I had two abortions when I was 18 and 19 because I was afraid to tell my family, and my church just made me feel horrible for being pregnant in the first place. Planned Parenthood was kind and accepting of me and told me that it was just a piece of tissue, and I so wanted to believe that.
However, the trauma I experienced from abortion was terrible, everything from nightmares and audible hallucinations to suicidal thoughts to not being able to bond with a child I had later. The shame, guilt, and remorse were so great that it started a domino effect of other bad choices and consequences. I was blessed to find not only forgiveness but great healing through a group that takes people through the grieving process and helps them let go. But most women (and men) go through their whole lives with no one to really talk to about it. Yet the majority of those are traumatized by it in some way.
The biggest tragedy in America in the last three generations is abortion. There have been over 50 million lives lost. Don’t be deceived — this doesn’t happen without great consequence. The biggest secret in the past three generations is the trauma it causes those who participate in it.
Do you ever hear anyone talking about it? Seldom, if ever! That’s because if something is touted as safe, your legal right, and “Women’s Health Care,” you think you must be the only one who is suffering any bad effects. And as long as the secret is kept, few are ever going to be free to seek out healing for their trauma.
I’m talking about it because I want those experiencing abortion trauma to know they are not alone and there is grace and support available that will help them heal. I’m also talking about it because those who might be considering abortion need to know the great risk of trauma, that this seemingly “quick and easy solution” for an unplanned pregnancy could very well leave them with a long list of negative consequences for the rest of their lives. Over 650 worldwide studies show the alarming evidence of abortion trauma.
This info is extremely validating for those of us who’ve experienced it and needs to be weighed into the pros and cons of choosing abortion. People in crisis can be directed toward gracious support and resources for themselves and their babies — true women’s health care. Turn the secret into a story of hope and grace for all!
Equipping the church to become a safe haven that PROACTIVELY CHAMPIONS the sanctity of the human body and life and REDEMPTIVELY HEALS those wounded by deceptive choices.
Truth in Love, Hope in Grace – The Local Church Certified Safe!
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death” (2 Corinthians 7:10 NIV)
Joni Shepherd is the Founder and Executive Director of Hope and Grace Global, speaker, songwriter, entrepreneur, and author. Joni has worked in abortion healing for 35+ years and leads a sexual healing Bible study. In 1989, Joni founded a pregnancy center in Duncanville, TX and has worked with other pregnancy centers in Dallas, TX and Portland, OR. Joni earned a BS in Holistic Nutrition. She has owned four businesses and is co-founder of two non-profits. She is married to John Shepherd, and together they enjoy five children and thirteen grandchildren. Joni enjoys reading, writing blogs and books, cooking from scratch, and traveling. Joni lives in Colorado Springs.
Deborah Tilden is a pro-life speaker, blogger, and writer, who believes in speaking (and writing) the truth in love about the injustices and harm done to women, men, the unborn, and society as a whole brought on by misinformation and lies about abortion. She is an Oregon Regional Coordinator for the Silent No More Awareness Campaign and is the Oregon Right to Life Education Foundation’s Speaker’s Bureau Coordinator. Deborah has earned her Christian Life Coaching diploma certification. Deborah is also a rep for USANA Health Sciences. Deborah is a native Oregonian, with a few years spent in Nevada and California where she became fully immersed in the pro-life, post-abortion healing and PRC ministries. She and her husband of over 30 years currently live in Newberg, OR, and have two grown sons. Deborah and her husband have led numerous in-home bible studies. Her encouraging and practical approach is a very needed addition to HGI’s work.
Candi Bishop has been involved with a pregnancy resource center since 1991, serving throughout the years as a peer counselor, executive director, and currently as a board member. She resides in Nebraska with her husband, working from home as editor and proofreader for an international Messianic Jewish educational ministry with a little free-lance graphic design work on the side. Candi, a lifelong friend of HGI’s founder, has been involved with HGI since it was just in the beginning stages of incubation through prayer. Her professional expertise in the areas of ministry formation and experienced web design and graphics has helped to give HGI a professional “first impression” through our web page, brochure, and other marketing materials. Living in rural North Platte, NE, Candi enjoys vegetable and herb gardening in her lush and extensive backyard garden, as well as canning and cooking delicious and nutritious meals from her produce. She is also on the worship team at her church, and she and her husband lead a weekly Bible Study in their home. In her free time, Candi likes to spend time riding her horse. She and her husband also enjoy the hobby of winemaking.
BIO COMING SOON!
Joan was raised a Roman Catholic but has been involved in various churches and denominations since the late 60s. She became an ordained Deacon in the Anglican Church though she is currently involved at a Lutheran church. She is a retired psychotherapist and school counselor. She also remains involved in ministry online at an Anglican church and supports a small African orphanage. In 2021, Joan read Why Can’t We Say the “A” Word in Church and joined the Board of Hope and Grace shortly after, recognizing that the need for this ministry is breathtakingly huge. She has also helped in editing our materials. Joan’s husband of 56 years (Chris) passed away in 2024. She is blessed with 2 wonderful sons and their wives and 4 grown grandkids. We are blessed to have her on our Board!
John is a contractor, and has been the Owner/Operator of VisionBuilder for 30yrs. Though unexpected for a contractor, he likes classical music! In 2021, he found himself in the place that he had to take action in the abortion arena and joined the Team at HGG in 2022. He states, “With the current status of abortion in the church, from leadership to congregation, it cannot be understated the need for a massive paradigm shift from a culture of death to a culture of life. (1) To see church leaders & congregants enter into repentance with godly sorrow, and (2) to see church leaders get equipped and break their silence, and in turn equip their congregations to break their silence by becoming equipped (discipled) as advocates and ambassadors to affect this massive shift!”
