Robie's Story

Robie's story: keeping secrets

At age 16 I became pregnant and had an abortion. I never thought I would be one of "those girls." 

Only my immediate family knew about my abortion. I thought I had moved on, but had not dealt with the spiritual or emotional consequences of my actions. When I gave my heart to Jesus two years later, I found forgiveness for my sins—even the secret one. Years later I joined a post-abortion Bible study. However, the sting of shame never left. Consequently, there was no transparency in my life, and I compensated for shame by driving myself toward perfection. 

Life is like a house of many rooms with the room of purity full of precious and fragile crystal. A woman guards these treasures until the day she is married. Instead of guarding them, I had allowed my treasures to be shattered through godlessness, promiscuity, premarital sex, and abortion. Connecting with the consequences of these things occurred when I became a Christian. When I realized what I had done, however, I locked the door to that room of purity. Even though I never thought or talked about it, my shame was overpowering. 

The year 2012 marked the year of my deliverance. Jim Anderson came to conduct our church's first Unmasked conference. I was wrecked inside, certain Jim was able to read the shame on my face. I could barely look him in the eye. Following the last session, I knew I needed ministry. As I shared my story with Jim, the judgment I expected was not there—only compassion and concern. As he prayed for me, I was immediately impacted by the Holy Spirit and released from the bondage of shame! I am now able to testify about the grace and love of God. I recently shared my abortion testimony with the women in my church—unashamedly! 

Jeff and Robie Ecklund pastor House of the Lord Church in Oldtown, Idaho. They have hosted many Unmasked conferences at their church and have seen numerous people set free from the shame of their sexual pasts.