Yes, I'm speaking to all of you; this is a letter to you about being sexually abused, molested or raped.
Sexual abuse breaks my heart; abuse of any kind for that matter. Taking advantage of someone who is powerless- who is weak, who is vulnerable, and who is innocent. As you are aware, sexual abuse is something that is so common in our society, it's more common than we realize or even want to think about. Statistics say that 1 in 4 women are sexually abused- personally, I think that number is growing. Our society thinks that it is perfectly okay to take advantage of someone or something and to either gain something or use it against them in the future.
In my own life, I have struggled so much with the consequences and trauma that comes from being sexually abused. It seems like almost no one understands... no one truly understands the depths of my emotional, physical, and spiritual pain. Being sexually abused in this way messes with your mind, your heart, and even your relationship with God. I can't tell you how much I have tried to surpress the memories, cope with the pain, and try to move on with life. I'm realizing that it doesn't really work. And especially if you are a Christ follower. Jesus wants you to deal with it. He wants you to be healed, mended, and whole. Why? Because He loves you.
If you have been sexually abused...I want to say one thing. I am sorry.
You've heard this before- from the people that you told. And haven't you felt like they weren't sincere? I know I have. There have been a couple people whom I have told that are sincere; that cry with me, hold me, and walk through this with me. They haven't left my side. And I want you to know, that my "I am sorry" is completely sincere. Sister, I am sorry.
I want you to remind you and encourage of something, too. I want you to hear this loud and clear, you are not damaged goods. I know that it's not fair; it's not fair that someone walked into your life, molested you, and probably left- and you're the one to deal with the pain. It's not fair. You're the one having to "try" to move on with life. Doesn't it feel impossible? And maybe you feel like you invited the abuse into your life. I'm here to tell you that you didn't. It truly was not your fault; please don't feel shame or guilt.
And as result of this, you have probably felt suicidal. You have probably lost all your sense of worth. You feel like you are damaged goods. You're innocence was taken; the most precious part of you. Sister, you've probably put up protection barriers; or promised yourself that you would let no one in; that you would be in charge of fighting all of the battles and protecting yourself. You would be in charge of the fight. I'm here to tell you that you don't have to do that; being defensive is so natural. I promise you that in order to grow the most, you have to reach out for help, to humble yourself, and to be vulnerable... even if it's just a little baby step. You don't have to protect yourself.
Why can I say this and make these claims? Because Christ is your protection. Did you hear that? Christ is your protection. You know, I don't know exactly why abuse happens. Why does God allow it? Doesn't he love me, that precious 8 year old little girl who was sexually touched? Why God?
I don't know the answer to that. But I can share what has happened in my life. I've experienced so much healing in the name of Jesus Christ; whether I want to admit it or not. I may not be perfect or have it all together, but I am telling you that your only hope for wholeness in this life is in Him.
He is a safe daddy for you.
Oh, you are so worthy of love and belonging. You are worthy of being cared for and having someone protect you. You don't have to hide your pain. You don't have to hide your scars and you for sure don't have to cope by yourself. You dear sister, are beautiful.
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