My goal (if I did this right) is to portray Robyn as a beacon of HOPE, for that is what she truly represents. May you see what I see in and have experienced with her.
Most people don't write their love story from a victim mentality, but Robyn Mclean could've chosen to do this, for she had endured adversity throughout her life. From adoption to an abusive relationship, involving violence, neglect, suicidal thoughts, an unplanned pregnancy, and a movie-like script of attempts to escape, she endured and has emerged on the other side. You can read about Robyn's story here, article 1 and here article 2 Robyn is a beautiful and vibrant young lady. Her adoption story is just as compelling as her adult life experiences. Born in another country, she was adopted by Bible believing parents. Her life seemed to be going on the "American dream" path, going to be a classic, redemptive story. It was for the most part. She started dating, and then the abuse started. Beaten, manipulated, and abused, she found herself pregnant from a forced and threatened encounter.
The very words that were used were "if you don't give it, I'll take it". She struggled with so many issues. What would her parents think, her pastor, her friends? Who would believe her story? Suicide became a thought that seemed like it would solve all of her problems. I don't know exactly what happened at that time, but I do know that God made it clear to her that death was not the answer. Abortion was an option, but it never took over her actions. She gave birth to AJ, and through his life, God has taught her that life is precious. Her outlook has grown into one that gratitude sets in the forefront of her mind. Since that time, she has married, had another child (a little girl), and started an organization called Stirring Embers that helps people overcome adversity in a variety of ways. She also has a web site called, Robyn Loves Coffee. She is a national speaker and pro-life advocate. What I really like about Robyn is her zest for life.
After all that she's been through, all the pain, the loneliness, and situational hopelessness, she has emerged as an authentic human being that has an enormous big heart geared towards helping people overcome. She speaks truth in a way that's not compromising, but yet 100% relational. When you read her answers below, it's clear to see that I'm right on in this assessment. Robyn has been there, walking through the fire, and yet she has not allowed it to make her bitter, or have a victim mentality. She loves the Lord, loves her family dearly, and is willing to help anyone who truly wants to be helped. She's a internet guru that has found a way to help other Truth-seekers share their stories with the world. If anyone wants to see how tragedy can be turned into triumph, look no further than Robyn Mclean. Robyn is proof that true empowerment for women comes from “choosing life” not “taking it”. For more about Robyn: Pro-life advocate, writer, national speaker, rape and abuse survivor, overcomer, and wife and mother of two children based in Oregon, you can visit Robyn Loves Coffee .
Describe your involvement with choice and abortion. How has it affected you?
I have always been pro-life. Sure, I was raised as a pastor's kid, but that's not why I'm passionate about God and people. Even before I could fully understand and grasp that I was adopted out of poverty in the slums of the Philippines, I felt it..and, I understood it. Life. People. Value. Purpose. In fact, I found out I was adopted afterward, when I was in Kindergarten. In high school, I was an atypical teenager. I wrote on a lot of values, virtues, and social justice issues. I went deep and complete, haha, and my teachers had to read it.
Where did you find strength to get through the rough parts of your journey?
Wow. Honestly...in my case...it wasn't always me finding strength, it was what God did for me when I was just DONE. The pivotal moment was me becoming pregnant with my son, a precious, new, innocent life nestled within me. I could've been raped and not gotten pregnant, but I got pregnant, and it saved my life. You see, I didn't have any more strength left, so I was planning my suicide. I couldn't end my life, knowing it would affect and put to death this new life that I was meant to protect
If you could go back and change one thing about your life, what might that be?
Some people say they wouldn't change anything because it made them who they are today, and I get that. For me, sometimes I wish I would've been able to escape my abusive ex before he forced me into marriage by life threats and coercion, but would've I still had full custody once I gave birth? I don't know. So, oftentimes, we truly can only do the best we can do. One thing I'm hoping to help make a difference in is the awareness of others on what we need to change in the law and courts to help mothers and children in abusive situations, because it's broken and doesn't protect everyone the way it should. Mothers shouldn't have to stay in an abusive situation, and mothers shouldn't have to relinquish their children into an abusive situation.
What would you say is the biggest misconception people have about abortion?
That it will fix their problem and they can go on with life in a carefree way. Abortion only makes it worse. There are so many women who are suffering in the silence and dealing with the pain, trauma, and regret afterward. Those from rape, like me, still have the rape to deal with and abortion only adds to the trauma and pain.
Would your advice be any different for someone thinking about having an abortion vs.
someone that's already experienced one?
Most likely. But, I tend to take into account each individual's life story and circumstance, who they are, and then base my approach on that...but, most of all, how God leads me to.
There usually isn't a formula to these things - training to an extent, yes, but not really a formula. For someone who has already had an abortion, needs more grace with an outlook of healing vs. someone who hasn't had one yet. So, one must be prepared to have different resources to offer. Both would require a level of intentionality, because it's not always about what we say to people all the time, it's our presence and level of commitment to truly being there for them. Sometimes, it's not about words, it's our care, empathy, and availability.
Describe how it felt to be told to end your child's life in the womb by abortion?
Well, I wasn't told. But, I dealt with the same of exposure at a Christian college, and my ex basically put the idea out there and said he'd support it. But, I knew it was wrong as much as I didn't want to feel shame of a pregnancy reveal before people knew I was being abused and raped - so I felt out of control shaping people's understanding of my situation. So, moreso it was my circsumstance and prediction of the Church's response to me pressuring me, not someone actually pressuring me.
Through action though, I was beaten at 3 ½ months pregnant in a field with a fiberglass rod, and told later by my ex he had hoped the baby would've died. For me, that is what I faced. So, it definitely felt like the world was against me, even with the Church and Christian college through their drama, gossip, and judgment of a former class president, former lead female vocal singer of the traveling worship team, and present pastor's kid. Though the Church says abortion is wrong, half the time we're the reason people want one and we don't own up to it. Which is why I really LOVE the organization Embrace Grace and what they're doing to transform churches around the nation and truly reach those in need!!! So, all of it, just made me embrace my baby even more and do everything I could to protect him and make a way for us!
If there is one truth about abortion that you could speak into the lives of all people, what would that truth be?
One truth?! That's hard! There are so many! (which is a good thing.) Hope is there even if you don't see or feel it - You can never regret choosing life; allow the stories of those who lived it and have an even better life, after choosing life, encourage you. Not for emotionalism...but, factual tangibility. It puts hope beyond an idea for you.
Tell me how making the decision to not abort has paid off. Any regrets?
Wow! Well, I would've been dead. I was going to commit suicide and changed my mind when I found out I was pregnant. I can't imagine the mental state I'd be in if I had an abortion on top of it.
I have no regrets at all. My baby and I sure journeyed together and he's truly touched other people's lives along the way in little and big ways! He has a gift of seeing people that others either ignore, don't see, or see as "less than". Also, have you seen his smile? It's AMAZING!!! Today, he's one of the most encouraging sources in my life on my worst days...always ready to give me (or anyone else for that matter) a big hug and words of encouragement. His story has probably reached over a million people all over the world and touched their lives as well. He's not even 11 yet, and he's already done more than I can imagine just because he was able to have his right to life.
Give your best response for your favorite argument trying to support abortion
No matter what circumstance you are facing, no matter what kind of doubt hangs over your head, it will never outweigh choosing life for this separate, innocent individual. Both times I had babies, my life was either unjust, attacked, and rock bottom, or I was finally ready to truly launch my career from a bunch of in-between life opportunities. I never planned pregnancy in those moments, but both of those pregnancies either saved my life or led me to what I truly wanted to do, and saved me from death or a career I didn't want at all! Sometimes, we think we know how we want life to look, and society says we have to protect that in order to succeed, but that is simply not true. There is always hope, and in knowing that truth, we can never go wrong making the right decision to choose life.