Memorials are Important

May 30, 2005

Today is Memorial Day in the U.S., a day set aside to remember those who have given their lives in service to our country in the name of freedom for all. More than just another paid holiday from work, this day reminds us of the continuing cost of our freedom, too often paid for by the blood of our soldiers and civil servants.

Memorial Day is important so we don't forget.

Memorials are also important in the world of post-abortion pain. For those who are new to this ministry, it is important to encourage those going through the healing process to memorialize their lost child/children. Just as funerals are important to the grief process when a loved one has died, so are memorials fundamental to the healing and grief process when a child was lost to abortion.

A memorial, in this instance, benefits the grieving parent in several ways:

It validates their loss and allows them to grieve openly in the presence of others.

It offers them an opportunity to give dignity to their lost child.

It allows them to say a final farewell.

And it brings a sense of closure to this tragic event in their lives.

As with other types of loss, the grieving does not necessarily end with the memorial "service" (however that "service" is carried out), but it is another step in the healing process. Just as we should not neglect remembering our fallen heroes on Memorial Day, neither should we neglect to encourage those healing from a past abortion to memorialize their lost babies.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4 [NASB] Posted by mary at May 30, 2005 10:59 PM