There’s a lie I hear again and again from women who have experienced abortion: “They’re never going to see me the same after that.” Or, “I can never be forgiven.” These voices—some loud, some quiet—are rooted in shame, not the heart of God.
Shame is different from guilt. Guilt can sometimes be used by God to lead us back toward honesty and healing. Shame, on the other hand, tries to define our identity by a single past choice. It can convince us that we are unforgivable, worthless, and unlovable. But if you’re here — reading this — you are more than your past. You are a daughter of the King. And the truth of His Word wants to set you free.
My Own Season in the Fog of Grief and Shame
Lately, I’ve walked through a season that looked strikingly similar to what shame can produce. Over the past few weeks, my family experienced grief, tension, emotional heaviness—and life felt hard.
Typically, my morning routine starts with space for Jesus and time in the Word. It’s an anchor. But in those heavy moments, I would pick up my Bible and could not open it. I felt static. I felt numb. I felt paralyzed by grief. Instead of reading the Word and stepping into healing, I sometimes just stared, not knowing how to begin again.
I share this because I want you to know: you are not alone, whether you’re navigating grief, shame, or feeling stuck. Life is messy, and seasons of heaviness can overwhelm even the most faithful routines. Yet — and this is the beautiful truth — God is always there, waiting to meet you. Sometimes, He waits just beyond the first moment you open your eyes, the first breath in the morning, or the first hesitant touch of the Bible’s cover.
Shame does the same. It can keep you from opening the Word, from inviting God into the space of your pain. But we can fight the lie by turning to the truth. That’s what this post is about: two scriptures we can cling to when shame knocks on the door.
Truth #1: “Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” — Psalm 34:5
David wrote Psalm 34 during a season of fear, hardship, and hiding. He was on the run, likely afraid, and facing circumstances beyond his control. Yet he declared the truth: if we look to God, we will be radiant, joyful, and not covered in shame.
Why is that important for you today?
- Shame tries to cover us. It wants to define us by what we’ve done, what we regret, or what we are afraid to face.
- But looking to God shifts the posture. Instead of looking at the shame, we look at the source of our healing.
- Radiance here isn’t about flawless perfection. It’s the light of God shining through, even in trouble. Even in uncertainty.
How do we practice this truth?
- Make a habit of turning your gaze—even for a moment—to God. That could look like breath prayers, a simple declaration when shame arises: “God, I look to you.”
- Write the verse down and keep it in a place you can see—on your bathroom mirror, in a journal, on your phone.
- When shame says “you are unforgivable”, speak truth back: “I am a child of God. I am radiant because I look to Him.”
- Repeat it. Meditate on the possibility that your face can be uncovered. That shame does not get the final say.
Truth #2: “Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion… and everlasting joy will be yours.” — Isaiah 61:7
Isaiah 61 is a prophetic chapter, pointing toward the coming Messiah and a future of restoration, freedom, and hope. The prophet promises that instead of shame, God will exchange it for a double portion—a blessing, an inheritance, joy, peace, and identity rooted in His love and purpose.
Why does this matter for healing from abortion regret?
- It recognizes the depth of shame that can exist—especially when trauma, regret, and spiritual questions collide.
- It declares that God does not leave us there.
- He doesn’t just give us grace—He overflows it. A double portion means abundance, blessing, more than enough. Joy is not a far-off dream, but an imminent promise.
- The eternal context also matters. This is not a temporary, surface-level fix—it’s redemption, identity transformation, inheritance, purpose, healing. Everlasting joy is not a platitude; it’s a hope rooted in something real and unshakeable.
How can you engage with this truth right now?
- Journal: ask “What shame am I carrying today?” and then write out Isaiah 61:7 in response.
- Pray: “Lord, I bring my shame. I choose to exchange it for your promise of blessing. Help me to believe that I am beloved, I am chosen, I am heir to Your joy.”
- Memorize or affirm the verse when lies rise: when someone triggers you, when a memory surfaces, when the day feels heavy.
- Take action: consider speaking to a trusted friend, counselor, or mentor about the shame you feel. Sharing it brings it into the light, and in light—truth and healing can begin.
If you want to go deeper, I’m hosting a FREE Abortion Recovery Workshop on September 9th.
We will:
- talk about why shame runs so deep after abortion,
- explore ways to invite God in, through scripture, community, and spiritual practices,
- and equip you to begin stepping forward in healing and identity.
You can register for free (and get entered to win over $100 in door prizes – including a FREE call with me!) at brittanypoppe.com/workshop.
Practical Next Steps for You Today
- Write out Psalm 34:5 and Isaiah 61:7 in a journal or sticky note.
- Circle the words that stand out or bring tension.
- Set aside 5–10 minutes to reflect on one of the truths.
- Ask: “Where do I need to look to God today?” or “What shame do I need to hand over and receive joy in return?”
- Pray, or even whisper, out loud: “God, I bring this moment to You. I choose Your truth over shame. I believe You are close. I believe You see me. I believe You desire to heal me.”
- Join the conversation: I’d love to hear your takeaways or what surfaced for you after listening to the episode or reading this post. You can share in the Facebook group! You are not alone in this journey.
Final Thoughts
Shame is a thief—it steals joy, identity, clarity, peace. But God’s Word is the key that sets us free.
- Psalm 34:5 invites us to turn our gaze toward God, to rediscover radiance, and to step out from under the weight of shame.
- Isaiah 61:7 promises an exchange—abundant blessing, inheritance, and everlasting joy, even when the past feels overwhelming.
If you’re battling abortion regret, grief, or a sense of being stuck, know this: you are not alone. There is a path forward, truth to stand on, community available, and a God who invites you in, even in the middle of your fog.
You are more than your mistake. You are beloved, chosen, redeemed, and worthy of healing.
If you want support, resources, or simply someone to listen, I’m here. And I believe with every ounce of my heart that healing is possible—and you are not too far gone to experience God’s peace and joy.
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