One day you will tell your story of how you overcame what you went through and it will be someone else’s survival guide.” – Unknown
If Goldilocks had ever come to my childhood home, she’d have found three bears alright – alcoholism, violence, and incest. For such is the history of my heart. What is the history of your heart, my friend? Were you sexually abused as a child too? If so, keep reading, for there’s hope ahead.
Sexually Abused as a Child?
The insidious nature of childhood sexual abuse is like an autoimmune disease twisting, tangling, taunting, and tormenting the soul – ultimately turning you against yourself.
The injury to your soul, mind, and body and the resulting numbing of your soul, mind, and body are so severe you can’t even imagine the possibility of healing.
But…
When it’s dark enough, you can see the stars.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Will I Always Feel Hopeless?
Now, I don’t know where you are in the healing process. Maybe you’re experiencing the emergence of suppressed memories? Memories buried since childhood, but now they’re seeping out. Or, as I experienced, flooding out like someone cracked open a fire hydrant.
Maybe you’re trapped in unbelief – mentally and emotionally unable to accept something so dark and evil happened to you? Acceptance was a massive challenge for me too.
Perhaps you’re the only one who knows? Aside from the predator who abused you, no one else knows your story. And the isolation and loneliness have grown claustrophobic.
When you’ve been sexually abused as a child, there are about a gazillion ways to become silenced, paralyzed, overwhelmed, and confused. Hopeless.
Healing is Possible
But there is hope! You, my friend, are not hopeless. Never.
What you have experienced…what you have endured is grave indeed. Evil personified.
But God has given us hope – as an anchor for your soul, firm and secure.
So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.” Hebrews 6:19
Even when their paths wind through the dark valley of tears, they dig deep to find a pleasant pool where others find only pain. He gives to them a brook of blessing filled from the rain of an outpouring.” Psalm 84:6
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43.2
They have greatly oppressed me from my youth, but they have not gained the victory over me. Plowmen have plowed my back and made their furrows long. But the Lord is righteous; he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked.” Psalm 129:2-4
Post Traumatic Hope™
My friend, even the darkness of being sexually abused as a child is no match against God’s grace, love, and power. Healing is possible.
I absolutely used to believe things were hopeless. I thought I was hopeless.
But God took me by the hand and guided me step by step. God provided for me moment by moment. He kept me and sustained me. Jesus untangled my tormented soul. And slowly but surely, He’s freeing me from all the ways I learned to numb my soul, mind, and body.
Now, you might be wondering, But did she go to therapy?
Therapy is a tremendous tool, and I can’t recommend it more highly. For years, I processed all the darkness and pain with a most trusted and skilled psychologist, Dr. Richard Clark. However, the source of healing was Jesus’ grace, love, and power.
For in him (Christ) all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:16-17
All Hope is Yours
Healing is possible! In fact, I believe your healing journey has already begun – it’s how you found your way to these words.
Beloved, God loves you. God is for you, never against you. And what the enemy intended for your destruction, God will turn for good.
You are near and dear to my heart, too, Beloved. Here’s a song I’m praying over you and crying tears of belief as I pray these lyrics over your life. Give it a listen and be deeply encouraged – The Blessing by Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, and Elevation Worship.
May His presence go before youAnd behind you, and beside you All around you, and within you He is with you, He is with youIn the morning, in the eveningIn your coming, and your going In your weeping, and rejoicing He is for you, He is for you
I’m listening, and I would love to hear your thoughts, your perspective, and insights.
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Thanks for stopping by! Until we meet again, remember – Trusting in Jesus, you’ll have more treasure than pockets. From my heart to yours,