A survivor’s strength lays in the telling of facts. Factually recounting the abuse perpetrated against you through storytelling. Holding the perpetrator accountable and not watering down their atrocities to make it more palatable.
That’s not an easy task.
My mind has toiled with believing the truth. I want to change it – sometimes. The truth is a painful reality we avoid for many reasons, most of which is for ourselves. Sure, the world doesn’t want to hear our stories but neither do we.
True grit stays the course.
Importantly, untangling what is false from what is factual. Our lives depend upon this. If we don’t, we are prey to all sorts of evil. We cannot distinguish light from dark without our strong stand.
2 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him . . . 3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.
. . .
7 For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way.
2 Thessalonians 2
Strong words that tell me that this is already being played out in this world and has been since Paul’s time.
Why does this matter?
One of the vilest results of sexual abuse is how it deceives and confuses those who are victims, as well as those who are perpetrators or silent witnesses. It deadens the ability to discern good from evil. It confuses the mind so that truth and error get all mixed up. The tentacles of its lies extend through-out generations.
On the threshold of hope, diane mandt langberg, ph.d., page 75
I don’t go back into my childhood as a narcissistic could – making their case. I certainly don’t go back because I pleasure in the pain. I go back for one reason alone.
To discern the difference between good and evil.
