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What happens when the pain we carry feels too buried, too dark, or too shameful to bring into the light? Catherine's powerful story of abortion, shame, and ultimate healing reminds us that redemption thrives in vulnerability.

Catherine never planned to share her abortion story publicly. For years after her procedure in 1981, she buried the memory, numbing her pain through what she calls "reckless living" until hitting rock bottom at age 28. Even after finding faith, she faced what countless post-abortive women experience: the inability to forgive herself despite believing in divine forgiveness. "It's just so unnatural for a woman to end the life of her child," she reflects, explaining the deep psychological wound that persisted for decades.

The turning point came unexpectedly. After confiding in sisters and close friends, Catherine felt called to share her story publicly during a church event in 2009—despite overwhelming fear of judgment. What followed was transformation, not just for her but for many who heard her story and recognized their own pain. A profound shift occurred when someone told her, "You are a mother and you will see your baby in heaven." This perspective allowed Catherine to honor her unborn child and reshape her identity. Now when asked if she has children, she responds with courageous honesty: "I don't have earthly children, but I have a baby in heaven."

Catherine's message resonates beyond abortion. Whether you're carrying shame from past choices, abuse, addiction, or any painful secret, healing begins when we stop hiding. "You can't heal what you don't face," as host Tonya reminds us. If Catherine's story touched something in you, reach out. She's offered to connect with listeners who need support in their healing journey. Download our free 5-day healing workbook at tonyashellnutt.com and take your first step toward freedom today.

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Link to 5 day workbook https://www.tonyashellnutt.com/2025-healing-cleanse