Still Surviving...

You may have noticed the new badge on my page from Unsilence the Violence and wonder why I've added it. Because I am a survivor of rape, as well as a survivor of incest and molestation.  I didn't admit it when I got this job as a victim advocate, and I'm not going to go into a great deal of detail here, either.  What I want to talk about today is the healing that comes about through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  

As I taught a lesson last night in Institute about the grace afforded us through the Atonement of Christ, I silently gave thanks to my Lord and Savior for how His Atonement has worked in my life.  I am no longer bound by what happened to me.  I know it happened, and it was hell to get through, but I am separate from it now. I can see how my Heavenly Father worked in my life to give all things (even the awful, painful things) a purpose in His divine plan for me.  Of course He didn't "make" it happen; we have free agency.  When we use our agency for evil against others, that is our choice, not His.  It took me a long time to realize this, and to stop blaming Him for everything that had gone wrong in my life.  Now, I am simply thankful that He carried me through those dark days and set me in a place of safety and complete love.  He can do the same for you.  No matter what you are going through, He will uphold you.  Please don't lose faith.  

If you or someone you know has been victimized, please tell someone.  The longer you wait, the more you suffer needlessly.  If you need prayer for courage, let me know.  My husband and I will pray for you, and I will submit your name to the temple, where hundreds of faithful Saints can pray for you as well.  

In the Ohio Valley:  

Sexual Assault Help Center:  304-234-1783

Victim Assistance Program, Ohio County:  304-234-3896

Victim Assistance Program, Brooke County:  304-737-2515

Victim Assistance Program, Hancock County:  304-564-4277

Footsteps Christian Counseling:  304-242-8095

National Hotlines: 

Suicide Prevention Hotline:  1800-273-8255

RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network):  www.rainn.org