In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews author/speaker/biblical counselor Camille Cates on the topic of post-abortion trauma, unpacking some of the difficult emotional and spiritual battles that manifest in abortion’s wake, and sharing how the gospel of Jesus Christ offers real hope and help for those who seek to heal. During our conversation, Camille shares her personal testimony of horrifying tragedy and loss, recounting the path that lead her to choose to abort her unborn baby. We talk about the lie of "self-forgiveness," why coping mechanisms ultimately fall short in alleviating the grief and guilt of post-abortion trauma, and the various impacts friends, family, and church community members can have in the healing process. Camille also addresses the frequently asked question, "Will I see my aborted baby in Heaven?" and suggests practical ways to lean into God's Word for meaningful healing and spiritual peace through forgiveness in Christ.
Psalm 32 talks about being honest before the Lord with the sins of our past and bringing them to Him so we can find hope and healing...I just want to encourage you, sister: it's time. If the media and things that are coming up in conversations prick or pierce your heart every time, and there's a rub there, it's time. It's time to get healing with the Lord, through his Word, and [Healing Hearts Ministries is] here to walk alongside you in that.
About the Podcast
The Hope + Help Project podcast offers compassionate biblical conversations about life's challenging problems. The purpose of the podcast is to share Christ-centered comfort and clarity for those seeking biblical solutions for the struggles they face. The podcast accomplishes this by offering a mix of interviews with seasoned biblical counseling professionals and ministry leaders on a variety of topics. Listeners can expect to receive biblical wisdom as well as practical steps for facing suffering, struggling and sin with courage and grace. Hosted by author/writer Christine M. Chappell.
About the Guest
Camille Cates is a 20-year veteran of youth ministry. As a women’s ministry leader, she has served with Healing Hearts Ministries International since 1999. In 2010, she became the Assistant Director for Healing Hearts. She has co-authored a Bible study for young women titled First Love: Embracing a Love that Lasts and one for young men titled The Fight of Your Life: Living for God’s Glory. She has dedicated her life to helping others realize that our deepest needs can only be met through the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the truth of His Word, the Bible.
Camille’s personal testimony, recounting the tragic sexual assault and murder of her infant daughter as well as the equally tragic choice to abort her unborn child, reaches out to those who are desperately seeking hope and healing from their own personal tragedies. She served for many years as an abstinence educator in the public school system reaching thousands of students. In 2015, she completed her biblical counseling certification through ACBC. Camille and her husband, Troy, have three children and reside in the Cincinnati, Ohio metro area.
Camille’s personal testimony, recounting the tragic sexual assault and murder of her infant daughter as well as the equally tragic choice to abort her unborn child, reaches out to those who are desperately seeking hope and healing from their own personal tragedies. She served for many years as an abstinence educator in the public school system reaching thousands of students. In 2015, she completed her biblical counseling certification through ACBC. Camille and her husband, Troy, have three children and reside in the Cincinnati, Ohio metro area.
Helpful Resources from Camille
Why I Don't Blame Planned Parenthood
In the years immediately following my abortion, I shifted the blame too. I blamed my baby’s father. I blamed my parents who took me to the clinic. I even blamed God. But when it came right down to it, I was the one who decided to have sex outside of marriage. I was responsible for committing the act that resulted in my pregnancy, as well as the act that would end it.
Helping Women Considering an Abortion: ACBC Podcast
On this edition of Truth in Love, Dr. Lambert talks with Camille Cates about helping women who are considering having an abortion. Camille talks about the reasons a woman might seek an abortion and some helpful ways to talk to women who are considering an abortion. She also addresses ways that people can meet the practical and spiritual needs of these women.
Walking Together: Mother & Daughter Video Curriculum
Tired of seeing Moms & Daughters drift apart?
Fear dominates. Anger takes its toll.
Perfection drives a wedge.
But there is hope when we look to God’s Word. Introducing the Walking Together Video Curriculum & Event. Perfect for your next mother/daughter conference, weekend retreat, weekly small groups, or one-on-one at home!
About Your Host
Christine M. Chappell
Author/Writer/Speaker
Christine Chappell is the author of Clean Home, Messy Heart, the host of The Hope + Help Project podcast, and is a guest contributor at Desiring God. She writes frequently about counseling issues at her blog, has completed biblical counseling certificates with the Institute for Biblical Counseling & Discipleship, and is currently pursuing certification with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors.
Recently on The Hope + Help Project Podcast
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