All my life I never heard anything good at all

I was too skinny, too weak, and most of all too small

All the things that happened, my dad said would make me strong

I believed him all my life until you said ‘he’s wrong!’

 

I know I still tune out a lot of things he did

But you helped me see, I was very hurt as a kid

Sometimes it confuses me; I don’t know what I’m feeling

But you help me understand this really means I’m healing.

 

You helped me to realize, maybe I’m not so bad

I can choose a different life; I’m not doomed to be like my dad

I know I still struggle, still mess up, and always get off track

But you are always there for me, you always bring me back.

 

Abusers attack their prey utilizing elaborate disguises: Violence camouflaged as punishment. Inappropriate touches masquerading as acts of caring. Verbal jabs cloaked as “honest” conversation. Methods vary but the results are always the same: total control for the abuser and full destruction of the victim’s self-worth. How do we expose abusers and defend those harmed?

 

You helped me tell the counselor things I always kept inside

Things I always thought I couldn’t tell; I would have rather died

When I get tough homework and tell you ‘I don’t think I can do it!’

You always write me back saying, ‘yes you can, you’ll get through it!’

 

Sometimes I still get nervous; my head gets full of doubt

Because my counselor tells me there is a lot I should get out

When it gets really bad, sometimes I still feel like dying

But you have taught me, “It is worth it!” to keep on trying.

 

I saw some soldiers on TV who came back from Iraq

Speaking of the nightmares they’ve had since they got back

Some of them would not seek help and they don’t want to speak

Because they don’t want the other men to think they are weak.

 

I watched and it hit me, ‘those guys are just like me’

Putting on a tough act yet not knowing they’re not free

I know their memories won’t just disappear

And if they don’t get help, they’ll always live in fear.

 

Jeremiah offers promise in the midst of abuse: “For I know the plans I have for you, ‘says the LORD.’ They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (29:11) For you who have been abused: God offers hope. I pray you receive comfort and courage.

 

It made me want to tell you how grateful I am for you

You came to me at a time when I didn’t know what to do

But you helped me understand how counseling is right

And helped me get the tools I need to continue with my fight.

 

So thank you for your patience and thank you for your prayers

Thank you for showing me you are a man who cares

Thank you for giving me a bible I can understand

And thank you most of all for showing me God in a man.

Categories: Devotions