Mark felt the pain of a relationship gone badly. He didn’t know at what point his life spiraled out of control and he started to physically abuse his wife, Sheri. It certainly wasn’t that way in the beginning. In fact, it was quite the opposite.
Mark laid back and closed his eyes. He recalled Sheri being a beauty to behold. Her smile and laughter warmed the hearts of those who knew her well. He admired her gracious spirit and affectionate ways. Somewhere along the way, though, his admiration turned into jealousy and rage. Sometimes he would black out and couldn’t remember any of the many beatings she suffered at his hands. But even to this day, he can vividly see her trembling and recoiling in fear at his very presence.
Since those days of blackouts and beatings, Mark has had time to examine his behavior and commit his life to the Lord. He learned that his need to totally control another person or a situation stemmed from his lack of self-worth. God showed him that it wasn’t a matter of his life being in control or out of control. It was a matter of his life being under control of His Holy Spirit.
Suddenly, a disturbance interrupted Mark’s thoughts. He bolted upright and opened his eyes. He wasn’t used to all the commotions, yet, of his new environment. A lonely tear trickled down his cheek as he tried to peer through the cold steel prison bars that held him captive in his cell.
(Approximately 1.5 million women are abused each year in America. On average, three women per day die from their abuse. *Statistics provided by the National Institute of Justice and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)
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