Photo by Ben White
Jesus Christ eases the burdens and pains of abuse. You can find hope and healing as you recover.
My journey to recovery after suffering abuse in my early twenties has been one of the most difficult experiences of my life. Even when I removed myself from the abusive situation, I still carried the burden of feelings of worthlessness, sadness, and despair. For victims of abuse, the suffering doesn’t end when the abuse does; in many cases, victims bear the effects of the abuse for their entire lives.
Psychotherapist Sarah E. Miller explains in her Ensign article, “Hope and Healing in Recovering from Abuse,” that members of the Church may question how a loving Heavenly Father could have let the abuse occur in the first place—a question I’ve asked myself many times. However, I believe that the Savior Jesus Christ was speaking to me when he said, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Recovery from abuse is a difficult process, but victims can receive peace through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Miller asserts that “the effects of abuse may persist for a while, but the power of the Atonement can ultimately relieve such burdens and facilitate healing.”
Miller further addresses four questions that members of the Church who have experienced abuse often ask questions such as the following:
- “Why Did He Let This Happen?”
- “Why Am I Unable to Feel His Love?”
- “How Can I Forgive?”
- “How Can My Wounds Heal?”
Miller counsels members to not only take advantage of professional help, but to seek spiritual guidance as well.
Healing from the effects of abuse is not easy. However, by strengthening my faith in my Savior’s love for me, I have felt my burdens become lighter and have developed a greater hope for my future.
Read Sarah E. Miller’s article “Hope and Healing in Recovering from Abuse.”
Source: Ensign
—Amy Conway, Mormon Insights
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Find more insights
Read Lisa A. Johnson’s Liahona article “Hidden Agony” to understand more about the effects of abuse.
Watch the highlights of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s general conference talk “Like a Broken Vessel” to learn how God’s love for you can help you overcome depression and other negative emotions.
I’m so grateful that Amy was brave enough to write this article. Admitting to being a victim of abuse can be scary and some might find it a bit taboo. If we don’t speak up about these hard trials, how can we help one other overcome them? Thanks Amy!