Recently, my mind has taken quite a few strolls down memory lane. It has been kind of fun to recall things that happened at school, home, and with friends. For decades I never wanted to reminisce about growing up because it was not a great time. Life was hard in that old dilapidated, four-room house where ten people lived.
Today a memory played over and over on the projector of my mind. I want to share that memory. The reason I am sharing part of my story is to give hope. My purpose today is to say, “There is healing in the Name of Jesus. There is hope in the Name of Jesus. There is new life in the Name of Jesus.”
I was only six years old. Six years old should be such a fun time for a child, but I found myself hiding in an abandoned building sobbing. Family is supposed to be the safest place on earth, but what happens when it isn’t? Just one hour earlier my life was forever changed through the abusive actions of a close family member. That abuse would continue off and on for the next twelve years. After leaving for college, the abuse stopped, but the fear, anger, trauma, and shame would live with me for years. I was trapped in a prison built by trauma.
That was a sad time, but today I am here to testify of the goodness of God. I just came to proclaim that we do not have to be held hostage by the pain that family or anyone else has inflicted! When one knows Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, there is healing for a broken heart, a broken dream, and a broken life. I wish someone had explained to me that Jesus wanted to open the door of the prison cell in which I was trapped.
Satan does not care how we react to events that have traumatized us, as long as we don’t turn to Jesus Christ for true healing. The devil loves it when we succumb to the pain of life, rather than let healing waters wash over us. It took me quite a few years to get there but get there I did!
In this brief narrative, I cannot possibly cover the whole process of my healing journey. Childhood trauma is not an easy subject to discuss, yet so many need to be heard and healed.
Today, I’m mad! I am mad that the devil has convinced so many that they will forever be in a prison of what someone did to them. Trauma is inflicted on far too many. I personally believe it is an epidemic in today’s sexually charged, dysfunctional atmosphere. I want to shout from the rooftops that there is HOPE, there is HEALING!
Many come to Christ for salvation, but never know the joy of being healed by His power. Today, I can testify that I am not just living – I am thriving! I found the source of true healing, and my hope is that I can help others to find that same healing. You can live an abundant life! You can thrive! You can get your life back! Healing changes life!
If you are someone who is trapped in a prison cause by childhood abuse, let me say that I am so sorry for what you experienced. I literally get choked up thinking about what has happened to so many. What happened to you is inexcusable. I wish I could be right there right now and wrap my arms around you.
The healing journey is not always an easy one, and it looks different for each person. The road usually requires companions to accompany us – a good counselor, a loving family member, a small group, a great church family, or other resources, and the most-trusted companion of all JESUS CHRIST.
Abuse is a sad reality, but it is not beyond the healing touch of God. The Lord God can redeem and restore. I am one of millions who can sing the song of healing. God wants to heal YOU.
Ephesians 3:20 tells us, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” This is my new reality. How, might you ask? I am no longer in that old, abandoned building. I now live in a house of love, built by God and family. My companions on the journey helped to bring about healing. I have lived a life beyond what I ever imagined.
Ephesians 3:20 is also for you! God can and desires to do more than you can imagine in your life. Join hands with God and other companions and start the journey of healing today!