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What can I learn from a rape survivor?
Thirty six years would be a long time to carry a burden alone. Thankfully, I learned that I didn’t have to. When I was in my mid-twenties, my father-in-law raped me. My husband, caught in the middle, didn’t quite know what to do so he did nothing. My father was even more at a loss as to how to handle it. He just said, “Really? Humph” and let it go. I told no one else and felt very alone in this situation.
What misconceptions we often operate in! I thought I would be the villain if the rest of the family found out about this. So, I dealt with it within. I made a decision to see my father-in-law as little as possible and certainly could not allow myself to be alone with him. I also chose not bring it up again to my husband. (To make things easier on him.)
After several years, I discovered I had shoved it in the background much the way my husband and father had. Years later after a divorce, I began going back to church and rededicated myself to Jesus. The memories of this tragedy resurfaced and I knew it was not a finished business. Through doing so, I began to believe I was not the guilty party. I did nothing to be ashamed of and most of all I learned I didn’t need to deal with my feelings alone.
That was quite a revelation. I still had issues of hatred toward the rapist and being forsaken by my husband and dad. A verse spoke to me. “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). The Lord was there for me! Always! The support and love I believed I should’ve received from others, God promised to furnish without fail. Thank you, Jesus.
No matter the circumstances, trials, and rough roads, He is there for you too, without fail even when all else fail you. I am worthy because He says I am; it doesn’t matter what others think. Believe it, give thanks for it, and know He is your truest love.
Rape Survivors - Learn More!
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