You Carried Me


I'd heard of Melissa Ohden before in pro-life circles, but I'd never heard her whole story in-depth before. Therefor, I was super excited to have the opportunity to review her book. You Carried Me is a small hardcover book that I was able to read in two sittings. It's a short book, but it packs a powerful punch within its pages. The back cover says:

"Melissa Ohden is fourteen when she learns she is the survivor of a botched abortion. In this intimate memoir she details for the first time her search for her biological parents, and her own journey from anger and shame to faith and empowerment.

After a decade-long search Melissa finally locates her birth father and writes to extend forgiveness, only to learn soon thereafter that he has died―without answering her burning questions. Then her birth mother’s parents say they are unable to pass along Melissa’s letter. Years later, when she finally hears from the woman who carried her and gave her life, she finds out why. But the shocking truth is more than she can bear.

Yet even the most startling family secrets are eclipsed by the triumphant moment when Melissa becomes a mother herself in the very hospital where she was aborted. And she reveals how―through the miscarriage of her only son, the birth of a second daughter with complex health issues, and her own birth mother’s story―she gained a deep empathy for every woman who has had an abortion.

Like none other, this intensely personal story of love and redemption cuts through the debates surrounding a divisive contemporary issue to touch our common humanity."

I loved reading this book and learning more about Melissa's story. While it was heartbreaking at times, it was also uplifting and inspiring. I am so glad that God saved Melissa's life all those years ago and allowed her to be such a wonderful witness and testimony against abortion. Melissa mentions throughout the book people who have mocked her and accused her of lying about her story. I think this says something about the accusers - they are so hellbent on believing that abortion is fine, moral, not sinful, etc. that they refuse to believe anyone who has proof that actual babies are aborted, not just unrecognizable lumps of tissue. Melissa does provide copies of her medical records in the book, so no one can say she's making up her story anymore. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the topic of abortion, adoption, or Christianity in general.

I received a copy of this book from Handlebar Marketing in order to provide an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.

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