Even though I work in the field of counseling abuse victims, this was an extremely difficult piece to write. After nearly every interview, I just wanted to stop, it was just too hard to hear. Jordan is where the US was maybe thirty years ago in terms of abuse-awareness, and it is a completely taboo topic. The story I wrote last year of a victim’s account of her abuse was the first time such a thing had ever been in print.
Then VIVA had a controversial issue pulled off the shelves by the publisher, and they told me they needed to wait awhile before presenting another hot topic. I was fine with that, but in October they asked if I was ready to finish it and I knew it was time. I actually planned to write this under my pen-name, as I was afraid of the repercussions of exposing this level of depravity, but my editors encouraged me to stand with it. This is the unedited version, but it doesn’t even contain the very worst stories told to me, which I need to keep in confidence. Those stories I bring to the Lord Jesus Christ, crying for mercy for the girls and boys who don’t yet know Him as Saviour and Wounded Healer.
Pray first, then get out the Kleenex and click here for the complete story.
Wendy,
Thank you for going through the painful process of writing that article. May your pain bring healing to many who read it, and teach them to protect others.
Comment by Rebecca — January 10, 2007 @ 5:37 pm
Rebecca, a warm welcome! Great to have you all my worlds, and I thank you for reading and the blessing you give in your comment.
Comment by wendywrites — January 10, 2007 @ 8:02 pm
Wendy,
God Bless you, truly, as you not only try to inform people of the reality of abuse but as you lend yourself out to be a helper to those who have been abused. Thank you for being willing to give of yourself to those deeply wounded souls.
As a survivor myself, I cannot tell you how important someone like yourself would have been to me. Anyone willing to give of themselves for the sake of another is a gift and a special blessing from God.
I know He is hearing your heart cries for those whom He brings into your path, may He continue to strengthen you for this work giving you all wisdom, courage and strength. I pray that His Spirit will dwell in you richly to bless others and impart freedom in Truth.
Bethany
Comment by Bethany — January 14, 2007 @ 3:54 pm
Bethany, you too? I am so, so sorry. Have you had anyone to talk to, gone through Dan Allendar’s “Wounded Heart”, etc.? I have people and resources I can put you in touch with…email me!
Thank you for that prayer, I need strength for the task as a new group starts next Monday. Thanks for visiting again!
Comment by wendywrites — January 14, 2007 @ 4:38 pm
thanks for sharing this with us. we need to live with our eyes open to reality. may God continue to use you (and the rest of us) to apply gospel life to these wounds.
Comment by t. — January 15, 2007 @ 5:37 am
T., thanks so much for visiting and keeping your eyes open. Your words will help me keep my heart open, as well, to be a conduit of blessing.
Comment by wendywrites — January 15, 2007 @ 7:55 am
Thank you for helping educate us so that we can protect our little ones, and better know how to help those who have been harmed. This is never an easy subject, yet one that does no good to anyone to be ignored. I can’t help but thank you along with your other “commentors” for opening our eyes. I have dear friends who were abused as children, yet haven’t known how to help except to listen and pray. Thanks for the resources.
Comment by alethea — March 22, 2007 @ 9:23 pm