“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (Thessalonians 5:11 NIV)
If you’re joining me on this journey we have something in common. We are all survivors of sexual assault. Not victims. Survivors.
If you’re not sure you fit into this category allow me to define it. Sexual assault is any type of sexual behavior that happens to you without your consent. It is an assault on the body, emotions, and spirit. This includes incest, molestation, fondling, attempted rape, and rape.
As I share with you each week I hope and pray it will encourage you, and bring you a new hope through God and restoration for your soul.
We have really difficult times in life. If you’re there right now, I want to encourage you. I understand because I’m there too.
I invite you to journey with me because when you can’t feel Jesus, He’s still there. I believe this since I am experiencing it.
I hope you’ll join me every Tuesday as I share a piece of God’s heart through mine. Together we can begin to restore our broken hearts and souls.
Disclaimer: I am not a therapist or professional so this content should not be seen as professional advice. This blog is not a substitute for therapy and does not promise healing or restoration. If you have been a victim of sexual assault I encourage you to seek professional help.
Scriptures marked NIV are taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV): Scripture taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®. Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™. Used by permission of Zondervan
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Used by Permission HCSB ©1999,2000,2002,2003,2009 Holman Bible Publishers. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
© 2017 Susan M. Clabaugh All Rights Reserved.
Great start to this blog series!
Thank you!
So thought provoking and sincere.
Thank you Zeta. I appreciate you acknowledging the difficulty of baring the soul to others.
So thought provoking and sincere. A great subject but difficult.
I accidentally found your CBN 3/1/18 article by mistake. I was googling a quote I heard on a NBC News segment, where a young girl said “from the beauty from my ashes”.
I am so sorry for what you went through as a child. I thank you for sharing your experience with God and painful past with us. I found your words beautiful and filled with so much love and wisdom. Although i haven’t been sexually abused, I share other common things with you.. Like, stuck living on disability, paycheck to paycheck with no retirement and no career. And seeing others living the dreams I had when I was younger, for example having a family and finding someone that loves me.
I am so blessed to have my mother and we live together very comfortably. I’ve made mistakes in life and the choices I’ve made are mine to own. I have never doubted God and I have never lost faith in him. I owe everything to Jesus Christ..
I have so much admiration and respect for you and I thank you again for sharing your life story. And for helping others. I think you are so brave and beautiful. I wish you continued great success in your life and wish there were more good decent people in the world like yourself. God bless you.
Jennifer, Thank you for you kind words. I am glad you have your mom and your faith in Christ. May He continue to bless you!