What had been attached to this shell?
What had crashed up against it with enough strength to break off the outer edge?
For how long had it been washing up against this same shoreline?
It reminded me of an encounter with a beautiful woman in Colorado years ago. We had enjoyed dinner together at a women's retreat in the mountains. Sharing parts of our stories and parts of our struggles.
When dinner was finished as we prepared to part ways, I gently reached for her shoulder to say "thanks" I am so glad we met and had the chance to talk.
As I touched her shoulder, I felt a bump. Something had happened to her. I realized the struggles she had been trying to work out with her husband had left an undeniable mark of abuse.
Still tender to the touch. She recoiled slightly, embarrassed, shame covered her face as her shoulders slumped forward. No longer able to hide the evidence of the abuse and the truth of what her life entailed.
When dinner was finished as we prepared to part ways, I gently reached for her shoulder to say "thanks" I am so glad we met and had the chance to talk.
As I touched her shoulder, I felt a bump. Something had happened to her. I realized the struggles she had been trying to work out with her husband had left an undeniable mark of abuse.
Still tender to the touch. She recoiled slightly, embarrassed, shame covered her face as her shoulders slumped forward. No longer able to hide the evidence of the abuse and the truth of what her life entailed.
I don't know if she left her abusive husband or if he got help.
I'll never forget her face and the way she carried the shame of her abuse.
I'll never forget her face and the way she carried the shame of her abuse.
I prayed that she would find the courage to find freedom. I prayed that she would be set free from the shame and hiding. And that she would find the strength to stand tall in who God created her to be.
Isn't that the prayer for all of us...
To be set free from the very things that hold us captive. The things that lure us into the shadows and whisper in our ear to hide. When God walks alongside us - he does so at our pace, all along encouraging us to come into His light.
All along he is reminding us...
Do not be afraid.
I am with you wherever you go.
Come into the light.
Freedom and life are found in me.
If this is your story, talk to someone you trust. Or contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
This is so beautifully written. Thanks for sharing, glad to see your efforts regarding awareness of the same. We should always stand against the violence and abusive behaviors around us. Etizolam RX
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