Dear One,
If you have been raped in the last 24 hours find a safe place and tell someone you trust. If you can't call the police ask that safe person to do that for you. Breaking your silence is the first step to getting your life back.
EPAR was given to me in a Dream. EPAR is not about what happened to me...but what's happening to women, girls, and yes, even to men and boys in America!
The night of my rape I wrapped Laurie in grave clothes. I created my own tomb of isolation from relationships but mainly from God; yet He was the only One who could rescue me from a life of desolation. It would take twelve years to discover that. Instead, I wrapped up my outrage, fear, shame and anger and buried it deep in my soul. I convinced myself I could get on with my life. Can you relate?
The first six months all I did was talk about the rape. I acted like a reporter, just reporting the facts. Finally...family and friends told me to put it behind me. I did.
I was a wife and mother plus I ran a business. I tried everything to maintain my sanity. I "looked like" I had it all together. My first line of defense...I bought a gun and learned how to shoot my target! I took self defense classes with a 7th degree black belt because I determined no one would ever touch me again! When that didn't make me feel safe I checked out emotionally and used drugs to numb the pain. Eventually, those wrapped up feelings seeped out into every area of my life! My life fell apart. Divorce was God's calling card but becoming a Christian didn't mean my struggle was over...it was just beginning. My life was a mess...I was a mess! I won't lie; it wasn't easy.
My road to recovery was filled with questions. I was told, "Jesus understands all your pain and suffering." In the beginning, I didn't buy that! How could Jesus, the man, understand my pain especially the shame of rape!
Weary from carrying the burdens of my past coupled with a small willingness to get well, Jesus tenderly unwrapped the hurt and pain I buried deep inside. Loving women who invested themselves into my life helped me to see that Jesus did understand and to my shock I discovered I could trust Jesus with my hurts.
E.P.A.R. Ministries exists to educate, empower and encourage women to break your silence from the shame of rape. Every 2 minutes a woman is raped in America. You are not alone! If you would like more information or direction email me at restforyoursoul@bellsouth.net. You don't have to be silent any longer!
If you have been raped in the last 24 hours find a safe place and tell someone you trust. If you can't call the police ask that safe person to do that for you. Breaking your silence is the first step to getting your life back.
EPAR was given to me in a Dream. EPAR is not about what happened to me...but what's happening to women, girls, and yes, even to men and boys in America!
The night of my rape I wrapped Laurie in grave clothes. I created my own tomb of isolation from relationships but mainly from God; yet He was the only One who could rescue me from a life of desolation. It would take twelve years to discover that. Instead, I wrapped up my outrage, fear, shame and anger and buried it
The first six months all I did was talk about the rape. I acted like a reporter, just reporting the facts. Finally...family and friends told me to put it behind me. I did.
My road to recovery was filled with questions. I was told, "Jesus understands all your pain and suffering." In the beginning, I didn't buy that! How could Jesus, the man, understand my pain especially the shame of rape!
Weary from carrying the burdens of my past coupled with a small willingness to get well, Jesus tenderly unwrapped the hurt and pain I buried deep inside. Loving women who invested themselves into my life helped me to see that Jesus did understand and to my shock I discovered I could trust Jesus with my hurts.
E.P.A.R. Ministries exists to educate, empower and encourage women to break your silence from the shame of rape. Every 2 minutes a woman is raped in America. You are not alone! If you would like more information or direction email me at restforyoursoul@bellsouth.net. You don't have to be silent any longer!
Founder
