Domestic violence comes in many forms, and all forms can damage a person until she is unrecognizable.
I don’t like to admit that I have suffered abuse because I am a strong, independent, and accomplished woman. It was not the kind of abuse you can see. It was subtle, twisted, and relentless.
The most significant abuse that I suffered was the loss of my soul. Though I was shattered and destroyed, God picked me up and carried me. The love of Christ and the fellowship of my sisters helped me mend. Today I know my cracks and flaws make me beautiful.
Healing takes time and energy. But God is there cheering you on, holding your hand, and carrying you to the point where you can become healthy again.
This message is an excerpt from a Women of the ELCA blog by Sara Larson. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
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