A Must read for those who have suffered sexual abuse.
To add, I would say altogether too many people might be victims. Remember, I speak as a catholic priest, privileged to have received the confidence of thousands.
I too have suffered that, particularly during my Youth; though Not of the Severe kind. By God’s Grace, it has not weighed down on me. I think one of the main reasons would have been my being on ‘Fire’ in my subject.
Having given some of my personal sharing, I would say Anna’s this article is, to repeat, A Must Read.
Image courtesy of Our Side of Suicide http://www.oursideofsuicide.com/2016/05/09/weakness-vs-strength/
Some abuse victims want as adults only to forget their past. That is an entirely legitimate response, and their prerogative.
By contrast, a surprising number of us want to use our suffering to ease the suffering of others. We want to make something purposeful – even beautiful – out of what was painful and ugly. That is a lofty goal which may or may not be achievable [1].
In either case, a few things should be clear.
A Strong Spirit
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (Isaiah 40: 29).
Those who somehow survive abuse – physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect or domestic violence – have a strong spirit. This is true no matter the scars we carry forward from abuse or the fears abuse bequeathed to us. We would not otherwise be…
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