I’ve never been the victim of abuse, sexual or otherwise. I’ve never had to sit across the table from the person who victimized me or hid scars. I’ve never had to deal with folk calling me a liar for telling my story. I’ve never had to look at the eyes of pity from folk who said they cared. I’ve never had phone calls to go unanswered by those who said they’d be there. I’ve never been fearful in my own home and I’ve never been violated but some of you have been and it saddens me how quick folk are to judge and criticize. This is why I had to take a moment to tell those of you who have been abused … don’t let anyone silence your story. I don’t care if it happened 1, 6, 18, 24 or 52 years ago, if you never told anyone before or if your abuser has never been brought to justice; tell your story. You have a right because no one knows the hell you’ve been through, neither how you survived with your mind still intact. Moreover, when you tell your story, you become the defeater and not the defeated. Stop allowing folk who have never walked a foot in your shoes, quiet you. They weren’t there the days and the nights you had to suffer. They aren’t there the nights the nightmares will not let you rest. They are not there when the smell of a familiar cologne can trigger the pain you try to hide. They don’t have to deal with the fear you have, now that you’ve become a parent. They don’t know but they’ll talk. LET THEM! But while they talk, you tell your story and heal. While they talk, you do the work to forgive. While they talk, you do what needs to be done to become whole again. Let them talk, you be healed.
Bible shares in Proverbs 12:19, “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.”
Dear God,
I thank you for another chance. Now, I ask for you to rain down strength on all those who have been or are in the midst of abuse. Give them strength to tell their story and not be ashamed but more importantly, give them strength to be healed. Healed from the sleepless nights and the crying days. Healed from the fear of what other thinks and from the judgmental lips and critical eyes of those who don’t know their pain. Heal from thinking they aren’t good enough or that it was their fault. Bind their suicidal thoughts and give them the comfort. Cover and protect their mind, body and soul. God, you have the power and I know you didn’t make us to suffer in silence. Cripple the hands of the abuser and bring swift justice to those who deserve it. By your might God, I pray.
Amen.
Lakisha, the Author 