Healing From A Rape

QUESTION: Healing from a rape - is it possible?

ANSWER:

With God, healing from a rape is possible. This is not just a cliché, it is the truth and I have lived it.

When I was first raped, my thoughts and emotions ran the gamut. I wanted to run and hide. Not physically run, but run from life. It’s amazing, we will run to just about anything, but we don’t run into the arms of the only One who can comfort.

I did run. I withdrew into myself. I locked out everyone and tried to protect my inner person. I imagine everyone who has been through rape will tell you the same thing. You no longer do those things that were perfectly normal to do. No more walking alone in the dark. Conversely, those things you never did before, you do now. For instance, you position yourself so you can see the door in the restaurant. You walk, looking over your shoulder, heart racing.

I did all of this and more. It wasn’t until I approached the throne of God, that He could heal me. He alone is the One who can heal. I wandered in life for years thinking I was doing better, only to find it was far from the truth. When I came to Him broken, tired, scared, and lonely; that’s when the true healing began.

Part of the healing process is to let go of it all. The shame, second-guessing the decisions you made, the anger, the fear, the self-loathing, and low self-image. Once God walks you through each of these things, then you must forgive your perpetrator. Yes, forgive. Forgiveness provides freedom. It allows your chains to fall away and true healing to begin.

If you haven’t sought professional counseling, consider it. There are many skilled Christian counselors who can help you focus on your healing. There are male and female counselors. Seek one who will provide you the most safe and comfortable environment.

Also, seek out a prayer partner. Ask that partner to hold you accountable in your healing process. Healing is not something that will magically happen overnight. The loss experienced takes time to process. You have to work through each and every one.

Should you fall back into hiding, don’t be discouraged. Healing is sometimes a “one step forward, two steps back” walk. Keep talking to trusted friends, counselors, and the Great Healer Himself.

Healing from a rape -- is it possible? Yes, with God’s help anything is possible.