Choices Have Consequences: Sonja's Story of Redemption and Hope

Some choices define a moment, while others define the rest of your life. Some leave lasting imprints—memories that whisper in the quiet, demand your attention, and become central to your thoughts, no matter how much you wish to erase them. Abortion is that choice for many, and it was for me as well.

As we all know, Choices have consequences. Some choices define a moment, and others define the rest of your life. For me, abortion was one of those choices. On February 13, 2000, I walked into an abortion clinic in Atlanta and surrendered the life growing inside me to a procedure I thought would restore “normalcy.” But the truth is, my life was never the same after that day.

I vividly remember the emotions leading up to that moment—waves of nausea as I navigated my daily routine, coupled with spiraling thoughts about how a new child could possibly fit into our already stretched budget. My husband and I agreed abortion seemed like a solution, and I kept my pregnancy a secret from everyone else. But as I sat in that clinic, surrounded by other women hiding behind blank stares and nervous chatter, the weight of what I was doing began to grow.

The day itself is etched in my memory like snapshots in an album—disconnected moments of bland waiting rooms, sterile exam spaces, and hushed voices. When the procedure was over, I believed the lie I had told myself: that life could simply go back to how it had been before. But that wasn’t true at all. Grief, shame, and despair crept into every corner of my mind, leaving me emotionally paralyzed.

Two days later, I woke in the middle of the night, bleeding heavily. My husband slept as I stood alone in our bathroom, fearing for my life. I felt the crushing weight of what I had done and the conviction of my guilt. In that moment, the realization of the child I had never seen but knew I had lost became clearer in my mind than ever before. That one life—a life I was meant to protect—was gone, and I could never undo that choice. I knew the scriptures said “an eye for an eye” in Lev 24:19-21 and that was probably the first scripture I ever really realized as the truth.  And it is truth.  God has called us to love one another.  Not to harm one made in His image. The enormity of my decision hit me with full force.

I crumpled to the floor, crying out to God—not just for my life to be spared, but in deep repentance for my choice. I expected Him to turn away from me, to confirm the judgment I felt I deserved. But instead, I encountered something I never imagined: Jesus and forgiveness. As I poured out my sorrow, I was met with God’s unfathomable grace. His love surrounded me, washing over the shame and guilt, and for the first time, I began to understand the depth of His mercy and I accepted the salvation of Jesus Christ for my sin. That moment changed me forever. The darkest day of my life became the beginning of redemption—a redemption that only comes through the blood of Christ.

Recovery from the emotional trauma of abortion wasn’t instantaneous. It’s an ongoing process, marked by moments of grief and wishing I could undo the past. But as I began to heal, I realized that the life of that one child—though short—was not in vain. God used that child to call me into a ministry that has saved many others. That one life compels me every single day to ensure no woman feels as alone, as hopeless, or as uninformed as I did in that moment.

At The Bridge Wellness South, I see women facing what feel like impossible situations. I know the lies they are told, the fear that grips them, and the weight of their decisions because I have lived it. But I also know the power of truth spoken in love, the hope of real support, and the peace that comes from knowing you are not alone. God used my greatest failure to become a platform for His greatest work—changing lives, saving babies, and leading hearts to Him.