Welcome to Tender Mercies, an encouraging blog for all who grieve the loss of a child or grandchild.  My name is Linda Bartlett.  While I have not experienced an abortion, at least 24 of my friends, relatives or acquaintances have… and those are just the ones who’ve told me.  This blog is dedicated to those women who are forgiven and set free in Jesus Christ.

In the 1980s, my eyes were opened to the reality of abortion.  Once a person has seen, they cannot un-see.  For many years, I spoke about the sanctity of human life to adults and children in churches, schools, and on university campuses.  Abortion is a controversial issue.  And, although it remains legal in the United States for any reason and for all nine months of pregnancy, it is heart-wrenching and life-changing.   So, better than just talking about abortion, I began to share Jane’s story.

Jane and I nearly lost our friendship after her abortion.  But, the Lord of our lives did not want that to happen.  Instead, He nurtured a growing trust and, in time, Jane asked me to share her story everywhere I went.  When I did, other women came forward.  “How did you know?  You have told my story.”

May this blog remind all of us — no matter our particular sins — that Jesus is faithful.  He knows our repentant hearts.

This I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:21-23).