Tuesday, March 18, 2008

In Other Words Tuesday


"No matter how many good friends I had, there were aspects of my life I needed to deal with alone - heart issues and attitudes that could not be wrestled with in a Bible study...They had to be confronted by the Holy Spirit in the privacy of my own soul." I can really relate to this quote. When I was a teenager, I was sexually abused by my stepfather. When I told my momma, she sent me to stay with my sister, so she could confront him. Of course, he denied it, and she believed him. She would not let me come back home, she made me stay with my sister. This was a very hard time for me, no one believed me. My heart was broken, I missed my momma very much. Knowing that she did not believe me, and that she chose a man over me, it really hurt. But, in my darkest hours, when I was alone with my deep pain, I was being comforted by the greatest comforter, my precious Jesus. He never left my side, He loved me through it all. Family and friends, were no where to be found, but Jesus was carrying me everyday. He loved me, He spoke words of healing to my heart, and He helped me to forgive. Praise Jesus, my momma and I made peace eventually. I am thankful for the alone times with my Saviour, they were very much needed to help me to heal, and rise above my pain. Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world.

20 comments:

Praise and Coffee said...

Wow, my heart just breaks. But I am so glad that the Lord is made stronger is someones grief and trial.

Hugs,
Sue

Unknown said...

My heart aches for you. I suffered my own secret shame at age 16 when that which I held precious was taken by someone who should have known better. I was so ashamed, so certain I had somehow brought it on myself that I never told anyone... until one day the awful truth came bubbling out when I was in a very dark place. It was a hard thing to admit and even harder to overcome. I lived in the desert for many years, hiding out and running from the pain of the awful truth. God would woo me back to Himself eventually and in a moment on a floor in a banquet room filled with Pregnancy Center volunteers, Andy Merritt delivered a message that brought me face to face with Christ and His redemption - even of my secret shame, and my broken heart. He completely restored me and I eventually told my family the truth about my awful truth. The thing I learned is the enemy's greatest weapons are our secrets. Because they are the very thing that cannot be prayed over by others, they are the very thing we are afraid to present to God and so the enemy torments us and whispers to us in our secret shame. Solace and healing are found in Christ alone. Thank you for sharing such a painful moment and the glory God has brought by redeeming your pain.

Blessings.

Hootin Anni said...

This is so profound, so beautiful even tho there was a tragic beginning to it all. Y'know I was told a long time ago coming from my priest that "God only Gives to us what we can handle"....he was there for you, carried you, made you strong in your own right....tho sad that your mom didn't believe you, HE still loved you and always will.

I hate to say "I Loved This Post"...since it's for all the wrong doings, but it shows us what strength we get from the one that counts most.

Allison said...

Thank you for sharing my sweet friend!!!

lori said...

Denise,
Once again you leave me speechless....to have come up out of the pit....
Although the "cup" did not pass over you...you, through your faith and trust in HIM have come to be a witness for so many of us...
a testimony of faith...
peace to you....ALL the days of your life,
hugs,
lori

Miriam Pauline said...

He is the great Comforter in those terrible alone places. I am thankful for you that you found Him there. You always bless me as you share how Jesus has brought you to a new place.

twinklemom said...

*hugs* I wish I was there to give you a big hug...*Hugs* God Bless you Denise. He loves you, we love you and I love you! You are always in my prayers dear Sister in Christ and you're family are always in my prayers.

I admire your honesty, your strength, and the blessings of God that I see in Your Life! You are an amazing woman!

Thank you, Dear Sister, for an amazing and humbling post! *Hugs*

Ramblins of a middle-aged goddess said...

Denise, I feel so bad about this for you!! You found great comfort in our Lord and that part is of course wonderful!! How awful though. I have heard so much that mother's always believe their hubbys over the children. i don't get it
Sandy

Tonya said...

Wow, I don't know how to respond to that. I'm sorry that you had to endure such pain, but so thankful for you that you allowed it to draw you CLOSER to your LORD.

Tea with Tiffany said...

Denise,

I am sad that this happened to you. It hurts me to know someone as encouraging and loving as you had to suffer. The greatest news in your post today is the fact that God is ever so present in our sufferings and He longs to comfort us. You are an example of His love to me. Thank you.

Love you,
Tiffany

Chocolate and Coffee said...

I have something for you at my site. Come on over and check it out.

Melanie said...

You have been through so much. You are such a strong woman! I am so glad you were able to make peace with your mom!!

Sharon Brumfield said...

I know although we may "get over" things in life that tried to destroy us--they still color the way we view the world around us.
I thank God that these things did not destroy you. I thank God that He is going to continue to heal and allow you to comfort others.
This life can be so rough--one day He will wipe every tear from our eye. And there will be joy forever more.
I'm sorry your Mom did not believe you--I know that was rough.
Thanks for being willing to share.
Love ya girl

Anonymous said...

Oh, Denise, that story just breaks my heart! The pain you must have felt... But the fact it taught you to rely totally on Him was such a great lesson. Now you can use that testimony to help others see the same.

As usual, I am so touched by your writing!!

Aunt Angie said...

Denise, my heart breaks for all you have endured in your life! You are in my prayers, you have been so incredibly kind to me! I love you dear sweet Denise!!

Shari said...

Oh what a tragedy you went through as a girl. It's so wonderful that you turned to God and felt His comfort. It's amazing to read that you made peace with your mother. You must have done some serious forgiving.

Melissa in Mel's World said...

Denise, you have lived a tough life, and been through so many trials, but isn't it just like God to use all the "junk and stuff" to make you just as special as you are! You are truly one of the kindest women I know online. Thanks for sharing from your heart today!

Christina said...

I'm sorry to hear about this struggle but am really glad you made up with your momma. You are a strong woman. I am so glad that you have such a kind heart. Not many people can come through this type of thing with such grace.

Bernadine said...

My respect for you grows with every post I read. You have truly allowed God to make something beautiful out of the broken pieces of your life. Thanks for sharing.

Tiffany said...

Oh Denise-
I am so sorry! I understand and so wish that I could give you a great big hug right now and pray with you! I am so thankful that our Lord never lets us down, never leaves us. May He continue to bless you and heal you!