Domestic Violence is an Epidemic that Just Won’t Slow Down!
Just recently, I had the privilege of conducting a workshop on domestic violence; primarily focusing on those that have physically left the abusive environment but the “abusive environment” had not left them.

At the conference, we had an awesome audience of women that had stories to tell and I can only imagine the one’s that had a story to tell but were not able to verbalize it…..yet. I’m obviously not going to share the entire workshop but I feel it’s important to share a few “gems”.

The first thing for anyone that has left an abusive relationship is to know that full healing is a process. It does not happen overnight…but it is doable!

One of the major challenges is to “re-adjust” one’s thinking. What happens when these type thoughts come to mind: “Maybe I deserved it? “I should have tried harder?” “Do I deserve good things to happen to me?” “Will I ever really feel safe?”

“Sometimes the worst place you can
be at is in your head.”

It’s time to start remembering who you were…before someone attempted to convince you that you were worthless.

” The greatest challenge in life is to discover who you are….The second greatest is being happy with what you find…”

There’s a reason why you’re still here!  (Somebody needs to repeat this…there is a reason…)

The following words of encouragement that were shared:

• Know that it was NOT your fault.

• Know that you are NOT powerless

• Know that there is HOPE.

• Know that you deserve to be happy.

• Release the burden that you’ve been carrying for so long. All by yourself.

• Know that a brokenness in spirit can be healed and restored.

As you begin to love yourself, your relationship with everyone will begin to change.

“You’ve got to learn to get up from the table when love is no longer being served.” – Nina Simone

It’s important to:

• Be patient with yourself

• Begin to surround yourself with people who could build you up and know that the LORD is the master healer.

You were made for a purpose that only you can fulfill. You must believe in your own uniqueness.

“Happiness is a direction not a destination; your movement toward happiness will lead you to experience JOY everlasting!”

Choose JOY!

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233

Domestic Violence Resource Center – 503-469-8620