that condemnation😊. Good to know about the support existing in the USA. I haven’t heard of same in the UK. Counselling not just for those who are considering it but also for those who have gone through it is very important. I think we need to do more here in the UK. Thanks again sis❤️

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      2. Amen! Praise God for His forgiveness!! He has made all of us a new creation and has wiped us clean!! I definitely am personally grateful for that truth!! I hope the UK can shape up. Who knows – maybe this is your calling? Maybe you should start something or set into motion what’s missing? Just a thought 🙂 I personally think you’d be awesome at it 🙂 xox

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  31. Hi Caralyn. I must agree with you. After three miscarriages, the thought of an abortion makes me sick. I lost three babies that I very much planned and wanted. I simply cannot fathom that someone would ever end a pregnancy by choice.

    A little unrelated – I have a tough time wrapping my head around my losses as “part of God’s plan.” How do you stay so positive, and keep your trust in God when it seems impossible? Appreciate your advice.

    Your fellow Cincinnatian,
    Amanda

    MeetThePetes.com

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    1. Hi Amanda, oh gosh, i am just so sorry for your loss. my heart is absolutely with you and breaks to think that you’ve had to walk such a painful and difficult road. And know that I am praying for you. That is really such a tough question – because it is unfathomable to try to understand loss as part of God’s plan. And my unqualified answer, is: I don’t know. I don’t know why God allows loss to happen. Do I think that He causes those things to happen? No. But I do think that He can redeem our suffering, and somehow use it for good. Like helping other people who are walking similar roads. Or offering you a unique perspective that one can only get through enduring such grief, that one day you will be able to use for a divine purpose. I just don’t know. But what I DO know, is that you have three beautiful children waiting for you in Heaven that cannot wait to meet and hug you and spend eternity with you. I cannot imagine the pain you carry in your heart daily, and the heaviness that is to carry, but just know that I love you. I am praying for you. And you are such a strong and inspiring woman, Amanda. Hugs and love xox caralyn

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  32. For those who believe “My Body My Choice”. Would you have the body living inside you be the victim of your choice. Of course, there are no abortions living today. Of sorry, It is all about me. Live your life and stand your ground. You are loved and blessed.

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    1. Thanks friend. Yeah, the victims are voiceless, which is precisely why we need to stand in the gap for them and be their voice!! Hugs and love xox

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  33. Ah, the Cultural Revolution in a world of media and social media that looks up to celebrities. Something disturbing are studies showing in China that not only are seniors committing suicide, but this is becoming normalized and an almost expected or honorable way to go. In China, senior suicide rates have risen 500 percent over the past 20 years, as 590 women a day kill themselves. In China, the countryside see three times more women kill themselves as men. Many more attempt suicide. As the concept of motherhood…. as identity is taken away. Is this a direct result of the Chinese government’s one-child, and now two-child, policy? Ah, the Cultural Revolution, when the Spirit of a land is always fought over. It would never happen here.

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    1. Oh my gosh that is just so heartbreaking. Gosh so incredibly sad. We’ve got to pray for China. Hugs and love xox

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  34. C, you really make me think … touch me, make me feel, and make me think. My view:

    If it’s an obligation, then you don’t have a choice. I’m not sure God wants that for us. He gives us innumerable choices. The part of us that chooses is the central part of us, it was from the beginning.

    Of course, every choice has a result. If a person has a choice (and they probably do) then they have to own their choice.

    Everyone is after autonomy, the power and authority. It seems to me a lot more good comes when we just take more responsibility instead. It’s often offered, rarely taken. – Tony

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    1. Thanks Tony for sharing your thoughts on this deeply emotional issue. Lots of food for thought here. Hugs and love xox

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  35. I absolutely love everything about this post. What some don’t understand that when they make the argument of “my body, my choice”, is that no one is taking away the freedom to do whatever you want with your individual body- get tattoos, get piercings, whatever floats your boat, it’s about protecting a life that is a completely different body/individual. And I find the “men shouldn’t be making laws about women’s bodies” laughable bc a woman introduced the bill and a woman signed it into law. And what is so bad about men standing up for what’s right? When it comes to creating life, it takes 2 to tango, so I believe men should voice their stance without always being demonized with the “no uterus, no opinion” talk. It doesn’t matter if it is a man or a woman that is pro-life, however, bc you will get criticized regardless, which is sad and backwards. I 100% agree with everything you said and I am thankful there are so many out there standing up for life.❤️❤️❤️ it makes me want to be more vocal about my pro-life stance myself. It pains me to see the arguments and views of the contrary, but I know in the end life and love will always win. Even when the most vocal/popular views seem overpowering.❤️

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    1. Hi Brooke, thank you so much for sharing your heart on this. I completely agree – a completely different individual is impacted. Hugs and love xox

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  36. Compelling argument. As a vegetarian, I have respect for life – human and animal. It hurts me to see animals killed for meat, and especially suffering in factory farms. I have come to accept that not everyone can be a vegetarian – some have even health issues that prevent them from being one. It is a tough truth to accept, nonetheless. Baby cows die to make veal – a sentient animal mother bears a child only for it to be plucked from her immediately and culled. I have to live in a world that does this type of unspeakable cruelty.

    That said, I have accepted that meat eating is a gray area. That there are people who cannot live without meat – the whole herbivore carnivore argument. I now try to tell myself this: “avoidable cruelty can be avoided”. I hope that even meat eaters would oppose factory farming where animals do not have a life whatsoever and are treated as meat. I hope that beauty products would be cruelty-free and rabbit eyes are not sprayed with shampoo to test that product.

    My stance on abortion is similar. Avoidable cruelty needs to be avoided. I dislike the thought of abortion. I have also read compelling accounts from rape survivors who were pushed into years of depression – which would have been worse had they been forced to keep the baby that was conceived from that rape. I have read about a 11 year old getting pregnant and nearly dying having that child. I have read about someone being abused as a child, getting pregnant and a merciful person helping them end that pregnancy caused by a pervert. I have also read about people who are not ready to be mothers having children, abusing them, neglecting them and totally messing up their lives – including these children being abused by the partners of these irresponsible women.

    So to me abortion is a gray area. A child that is born needs to be wanted, and cherished. Every child deserves to be protected and cared for. Bringing a child into a cruel situation where he/she is unwanted and could be abused or neglected, or whose mother may die trying to have the child is not something that child deserves.

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing your heart on this deeply emotional issue. I am vegan so I definitely get where you’re coming from when discussing meat! I respect your position. I would just like to offer this thought – there is a list miles long of loving couples who cannot conceive who would give anything to adopt a child. Just something to think about. Thanks again for stopping by. Hugs and love xox

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  37. It isn’t often that a confession is good for the soul of someone other than the confessor. This is that rare case. Thank you for sharing, and for bringing a new light to this dark issue.

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  38. This is a very brave and vulnerable post. It takes courage to take a strong stance against abortion right now. I couldn’t agree more. I do not understand the logic behind the argument “My body, my choice.” Once someone conceives life, that baby has its own body. Why doesn’t it get a choice? That person made a choice to have unprotected sex. They made that decision with their body, and now they don’t want to deal with the consequences. It’s a childish and entitled argument.

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    1. Thank you so much for your support and for taking the time to read. I agree – the baby has its own separate body, and should be protected under the law. Hugs and love xox

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  39. Omg ahah, thank you for always sharing your faith. Thank you for being so bold and brave as always. I feel the passion while reading. You always make me think. I hope we as Christians and honestly just human beings can rise up and start to value life again instead of banning against life 💛 xoxo

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    1. Thank you so much Laura!! So glad this resonated with you. I pray that this nation – and world – starts to value life again too!! Hugs and love xox

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  40. So glad you made it through. Your post actually struck a chord with me. I have been feeling really ill for some time but I too had decided it was”my body, my choice” and had been neglecting my own health needs, as I have tried to get my youngsters through everything. I realised today that my behaviour has in fact not been too dissimilar to your own, albeit for totally different reasons.
    My choice to struggle on, had been impacting everything and everybody. I do not know where this particular journey will end but this post was a timely reminder that our body is indeed God’s temple.

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    1. Thank you so much, I’m so glad it resonated with you. And I’m sorry that you’ve been feeling ill!! I hope you can start feeling better soon. You’re right – it’s a temple 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  42. This post is so spot on! Thanks for sharing your vulnerable journey and your heart as well. Way to speak His truth!

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    1. Thanks so much! Oh awesome – I look forward to reading your article! Thanks for sharing. Hugs and love xox

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  45. It’s more the fact that making abortion illegal doesn’t actually make it stop, women’s lives are in danger now and back street abortions will be on the up.. many women and girls will die. You don’t have to believe in abortion to be pro-choice, that’s what many people get confused about. Pro-Choice is giving women a safe space to have access to safe and professional terminations (whether that be accidental pregnancy, the baby has a sever health defect and the child will not live outside the womb, a miscarriage that has gone wrong and a termination is needed so the mother doesn’t die because of it), pro-choice is thinking “I don’t know how I feel about abortion but it’s your life and I will support you anyway”.
    The new laws in Alabama are going to hinder women and it’s even sadder that a fellow woman signed the bill.

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    1. Hi Carly, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and heart on this deeply emotional issue. I appreciate you joining the dialogue and sharing your definition of pro choice. It’s definitely a tough issue, and I respect your views. And I would like to just add that for my prolife position, it isn’t, I want to control women’s bodies, but rather, I want to give rights to all persons, including the person in the womb. Those specific instances you cited – are all tragic and difficult and I have so much love and compassion for those women facing those situations – but I personally believe that ending the life of the child in the womb does not solve any of them. Adoption is an option – there’s a line miles long of incredible couples who desperate WANT to adopt those babies — I know several that have been on that waiting list for literally years. And with the severe health defects, chance of not living outside the womb, mother’s life — there will be no difference in the outcome of the mother if you induce labor to have the child or if you first insert a needle into the child filled with poison and then induce the same labor. I love and support those women faced with those unthinkably difficult situations. And that’s why I support prolife crisis pregnancy centers – because they offer support, resources, and care to those women before, during, and AFTER the pregnancy. They help women with health care, they get them all the necessary prenatal “stuff” and diapers and phone plans. Maternity clothes, baby clothes. We’ve even helped buy a minivan for one mother. They help set up adoptions. They help afterwards setting the woman up with a job, or finish her degree or get the child support she needs. They even offer post-abortive counseling to those women who come in after having had an abortion. That is how I support those women facing those incredibly difficult situations. Again, thank you for joining the conversation and sharing your heart. I’ve enjoyed our dialogue! Sending big hugs and love xox

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    1. Thank you so much Dawn. That is my prayer for writing it! 🙂 I appreciate you stopping by, and taking the time to read. big big hugs xo

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