God loves me – this I know. At least that’s what I repeatedly tried to tell myself through the years. If I could just talk myself into truly believing that God could love me simply for ME, then maybe I could quit trying so hard. I based everything in my life on how well I could perform.
Shortly after I was born my mom was hospitalized for an extended period of time. Through no real fault of her own we never really formed a heart connection. My older sister basically raised me as my mom had the son she’d been praying for after 4 girls just ten months after having me.
I was a wild, carefree child who went anywhere my veterinarian dad would take me. I was never one to stay inside and if the boys could do something I was going to show them that I could do it even better! I competed for everything from the moment I can remember.
I was taught about God from an early age. To be honest though I just wanted to be saved from hell. This whole relationship thing was for the birds. Just give me some “fire” insurance and we’ll call it good.
My parents divorced by the time I was six and the judge awarded full custody of us kids to my mom. This daddy’s girl fell to pieces! I was moved to a city near my grandma and a world utterly foreign to me.
I longed to be back with my dad and run free again. God created me exactly for that! As an adult now I can look back and understand. At six I felt completely abandoned by the one I thought I could trust.
In high school I was rebelling against everyone and everything that tried to put rules on me. I ended up moving in with my sister and her husband. It wasn’t long before the abuse started.
Sitting in a hot pickup talking for a few extra minutes to a friend, I let my brother-in-law’s candy bar melt. As I walked back into the house to apologize for bringing him a half melted piece of chocolate I was more than a little startled by this 300 lb. man punching me in the face.
Looking back, I’m still amazed at how quickly he convinced me I deserved it and got sucked into several years of physical abuse. I tried to run away. I took off on my horse and went through the back pastures but after two days he found me and I got the beating of my life as well as locked in a basement bathroom for several days. The physical scars from that healed much quicker than the emotional ones.
There was a lot of alcohol abuse in that situation and it didn’t take long for me to join in. God was gently nudging at my heart even then but I was convinced that the only one who could or would look out for me was ME. I knew He was supposed to love me but to be honest it didn’t really feel like it right then.
The final blow was during another one of my drinking binges. I was partying with a lot of people I didn’t even really know and was so drunk I could barely walk. A guy I didn’t know offered to give me a ride back to my car and I accepted. I was sexually assaulted. I tried so hard to fight back and had always been the “tough” girl that would kick anyone’s butt for looking at me the wrong way. There I was not able to defend myself at all.
The shame I felt was almost unbearable. I never reported it and that caused further shame later on. I had friends tell me I deserved it since I got in the vehicle with him. I felt God had truly abandoned me this time.
I decided the best thing to do was just put it away as deep down in me as possible and try to forget. I was convinced I had put all of the past behind me when I got married and had a family.
Wounds have a way of not healing well if we never bring them into the light though. God tried so many times over the years to reach into those dark places but I just kept it all walled off. I thought I would be a better Christian if He didn’t see those dirty pieces of me.
God kept working on me throughout the years and even though I truly had a relationship with Him, I just didn’t want to deal with the past. The Holy Spirit is powerful though! When the final breakthrough came it felt like a whirlwind of healing. Something that just happened overnight. But, it wasn’t overnight. God had been working on my heart for many years. His timing is flawless!
I’m so grateful that God is patient and faithful. Even as I blamed Him for everything and turned my back on Him repeatedly His love never quit. Now I can truly say, “God loves me – this I KNOW!”
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136:1 (NLT)
Thanks for sharing your story, Laura! It is so inspiring to hear how God was working in your life since the time you were a little girl.
I really like this part: "When the final breakthrough came it felt like a whirlwind of healing . . . it wasn’t overnight. God had been working on my heart for many years. His timing is flawless!"
your neighbor at Lyli's and Holley's
God will heal your heart a little more because you were brave enough to put your story into words. Bless you!
There is healing in this story and I read it with every word. Thank you for sharing so openly and for showing us your vulnerability and redemption in Christ. May you continue to always know that God loves you and wants you. Blessings! Your neighbor at #DanceWIthJesus
Dear Laura!
Thank you for sharing your life. Very brave.
I wish you the best, Andrea
I read this post because of the linkup from http://www.livingwithbatman.com/
I am so sorry for what you had to go through. My heart cried for the little six year old who felt abandoned. I am glad you have found a good path and are healing.
That song. It speaks so clearly to the righteousness God pours out on us. Thank you for sharing your story and your heart. #LifeGivingLinkUp
This is tough stuff to share. Glad you know the love of God to help you through this, giving you hope for today despite your difficult past.
Thanks Constance. God was always there even when I didn't acknowledge Him.
Bless you too Sarah!
Thank you Mary! I appreciate it. Blessings to you as well.
Thanks Andrea. It was hard to actually hit publish on this post but God kept saying "be bold" so I'm trusting Him with it.
Thanks Michele. Blessings to you!
I just love Mercy Me's new album. All of the songs speak to me and feel like they were written specifically for me. Thanks for stopping by Kelly.
It was tough Molly but God makes it possible through Him. Thanks so much for stopping by and your encouragement.
Wow! This video totally made me weep with joy at the GRACE of God. It is the cross that makes me flawless!
It does the same to me!
Laura,
What a tough story. So grateful that you listened to God and have turned back to Him. I felt all your words touch my soul.
Blessings as you write for Him,
Janis
I am so glad you found the courage to tell your story, Laura. I especially love this piece: Wounds have a way of not healing well if we never bring them into the light. God gave you strength to bring it to the light so He could begin the work of healing and restoration in your soul. Hugs to you, sister. Keep on healing!
Thanks Janis. I'm so glad my Heavenly Father was always there and ready for me with open arms. Blessings to you as well.
Thanks Sarah. I've learned the hard way that keeping our pain "hidden" in the dark only delays our healing. Hugs right back at you!