This month is a very special month for many reasons, but one thing that will always make it special to me is the fact that it is Domestic Violence Awareness month. This is made even more special to me because this is the very month I gained my own freedom. Four years ago, this month, I found the courage to seek the help I needed to get me and my children to safety. October the fifth has now become the day I secretly view as my own personal independence day. This was the day my life both ended and began, even though I didn’t realize it at the time.
At the time, I just knew I needed out and I will always be grateful to the local domestic violence shelter that helped to rescue me and my children. I say my life both ended and began that day because that was the day my old life ended and my new one began. Oh, it didn’t feel like it at the time; it felt as if the world was falling in around me. In a sense, maybe it was, but looking back I realize that what looked like it was falling apart, was actually falling into place. I have learned that sometimes things have to fall apart before they can be put back together! Sometimes, you have to be broken in order to be healed.
My heart is full of so many emotions as I think of that girl, that scared but yet, so brave girl, who finally admitted that she needed help. There are so many things I would love to tell her if I could and as I think about it, something occurs to me. Perhaps you too, need to hear the words that I would say to her. With that in mind, I want you to know, dear one, if you too are struggling with the pain that I was going through at that time, I want you to know these words are for you! The words that I am about to share are for you, dear sister, and I hope you let them speak courage and hope to your heart.
Beloved, you are worth far more than you know. You don’t believe it, because all you’ve known is the lies that you have been told, but you are more valuable than you realize. You were created to be loved and cherished, just as you are loved and cherished by the One who created you. He has seen every tear you have cried, and He has wept with you. Every bruise you have felt, He felt it to. And it broke His heart. You are so precious to Him; He never wanted this for you. And, dear heart, this is not your fault. You do not deserve the way you have been treated.
The truth will set you free if you are brave enough to speak it. You can speak it. You are stronger than you realize. Beautiful girl, you are a survivor. You are going to be okay. In fact, do you want to know a secret? You are going to be more than okay. You don’t know it right now because you are so blinded by the pain, but someday, you are going to be so glad you found the courage to do this. Someday, you are going to be so thankful that you had the courage to reach out and ask for the help you need. Someday, you are going to realize that life is far more beautiful than anything you’ve ever known.
I know this because I have survived, and I look back now, and I don’t even recognize the girl I used to be. I know because I have seen God work in the brokenness and turn it into something more beautiful than I could have dreamed of. I have a peace now that I have never known. I stand on the other side of the chaos and pain and I am profoundly grateful that God rescued me and showed me the path to freedom. Now, it is my hope that if you are one of the millions of women being affected by domestic violence, my words will help bring you the courage to reach for the help you need.
Beloved, there is hope and there is help available. You do not have to stay in a situation where you are not safe! With all my heart, I plea with you to reach out and ask for help. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. I know you are scared, and a million emotions fill that broken heart of yours, but I promise you this. There is a better life available! Please remember; you are stronger than you realize. You can do this. One step at a time, one day at a time, you can build a new life. You can find the peace and hope that your heart so desperately longs for. And by the way, I’m praying for you, sweet friend.
Right now, I am stopping to pray for you, dear girl. I am praying for you and I am trusting that the God who was so faithful to me, will be faithful to you. I am asking Him to give you the courage you need. I am asking Him to remind you how important you are to Him. I am asking Him to open doors for you and help you find your freedom. I am praying that He will guide you to the help you need. And I am praying that He will help you to look to Him to be the peace, comfort, and strength that you need. You can do this; He will help you. And remember, it is the truth that sets you free. Go speak your truth, brave girl!
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me toheal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
3 To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”
Isaiah 61:1-3
Love from one who has watched Him turn ashes into beauty,
Katrina Douglas
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233(SAFE)
