Damaged Emotions

"Being honest about our hidden hurts is important. To heal the pain, you must acknowledge it." Jo Ann Fore, When a Woman Finds Her VoiceWe were driving along in my 1984 red hot Mustang, arguing about something; when he suddenly grabbed my long dark ponytail; and whipped my neck against the back of the seat. I was mortified as I looked to my right and saw the guy in the car beside us, staring in disbelief.I was an attractive and capable 18 year old girl, working and going to college. Why was I putting up with this? We were in MY car!Why didn't pulling into a public parking lot and demanding he get out of my car, and threatening to call the police if he didn't, ever even enter my mind?Or why did I go to the beach with him the day after he slammed my head against the concrete driveway in front of my parent's house, after a fight we'd had at the bowling alley?Why did I put up with that type of verbal and physical abuse for four years?I now see it was because I had bought into the lie of Satan long ago; that I was stupid, worthless, and unlovable; and that people had the right to treat me however they wanted. Deep down, I didn't believe I had any rights.Childhood sexual, verbal, and emotional abuse had left me silent. I believed my job was to keep everyone happy, and never rock the boat.My emotions were damaged."Swimming on the surface is easy when you're steeped in denial." Jo Ann ForeFriends, did you know that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month? Have you ever tried to help someone escape an abusive situation, only to see them return to the abuse? I remember my friends would get so angry with me, when after helping protect me in the moment, I would soon return to the volatile relationship."Manipulators can derail God's purpose for your life if you let them." Jo Ann ForeMy emotions were damaged. But praise be to God that through Jesus Christ and His healing power I have been set free. God has taught me that my true identity is in Christ Jesus our Lord.Will you help walk along side one that is caught in abuse, living with damaged emotions?Will you help teach her her true identity in Christ? That is what Jo Ann Fore is doing through her book, When a Woman Finds Her Voice. You can order your copy through Amazon today.

I'm amazed when I contemplate the fact that I never told anyone about the abusive relationship I had been in as a teenager, (not even my pastor/husband) until I told a counselor around 5 years ago. I allowed silence to continue to hold me captive to the lies of the evil one."There's an undeniable healing power in telling the truth to someone who validates you by simply listening- honor washes away the stench of shame." Jo Ann ForeI've found my voice. You can too!I close with the following scriptures from, Freedom in Christ Ministries.I AM SECURERomans 8:1-2 I am free from condemnation.Romans 8:28 I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.Romans 8:31-39 I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God.2 Corinthians 1:21-22 I have been established anointed and sealed by God.Colossians 3:1-4 I am hidden with Christ in God.Philippians 1:6 I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.Philippians 3:20 I am a citizen of heaven.2 Timothy 1:7 I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.1 John 5:18 I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.