Courage, Dear Heart

You are not hidden, There’s never been a moment you were forgotten You are not hopeless, But you have been broken, your innocence stolen To say this semester has been tough is a huge understatement. I’m not sure I have ever been so overwhelmed; with two jobs on top of 18 credit hours, I have been exhausted and completely drained. As my pain and insomnia worsens, everything takes so much more effort. My last few weeks in particular have been insane. I could count on one hand how many hours I’ve slept in the last 15 or so days. I have been under intense spiritual attack, but I have refused to relent in my pursuit of ministry. I can feel Satan ensuing a battle over me, and my body is so worn from it. Then a couple of days ago, as I renewed my strength again and stood strong in the Lord, I learned that a prior abuser lives in my town. This was the abuser who caused me to drop out of my old college. I decided to transfer because of him – because the restraining order was never

Who the Son sets free Oh is free indeed I’m a child of God, yes I am Today (October 1st) marks the anniversary of the day I got out of my final abusive relationship. I know people often say this at anniversaries, but I truly never thought I would get here. If you told me a year ago I would be in this place – safe, happy, and healing – I wouldn’t have believed you. A year ago, I was a scared girl with a wilted spirit. I was broken, felt utterly forsaken, and didn’t see any redemption in my future. Now, I’m strong. I’m a warrior. I have amazing friends who love me. I have roommates who cherish me and whom I cherish. I have brothers-in-Christ who care about me and protect me at every turn. I’m in a beautiful home, in my senior year of college about to finish my ministry degree, and I’m in a type of therapy that’s truly helping me heal. I’ll finish my degree with honors and a purpose to change the sex industry in the world. ~ I’m a child of God, yes I am. ~ A year ago, I was te