Music as a Bridge to Abortion Healing

Steven Siler, Dove Award winning songwriter, singer and founder of Music for the Soul, says this about music.

“In this day and age there seems to be very few concepts upon which we can all agree.  I’d like to suggest that there are two important, timeless realities upon which we can all agree.  First, that all human beings have a deep desire to know that they are not alone.  Second, music has the unique ability to speak to us in a way that connects us to our deepest emotions and helps us to express the inexpressible.  What is the power of a song?  It is an agent of life changing healing for those dealing with issues of trauma, grief, and other disruptive life events.”

Contact us at Support After Abortion, we would be honored to walk alongside you as you navigate your healing journey. www.supportafterabortion.com or 844-289-HOPE (4673).

Call the After Abortion Line
Download the Journal

From the music project, "Mercy Great Enough" Finding Hope After Abortion

Hidden Things

This song is about shame, which is different from guilt. Guilt is feeling you have done something wrong. Shame is believing that you are a bad person. Both men and women who have had an abortion experience often feel shame, leading them to hold onto that secret. This song can be used to help validate what you may feel and opens the door to talk about how to heal from the shame of abortion.

If you want, read the lyrics before listening to the song.  While listening, close your eyes. Keep a journal and pen nearby as you may want to write down your thoughts.

Reflection and Journaling

    1. What did you experience while listening to this song?
      • What did you think?
      • What did you feel?
    2. What is the difference between guilt and shame?
      • Which can you relate to the most?
    3. This song is about shame, how have you seen shame in your life relative to your abortion experience?

    Hidden Things

    by Music for the Soul

    Hidden Things: Lyrics

    Hidden Things
    Words & Music by Gina Boe, Lisa Qualsett, & Sue Smith

    Behind the eyes a world unseen
    of sleepless nights and silent screams
    The self-inflicted suffering
    Of slavery to hidden things
    Buried in the darkest part
    Shame and secrets rule my heart
    Begging for the light to bring
    Rescue from these hidden things

    All these choices I have made
    Break me in the deepest place
    Can what’s been ruined ever be redeemed?
    Is there hope for hidden things?

    So much I feel but try to hide
    The guilt and grief I hold inside
    I wrestle with the memories
    To keep them with the hidden things

    All these choices I have made
    Break me in the deepest place
    Can what’s been ruined ever be redeemed?
    Is there hope for hidden things?

    Bolt and chain it with a smile
    Hold the pain back
    Hold the pain back
    Bolt and chain it with a smile
    If only for a little while

    All these choices I have made
    Break me in the deepest place
    Can what’s been ruined ever be redeemed?
    Is there hope for hidden things?

    © Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Songs / Songs From Bobb Avenue/WillyDot Music (BMI) / EnCorps Songs / Song corps publishing BMI

    Your Life Has Made a Difference

    This song is about grieving your loss and finding closure. This song is about grieving your loss and finding closure.  As people impacted by abortion begin to understand their child’s life has meaning and purpose, they find it healing to name their child or create some kind of memorial like planting a tree or flower garden in their honor.

    If you want, read the lyrics before listening to the song. If you want, read the lyrics before listening to the song.  While listening, close your eyes.  Keep a journal and pen nearby as you may want to write down your thoughts.

    Reflection and Journaling

    1. What did you experience while listening to this song?
      • What did you think?
      • What did you feel?
    2. Some individuals have considered the following activities helpful in  bringing dignity and purpose to their child’s life. There’s no pressure to do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.
      • Name your child, get a sense of your child’s personality, even looks.
      • Write a letter to your child or a poem or draw a picture.
    3. This song is about closure and what’s next.  Describe how this process has been for you?
      • How are you different today from when you started your healing?
      • For those who are using this journal as part of an abortion healing support group, how are you different today then when you began your healing journey?

    Your Life Has Made a Difference

    by Music for the Soul

    Your Life Has Made a Difference: Lyrics

    Your Life Has Made a Difference
    Words & Music by Gwen Smith & Steve Siler

    You were real
    You were here
    My world changed forever
    Because you lived and died
    I was lost
    Now I’m found
    Your spirit is in Heaven
    and cannot be denied

    And so I give you a name
    I light a candle in your honor
    I will share the things you’ve taught me
    and help others find their hope
    I will tell the story
    of a broken heart set free
    And in everything I do become a witness
    Your life has made a difference

    You were flesh
    You were soul
    Something deep inside me
    Transforming me with life
    There was fear
    Now there’s love
    You’re forever with me
    A never-ending light

    So I lift up your name
    Light a candle in your honor
    I will share the things you’ve taught me
    and help others find their hope
    I will tell the story
    of a broken heart set free
    And in everything I do become a witness
    Your life has made a difference

    © Audio 31 Music (Administered by Music Services) / Sunday Best Music (Administered by Music Services) / ASCAP / Silerland Music (Administered by Clear Box) ASCAP