Margie Gintoli - A Journey of Healing: From Abortion to Redemption

Junk to Jewels Podcast with Georgette Beck

In this emotionally charged episode, we delve into the powerful story of Margie, a woman whose life journey takes her from the trauma of a teenage abortion to finding redemption and healing through faith and forgiveness. Margie’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of compassion and understanding.

Key Points:

1. Early Trauma and Guilt:

• The Beginning: Margie recounts a cold November day in 1973 when, at 15, she was driven to New York City to have an abortion. The experience left her with a deep sense of shame and guilt.
• Struggles with Relationships: Haunted by her past, Margie felt compelled to confess her abortion to any potential romantic partner, often leading to rejection and isolation.

Meeting Ken and Marriage:

• Acceptance: Margie finds acceptance from Ken, a young man who seemingly overlooks her past.
• Challenges: They marry when Margie is 19, but Ken’s alcoholism quickly becomes a significant problem, leading to turmoil in their marriage.

Turning Points:

• Spiritual Awakening: A neighbor invites Margie to a Bible study, where she learns about forgiveness through Christ. She embraces Christianity but faces criticism from her church after her divorce from Ken.
• Descent into Darkness: After leaving the church, Margie gets involved with a married man and takes a job at a bar tied to organized crime. Witnessing and participating in criminal activities leads her further into a life of chaos and substance abuse.

Working at a Women's Clinic:

• Rationalization: Margie takes a job at a women's clinic, believing it will help her reconcile with her past abortion.
• A Traumatic Incident: A harrowing experience during a second-trimester abortion profoundly impacts Margie. The sight of a dismembered baby girl haunts her for decades.

Seeking Redemption:

• Encounter with Abby Johnson: Encouraged by actor Kirk Cameron, Margie meets Abby Johnson and attends a healing retreat through "And Then There Were None."
• Healing Process: The retreat provides Margie with a community of understanding and support, helping her begin the process of forgiving herself and finding peace.

Margie's Mission:

• Commitment to Save Lives: Margie dedicates her life to helping others. She becomes a nurse and ultrasound operator at Care Net Pregnancy Services of the Treasure Coast, Florida, and serves on the Board of Directors.
• Letter to Baby Girl: At the retreat, Margie writes a heartfelt letter to the baby girl from the traumatic abortion, expressing her sorrow and seeking forgiveness, which marks a significant step in her healing journey.

Margie’s story is one of profound pain, but also of incredible strength and redemption. It highlights the importance of forgiveness, community, and the possibility of a second chance. Her journey from a scared teenager to a woman committed to saving lives is a powerful reminder of the impact of compassion and faith. Tune in to hear Margie's moving testimony and the lessons she learned along the way.

Junk to Jewels podcast was inspired by Georgette Beck's first book, Junk to Jewels, A Journey from Brokenness and Despair to Beauty and Delight.

Junk to Jewels podcast with Georgette Beck will inspire, educate, encourage, motivate, and give hope to listeners as they heal from their past, in the present, for their future.

Georgette is not afraid to share her heart with listeners, for heart matters, truly matter! All heart matters come up for discussion, including healing from divorce, loss of loss, abandonment, rejection, insecurity, self-esteem, remarriage, blended families, stepparenting, suicide, abortion, life purpose, faith, disappointment, depression, happiness, joy, hope, grief, sorrow, health, and many other topics.

Episodes include stories from Georgette’s life, helpful affirmations, scriptures and quotes, wisdom gleaned from other authors and their books, and featured guest speakers who share their own junk to jewels stories.

Follow along to be inspired, encouraged, and receive hope daily! Please download the show and share with your friends.