Encouragement

---

Over 20 years ago an incident happened which I still remember till this day. I was at work and got news that one of my co-workers was robbed, beaten and hospitalized. I felt bad and sad for her. I felt I needed to do something. So I went to everyone in our office, collected donations and presented it to her. A few months later she came back to work and we were all happy to see her. Well, things got back to normal and one day someone came to me and told me that my co-worker lied, that she had not been robbed and beaten, instead she was physically abused by her husband. After I got over the shock, I went and asked her. With tears running down her face, she nodded yes.

In a healthy relationship both individuals treat each other with love and respect even when they disagree. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise and don’t settle for less. You deserve a safe and happy life.

No excuse is worth staying in the abuse however you have stayed because…
He said he was sorry and would never do it again… didn’t he say this before and before and before. It’s my fault… no, it’s not your fault! There isn’t anything you did/do that justifies abuse. I love him… but is it worth the abuse. I know he loves me--in his own way…well, his way is hurting you. Please understand that love does not hurt. The children will be affected… have you thought that staying may be more damaging to the children. I can’t live without her… yes you can, try it. I’m nothing without him/her… yes you are. You don’t need somebody to be somebody because you are somebody with or without that person. Please know that you were wonderfully made and in God’s eyes you are precious (Psalm 139).

If you are in any type of an abusive relationship (verbal, mental, emotional, physical, sexual)… it’s time to get out. I don’t care whether you are young or old, female or male, friends or dating or living together or married, or how long you’ve been in it. For some, it’s just a matter of making up your mind, packing and leaving. For others, it’s not that simple: it’s complicated. But there are ways to get out and you don’t have to do it alone. What matters is your safety! It’s not going to be easy, there will be tears and you will go through a healing process. Your family and friends will be there for you. And there are people who are trained to help you. Contact the domestic violence/sexual assault program in your area, locate a domestic violence shelter and build a strong support system.

Yes pray! But while praying, prepare to leave. Pray for the abuser to recognize that he/she has a serious problem that needs attention, and that they receive the help they need (counseling, therapy, anger management, etc.) to treat this personality disorder. And leave the rest to God because you can’t change or help the person. Pray for the abuser to let go and let you live your life in peace. Then pray for yourself. Ask God to give you the mental strength and courage to leave and not look back. Ask God to keep you safe and protect you and anyone else involved. Ask God to surround you with people that care for you and will help you get through this difficult time. Ask God to restore in you the love, joy, peace, self-confidence, self-esteem and self-worth you will need to heal, move forward and start fresh.

For more on relationships and related messages and scriptures go to my book A Time To Reflect pages 203, 207, 211, 215, 257, 279, 281, 285, 289, 303, 307 and 311.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE