God, Where Were You?

It doesn’t take long before victims ask themselves this question: “God, if you are all powerful, all knowing, and present everywhere as I have been taught, where were you when I was hurt? No loving earthly father would allow bad things to happen to one of his children if he was capable of intervening! Why … Continue reading God, Where Were You?

Is “Calling Down Fire” Really Necessary?

It is human nature to desire for judgment to immediately fall on those who harm us or those we love. This is especially true for survivors of sexual abuse. I once led a support group of sexual abuse survivors comprised of several leaders in the church. Without exception, everyone longed for their abusers to be … Continue reading Is “Calling Down Fire” Really Necessary?

Can Anger Lead to Breakthrough?

Anger is a very interesting emotion, especially in the life of a sexual abuse survivor.  I have met many survivors whose reactions were defined by anger; it seems to be the only emotion they were in touch with. Others don’t allow themselves to feel anger, as if it is somehow bad. The question is what … Continue reading Can Anger Lead to Breakthrough?

What If Hiding Is No Longer Necessary?

Sexual abuse victims find many reasons to hide:  shame, fear, feelings of inadequacy, etc.  Over time, hiding can become a way of life. But, what if the things you believe about yourself are not true and the way you see yourself is inaccurate? What might your life become if hiding were no longer necessary? The … Continue reading What If Hiding Is No Longer Necessary?

Journey from appraised value to declared worth: Overcoming abandonment in relation to childhood sexual abuse

My Journey from Appraised Value to Declared Worth

According to the Mayo Clinic Libraries, the value placed on the basic elements in the human body is $4.50. When I was younger, a relative “appraised my value” as much less! I remember him "jokingly" telling me, “If your daddy had a quarter, you wouldn’t have been born!” Apparently, my dad could have bought a … Continue reading My Journey from Appraised Value to Declared Worth