Warning: This post is not an easy one to write and is dealing with sexual abuse. I am in no way an expert on this and I feel very immature trying to handle this content but it’s been weighing on my heart. My little voice feels so faulty but maybe if we all join forces some good will come of speaking up for those that can’t. If this is something you’re not comfortable with reading then please skip today’s writing.
At first it just seemed like a foggy cobweb filled dream. When I was younger I really didn’t understand. It was whispered about and hidden. Now as an adult the haze can no longer hide the reality that this isn’t a bad dream. It’s a nightmare. While I myself have mercifully escaped sexual abuse others I love deeply have not. This breaks my heart in ways that I can’t even really begin to explain because I know they are hurting and suffering in ways I can’t even begin to imagine. Although I can’t tell other’s stories here just know that my heart is wrenched and my stomach tightens at the things I’ve heard. Have you heard the stories? Is it your friend or a family member? You? Has someone done horrible traumatic things to you? If so please let me say I’m grieved over what was taken from you. I’m sorry you weren’t valued as you should be. Because sweet person YOU are valuable. In those moments or moment I know that someone else said their own life and desires were more important than yours but that does NOT mean you are worthless. You are a priceless treasure. If you’ve told someone and they have disregarded you, said you were lying, or protected the perpetrator instead of you that isn’t okay. How I pray you can find someone safe to help you and comfort you. Sexual abuse is pure evil. If the shame of other people’s sin is weighing you down I sincerely pray you will find a person who will be a safe haven for you to talk to. You are not shameful. You are beautiful. You have great value. You are created in the image of God which means you have a voice, relationship, and power but sexual abuse replaces voice for silence, relationship for isolation, and power for helplessness. God wants to restore his image in you.
Here’s something that I feel needs to be talked about more. Even if you haven’t been sexually abused people around you that you know have been. Statistics show that one out of every four women has been abused and I don’t know the statistic for men but I know it’s probably not pretty either. That’s a lot of people. If someone has the courage and bravery to share with you their story don’t for one second discredit that. Listen compassionately and carefully. How you choose to respond is crucial. There is healing and redemption. There is light and life in all the darkness and death of sin. Let’s listen and love well those around us who are hurting and often reeling silently around us. Then let’s be a voice proclaiming hope.
Thank you for sharing Elaini. This is an issue that breaks my heart, especially in the area of sex trafficking. We need to raise our voices and cry out in defense of the helpless. Thank you for being willing to raise yours. Blessings.
Yes, it is heartbreaking. I want to not just have my heart break but also be a voice for change and help yet it can be challenging. Blessings dear Grace. xxx
Love it. Very well said. Thank you. ❤️
Thank you dear Kate. <3 Sending you a massive hug.
Thank you for taking the time to speak your heart on this issue, Elaini. Truly it is a massive problem affecting many many people. How my heart hurts for those suffering because of this sin.
Thank you for your sweet comment Rachel. It is definitely an issue that is widespread and just evil. My heart hurts with yours…
This is probably the most touching of your posts that I have read on your blog Elaini. This is partly due to how close home this blog hits me. I really want to thank you for this post. I feel as if our nation has grown so complacent not talking about such a severe topic as sexual abuse because its too uncomfortable or even resorting to joking about such a topic. But the amazing thing is; something so horrible as abuse can even be used by God, but only if we allow him. I honestly do not believe abuse is ever in His will for us, but it still happens because we live in a sin filled earth. Yet God can still mold it into His will, and we can use the experience to reach others. Please do not feel as if you are not an expert on this topic becuase I feel God really did use this post, at least in my life =)
Dear Sammie, I’m grieved that this post has hit you close to home… :'( I pray that the Lord would comfort you and give you grace in whatever areas you need. <3