Sexual Abuse Survivor Gets Powerful Tattoo Dedicated To Healing
October 25, 2016
Sexual Abuse Survivor's Tattoo Brings Hope To Others
Sexual abuse is not easy to talk about, especially for those who have been through it. But there's a freedom that comes from stepping into the light. An author referred to as JA bravely shared their personal story of sexual abuse and journey towards healing. And the beautiful meaning behind this sexual abuse survivor's tattoo is an inspiration for anyone else struggling with this issue. Credit: Facebook / Love What MattersThe Struggle
The author, known only as JA, was molested in the second grade by a neighbor. Like so many, JA kept the abuse a secret. And the effects of the abuse were deep and long lasting."For the past 14 years, I have struggled with feeling broken, and dirty, and unworthy of love. I struggled with PTSD, often having nightmares and flashbacks. I thought that I was too broken to be fixed, too violated to be loved, and too messed up to be normal. I struggled with suicidal thoughts for 4 years," JA wrote on Facebook.[rsnippet id="3" name="Article-Ad"] JA finally hit a turning a point at the end of high school, committing to seek true healing. The sexual abuse victim reflected back on a word of encouragement received years before at a Christian summer camp.
"I remembered from my very first summer at River Valley Ranch my most favorite counselor/wrangler, Leigh had taught us the word Tetelestai- meaning it is finished. That word stuck with me."RELATED: How to cope with sexual abuse
The Healing
JA used that word to stay motivated, promising to turn it into a tattoo once true healing occurred. All the hard work paid off, and JA was transformed from a victim into a survivor."I am NOT broken, I am NOT unworthy of love, and I am a SURVIVOR. And I know now, that it was never my fault, and that despite its ups and downs, life is forever worth living. So yesterday, I sat down in the tattoo shop and forever reminded myself - it is finished."The sexual abuse survivor's tattoo represents healing. And it is a symbol of hope for all others facing this difficult journey. Sexual abuse is heartbreakingly more common than many realize. Evil hates the light (John 3:20-21), and uses fear and shame to trap the victims in a prison of secrecy. Satan uses the shame to convince victims they are "damaged goods" -- that they are unworthy. But nothing could be further from the truth. God is always there, waiting to Heal us.
Here are some ways to build healthy relationships after sexual abuse:
- Pursue healing
- Create a circle of inspiration around yourself
- Talk it out
- Embrace the love that Jesus offers you
- Overcome addictions
- Deal wisely with your family's response to your abuse
- Break the generational curse
- Find a mentor
- Build committed friendships
- Set boundaries when dating
- Develop a healthy sex life in marriage
- Grow closer to God
- Shine your light in the world
Here are some healing verses from Scripture:
"The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly." John 10:10 "Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy." Psalms 82:3 "The Lord is the support of all who are crushed, and the lifter up of all who are bent down." Psalms 145:14 "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 "The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." Psalm 9:9 [rsnippet id="2" name="ArticleAd-300x250-3"]A sexual abuse survivor shares the 13 powerful lessons that helped her find healing!
Credit: Love What MattersToday's Devotional
A Prayer to Stay in Step with God’s Spirit - Your Daily Prayer - January 21
Walking with God takes intentional, day-by-day commitment. Let's renew that commitment in prayer today, together.
Today's Devotional
A Prayer to Stay in Step with God’s Spirit - Your Daily Prayer - January 21
Walking with God takes intentional, day-by-day commitment. Let's renew that commitment in prayer today, together.
Past Stories
- Girl Scout Saves Her Dad's Life Just 11 Days After Learning CPR
- This 100 Year Old Kentucky Centenarian Works At Home Depot, Offering Great Tips For a Long Life
- Woman Married 82 Years Has a Very Special Disney-Themed 100th Birthday Party
- Man Discovers 46 Year Old Christmas Present in the Wall of His Childhood Home
- 4 Year Old Twin Girls Are Heroes After Finding Retired Police Officers Wallet
- Her Cat Was Missing For 7 Years, But She Finally Came Back Home
- Delta Held a Plane So a Daughter Could Have One Last Goodbye With Her Dying Mother
- Even Through Dementia One Special Phrase Kept a Grandmother Connected to Her Husband
- Mom, Dad, and 6-Year-Old Daughter Are Heroes After Rescuing Woman From Overturned Car
- Couple Receive the Biggest Surprise Blessing After Cervical Cancer Diagnosis
- Old English Sheepdog Who Appears to Have Special Powers, Receives an Award
- 49 Years Later Daughter is Reunited With Birth Mother and Other Family After Taking DNA Test
- 22 Family Members Surprise Grandparents With a Fun Family Sleepover
- Scared Doodle Rescued From Thin Frozen New Jersey Lake With Help From Neighbors Drone
- Woman Caught in a Riptide is Saved by Fisherman's Hook
- Couple Finds Lost Ring In a Snowy Wonderland During Engagement Photo Shoot
- Jimmy Carter, 39th President, Passes Away at 100, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Service
- Kimberly Williams-Paisley Talks About Getting Her Voice Back After Losing It Two Years Ago
- 90-Year-Old From Oklahoma Is Rewarded For Going Out of His Way to Help Others
- Husband Decorates His Neighbors' Homes For Wife Who Loves Christmas
- Couple Befriend Older Neighbor After Hearing Music Coming From His Apartment
- California Man Carpools With Adult Children On His Very Last Day of Work Before Retirement
- Family of Three Grows To Seven Overnight With Birth of Quadruplets
- The World's Oldest Dog Spike the Chihuahua Turns 25 Years Old
- Christmas Tree Planted Back in 1979 Inspires and Unites a Small English Village
- Dick Van Dyke Turns 99 After Evacuating From a Wildfire and Welcoming His Lost Cat Back Home
- Santa and Mrs.Claus Continue to Spread Christmas Magic Even With Santa's MS Diagnosis
- Little Girl Gets a Big Elf On the Shelf Surprise Honoring the Little Brother Who Passed Away
- Little Boy From England With Leukemia Delivers Over 400 Christmas Gifts To Kids At the Hospital
- Gold Star Family Receives a Big Surprise That Will Change Their Lives Forever
- 8-Year-Old With Down Syndrome Is a Hero After Saving Sister From House Fire
- Man Paralyzed At 17 While Snowboarding Has Found True Love and a Wonderful Life
- His Wife Passed Away, Now Their Special Tree is the 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
- Granddaughter Captures Last Words Between Grandparents, Married For 69 Years
- New York State Police Rescue Woman Needing a Heart Transplant Stranded in Snowstorm
- Born the Same Year the Titanic Sank, World's Oldest Man Dies at 112
- Family Receives Support From School and Community After Losing House in a Fire
- Soldier Reunites With His Military Dog Yyacob After Years Apart
- Chicago Man Discovers That The Owner Of The Bakery He Loved To Visit Was Actually His Mother
- Husband Pays For 40 Pet Adoptions At Shelter For His Wife's 40th Birthday
- Parents Find Healing After Loss of Son By Donating His Beloved Key Collection To Little Boy
- Mom Dances With Son At His Wedding After Being Placed in Hospice Care 2 Weeks Before
- Grandmother and Young Granddaughter Battling Cancer At the Exact Same Time
- Community Brings Christmas Joy to Virginia Woman With Just Weeks to Live
- Four Friends Recreate A Fun Vacation Photo From 50 Years Ago
- School in Arkansas Mourns the Loss of Their Beloved Emotional Support Dog Abby
- 93-Year-Old Has Made Sure To Attend Every High School Football Game Since 1946
- Texas Mom Doesn't Remember Delivering Triplets After Rare Complication After Birth
- United Airlines Pilot Buys Pizza For 155 Passengers After They Make An Unexpected Stop
- Teenager With Down Syndrome Enjoys Playing Kickball After Parents Organize Neighborhood Game
Top Music Videos
CCM Magazine Oak Ridge Boys Singer William Lee Golden Shares How Group Has Navigated Recent Loss and Grief
The Statler Brothers 'Til the Storm Passes By' The Statler Brothers Live Performance
Casting Crowns ‘Good Good Father’ – Stunning Worship From Casting Crowns
Crowder Crowder Moving Official 'Somebody Prayed' Music Video
Anne Wilson Anne Wilson 'The Cross' Powerful Lyric Video
Blogs
At GodTube, you’ll find daily inspirational videos to lift your spirits and encourage you in your walk with God. Popular videos include worship music from your favorite Christian artists, cute videos with adorable kids and animals, hilarious videos from Christian comedians, user-uploaded videos, and clean viral videos to brighten your day.