When people find out I was sexually abused as a child, they are shocked. “I’m so sorry that happened to you. Children should be protected,” they often say.
“I was protected,” I respond.
Yes, I was severely abused by people close to me, but I also strongly believe that God protected me. The damage has been severe, but it could have been so much worse.
For example, my desire from childhood has been to make a difference by helping hurting people. I have always been in a helping profession. I believe that was God, turning evil around and into something positive.
My heart and soul were damaged, but not destroyed. In some sense, I was protected against the full onslaught of evil. And now God is working in me to bring more healing, not just to myself but to others as well.
It’s interesting that the more available I am to God to be used in the lives of others, the more healing seems to come my way. Over time, I am able to see even more of God’s protection in my life, and my heart begins to relax a little more.
We were damaged, but not destroyed. Now God wants to bring healing and let us experience his goodness. If I can open up and heal, you can to. We’re in this together.
I was damaged, but not destroyed.
I can heal and experience God’s wonderful goodness.
(This post was adapted from Not Quite Healed, written by Cecil Murphey and Gary Roe.)
1 comment:
I have often felt looking back that I too was protected. There were so many times when it definitely could have been much worse. I have read many others stories of their experiences and realized how God had spared me. There are unimaginable things going on out there to children. Yes, I was protected and God I believe has repurposed my life to help others. I can empathize in ways I would never have been able to before.
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