The Battles Within

The biggest battles a person who has suffered through abuse will ever fight are the battles that rage within. Those endless questions that plague victims of abuse can literally suck the life right out of them. What did I do to deserve this? Why did this happen to me? I'm not a bad person, am I? What if it happens again? Why couldn't I defend myself? If there is a God, why did he let this happen? This doesn't happen to normal people, does it?

We have to realize the first thing that must be rebuilt is self-esteem and we win these inner battles by realizing the abuse is over. We arm ourselves with knowledge, get the help we need without feeling ashamed of that need, and we love ourselves again. It is not required that others love and/or respect us for us to love and respect ourselves. Bad things happen to undeserving people all the time. Everything is not something we can control, but we can control how much of our life is affected by the stuff that enters it.

Be strong and know that you have the power to win any battle you face. You've survived the abuse. Now, conquer it!

Lost Someone to Violence

Last week, I met a lady from Memphis who wanted a copy of my book. She wanted help but didn't know how to ask for it or receive it. Anyway, I just got word that she's dead, accidental, but dead anyway. Her boyfriend pushed her too hard and she hit her head and died.

We cannot help her, but we can help you. PLEASE, if you're in an abusive relationship, contact someone and don't stop until you get some help. Leave, even if it means going to a shelter or back home to family. Your mate doesn't have to be trying to kill you for you to die from an attack. Remember the 800 numbers and websites. These places exist only for you. Don't become another statistic.

For immediate help, dial 911. Otherwise, please use the free services available to you.

Domestic Violence Hotline in the US: 1-800-799-7233