Recently, there was a hashtag trending among many social media sites. I wrestled with the Lord and with myself about whether this issue should be approached or simply ignored. I hesitated that if I approached the hashtag, my words could hurt or wound someone. That was most definitely not my intention. But as I prayed through this and sought heartily after the Lord, this issue remained constant in my mind.

#ShoutYourAbortion was the hashtag that was trending on many social media sites, allowing women to share their experiences of abortion in a positive light. Many shared how they have no regrets surrounding their abortion and how they are very glad they made the decision to have an abortion. Others responded harshly to the hashtag, saying that it was terribly inappropriate. While it might be easy as an outsider to encourage this hashtag or to judge harshly, I think neither option is truly profitable.

To encourage the hashtag #ShoutYourAbortion, it adds to the rallying occurring about the pros surrounding abortion. To encourage the hashtag #ShoutYourAbortion, on the other hand, can add to the guilt and shame women, who have never spoken a word of the abortion(s) they have had. Encouraging this hashtag, particularly given the word “shout," implies that one is uttering a loud cry about their abortion. But this misses the regret that some women feel as others rejoice at their own choice.

To judge harshly of the hashtag #ShoutYourAbortion stirs strife in this already strife-ridden community. To judge harshly also adds to the guilt and shame women feel surrounding their abortion, because words speak oh-so-loudly. To condemn those who are using the hashtag #ShoutYourAbortion increases angst and encourages those people to continue to fight for what they believe is right.

Truly, this issue should be approached with more grace, love and compassion than it has ever been offered before. Oh, the mercy that should be bestowed upon these women; not for the choice they’ve made, but for the hurt they more than likely feel, yet sometimes refuse to admit. The shame, the regret, the guilt, the pain, the confusion -- these are all real experiences women have after an abortion. But who is fighting for them through these experiences? Me? You? Anyone? No one?

I am here, before you today, speaking from personal experience, and would like to say that the hashtag #ShoutYourAbortion hurts. The hashtag does not define me; it does not even anger me. It simply hurts me as one who has been there, as one who made an all too difficult choice. As the result of the stigma surrounding abortion, many feel as though they are unable to talk about their experience. The pain that so many women feel as a result of their decision to have an abortion causes me to fall to my knees, crying for them, crying with them.

While this hashtag caused a significant shift in the cultural conversation about abortion, it is obvious that many still find themselves unable to discuss abortion openly and freely, without judgment. Maybe, just maybe, one-day people will be able to say, “Yes, I had an abortion, it made me feel (fill in the blank). Can you come alongside me and support me?” And the answer will be a resounding “Yes,” because people will understand the differing views and opinions and will be willing to offer support, no matter what.

No one is beyond God’s reach. No one is beyond God’s grace. No one is beyond His love, mercy and compassion. I leave you with this challenge: Will you stand up, speak out, and love? Words speak loudly - can ours do the same?