ST. THERSE FIBROMYALGIA SYNDROME SUPPORT GROUP
In case you have been wondering why I haven't been posting as regularly as in the past, the reason is that I have been preparing for my new fibromyalgia support group, St. Therese of Lisieux Fibromyalgia Syndrome Support Group. We were previously scheduled to meet in December, but the meeting was cancelled at that time. It is now rescheduled for February 2nd -- (Ground Hog Day!) the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. We could use some prayer that all goes well this time -- the weather cooperates and people show up. I am praying for St. Therese's intervention.
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The Elliot Insititute has done it again! Here is an excellent article from their newsletter excerpted from their publication Hope and Healing. I hope to put these useful ideas into practice.

HOW TO SOW THE SEEDS OF HEALING

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Do you realize that you can promote post-abortion healing without ever talking to people about their past abortions?

You don't even have to know if someone has had an abortion. And you certainly don't have to become a trained counselor or an expert in post-abortion issues. All you have to do is to sow a few words of compassion and healing into your everyday conversations.

In every case, your goal is merely to plant the seeds of understanding, empathy, and hope that can lead to future healing.

You are not trying to complete the healing process. But you can help break down some of the obstacles toward healing. In a simple, conversational way, cover the following three points:

(1) Announce that you have come to a whole new understanding of the abortion issue, including why people choose abortion and how it affects them;

(2) Express your compassion for women and men who have had abortions, knowing that they must constantly face the fear that others are judging or condemning them, and that they may be experiencing feelings of doubt and regret; and

(3) Describe how you have heard of new programs that help women and men find freedom from the burdens of secrecy and shame associated with past abortions.

For example, you might simply say: "I read an interesting article that gave me a whole new understanding of why women have abortions. I never really understood before how much pressure many are under to have an abortion.

"I also didn't realize before how much they feel judged and condemned by others. That fear of judgment can really make it hard for them to complete the healing process. Did you know that on average it takes around ten years for women to recover emotionally from a past abortion?

"The good news is that there are a lot of new programs now to help women and men who are dealing with post-abortion problems.

" That's it. You have planted the seeds. Perhaps someone will ask for more information, in which case you can refer them to a post-abortion ministry in your area.

Just remember these three key words: understanding, compassion, and hope. The first step, expressing understanding, respects the mind. The second step, expressing compassion, soothes the emotions. The third step, offering hope, feeds the spirit. Wouldn't our world be a better place if everyone would begin to sow the seeds of understanding, compassion, and hope?

This article is excerpted from the Elliot Institute's 12-page publication, Hope and Healing. This is a great resource that can be distributed through churches, crisis pregnancy centers, schools, and as an insert in newspapers. To view the layout and text of the articles, as well as pricing information, visit www.afterabortion.info/hope/hhindex.htm. To order, call 1-888-412-2676.

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