If you have been raped in the last 24 hours find a safe place and tell someone  you trust.  If you're afraid to call the police ask that safe person.  Breaking your silence is your first step to getting your life back.  

The night I was raped I wrapped myself in grave clothes and created a tomb of isolation from relationships but mainly from God; yet He was the only one that could rescue me.   I wrapped my outrage, fear, shame and anger and buried it deep within my soul.   I  convinced myself I could put it behind me and get on with my life.  Can you relate?

I was a wife and mother, plus I ran a business.  I tried everything to maintain.  I "looked like" I had it all together.  My first line of defense...I bought a gun and learned to shoot my target.  I took self defense classes with a 7th degree black belt.  I was determined no one would ever hurt 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 and divorce was God's call card.  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!

The road to recovery was filled with questions.  I was told by well meaning Christians, "Jesus understands all your pain and suffering."  In the beginning I didn't buy it.  How could Jesus understand the affects from rape. 

Jesus says in Matthew 11:28, "Come to Me all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest."  I think  rape  is heavy burden, don't you?  I was weary from from hiding the shame and being fake.  With a really small willingness to go through those painful places, Jesus tenderly unwrapped the hurt and pain.  Loving women invested themselves into my life and helped me to see that Jesus did understand the pain.

Every 2 minutes a woman is raped in America.  You are not alone.  EPAR Ministries exists to educate, empower and encourage you to break your silence and take your  life ba

If you need direction or resources email me at restforyour@bellsouth.net.  All inquiries are confidential.  Be silent no more!

Laurie