Sometimes I think I do too much!! I tell too much! I think it comes off as complaining or attention seeking! THEN I will hear from one of you and how my story has given you courage to fight another day. Given you permission to say NO. Encouraged you to try again. Reminded you that you are not alone.
That’s what your story should do! It should encourage others to want to be better, to do better, and to help others. You didn’t go through what you went through just to experience it. You went through it to show up as a survivor, as a warrior. To show up victoriously!
God allowed you to survive because HE knew HE could trust you with what you learned.
Truth of the matter – wanting to shy away from my story and hide behind the mask is exactly what my abusers want me to do. Speaking out meant they can no longer control me. Speaking out meant I can heal from what afflicted me.
Every time I share my story I get stronger. A link in the chain of bondage breaks. Every time I speak on abuse or encourage another woman, I’m reminded I’m no longer in that situation and I have something to celebrate.
I’m not going to lie; it’s not easy telling it! I tend to shy away from the parts that haunt me at night. There are times I look in the mirror and can see that woman who didn’t believe she was enough. Every now and then I see that woman that believed she did something to deserve what happened to her. But then I look myself in the eyes and say:
YOU MADE IT! YOU SURVIVED! YOU ARE AMAZING! YOU ARE ENOUGH! YOU DESERVE HAPPINESS!
YES, I talk to myself! It helps erase the memories of being told I wasn’t enough. That I would never be enough. That something was wrong with me. I get through the dark by remembering to be the light!
You are called to be a light in this world. (Matthew 5:14) I’ve never seen a light shrink or fade because someone didn’t like it. Do you think the sun would hide because someone said it was too bright? Do you think a light bulb would cut itself off because someone didn’t like its color? Girl, please! Remember the ones that are tired of hearing your voice, are the ones that tried to silence it in the first place. Speak louder! Let them know they can’t control you or your healing.
Until Next Time,
