tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1362373399405910593.post7180552766274798683..comments2023-12-11T20:18:37.225-06:00Comments on Shattering the Silence: Innocence LostRoger Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07591791342062150604noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1362373399405910593.post-45668330942314349082012-07-14T10:06:22.431-05:002012-07-14T10:06:22.431-05:00You are so right - our innocence is restored when ...You are so right - our innocence is restored when we extend grace and forgiveness to others. That was the key to my healing.<br /><br />I wanted to make sense of my abuse and tried to figure out what I could have done or should have done that would have been the magic thing to make my father love me and stop the abuse. Problem was, there was nothing - but the shame followed me. I felt abnormal. I wish there were sites like this when I was being abused, so that I could realize I wasn't alone.<br /><br />Even though I am healed from my past there are still remnants of shame that sometimes stick up their ugly heads. My father, the first time he came into my room told me, "You are so stupid, dumb, and ugly that no man will ever want to marry you unless you put out. I'm going to teach you to put out." Sometimes I still view myself through this lens, forgetting how my real Father (God) sees me. I spent years putting out because I had no sense of self, and that just increased my shame.<br /><br />Thank God for restoration and forgiveness. I love the promise of God that He will give beauty for ashes. He did heal me and fortunately my children are not being abused. The cycle stopped with my parents' death. <br /><br />Thank you for being so open and sharing from your heart. It is a huge blessing.Heather Marstenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17442467779057850945noreply@blogger.com