Do you need a blanket?

I know several people have questioned my motives for telling my story... some people don’t like to talk about the past and some don't think it’s necessary to air your dirty laundry. What those critics don’t understand is the freedom in being able to talk about it. Just like the Taliban targeted and banned women and young girls from education and being in public, people do things that seem cruel and unusual out of fear. The Taliban knew that if women were allowed to be educated, they would be independent and think for themselves. There’s nothing more dangerous to tyranny than giving someone the power of their voice. Everyone deserves a voice. The moment a victim finds her voice, she becomes a survivor.

Violence persists because abusers think they have all the power. Their manipulation thrives in power and control. Once they’ve lost power and control, the victim is free - she’s a survivor. Finding the courage to use your voice is the bravest step a victim takes. It’s difficult and it’s dangerous! And knowing others have taken that step and survived gives you direction and encouragement. It's why we see such success in support groups for a variety of people who seek emotional healing.

I want victims to know that there’s better days ahead, that it’s never too late. I want them to know that even in their darkest moment and struggling to get through a day, to remember that they are not alone. Others have walked that path. God is always there. And God can use ANYONE. If someone had told me thirty odd years ago that I would be doing this now, I would have told them THEY were the ones on drugs! I’m so glad only God can see the big picture for my life, because I don’t think I would ever be able to live up to it if I knew all the details ahead of time. It's simply too much pressure.

I haven’t been a victim for many years. Going from victim to survivor can happen over time or can happen in a moment. For me, it happened in steps. Let’s call it God’s 12 Step Plan. Some steps I learned very quickly and some... not so much. But once you’re a survivor, you see life differently. There’s hope and purpose that wasn’t there before. But for anyone that still questions my motives, I'm going to have the audacity to ask a favor. Please pray. Pray for the many victims that need help. Pray for the abusers. And pray for me. This is not easy, but it's necessary.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.