Another Story of Jesus Healing a Wounded Heart – Mary’s Inspirational Testimony of Trauma Healing

My friend, Pat, told me that she was going to co-facilitate a group at my church through Heart for Women Group. When I was a little girl about 10 years old, I was a victim of sexual abuse. It has a tremendous effect on my life. For years I did not really trust people. It affected my ability to get close to people. I grew up in a rural area. I didn’t think I would be believed so I didn’t say anything. The perpetrator also had told me to keep my mouth shut, so I did. I felt hopeless and isolated. When my sister told my parents that the same thing had happened to her, my Mom did not believe her. So, I knew Mom would not believe me. Having to keep that secret was awful. I didn’t have that many boyfriends in High School or College. I never even got close to being engaged. I felt like a failure. But looking back, I can see how I sabotaged relationships unknowingly. I think deep down I was afraid to get married. I never married. I struggled with contentment for years, but now I can honestly say I am content with being single.

I went through the Healing Group in Fall 2021. I was invited to the Healing Group by the Director of Trauma Healing in Kansas City. I felt hope because I believe that the Bible is God’s Word. I had already been to a counselor and done some processing, but this Healing Group and God’s Word helped me go down to a deeper level. This group gave me a sense of peace. It was painful, but good. The most significant aspect of the Healing Group was how the group got to a deep level quickly. This encouraged me to share my story. I especially like the breakout sessions with one or two other people. I felt accepted. No one judged me. They believed me. Listening to other peoples’ stories helped because I knew I was not alone.

I think being open and honest with people has helped me to be open and honest with God. I have found that He really does love me. After participating I have more hope, a sense of purpose, I pray for the perpetrator’s salvation, and I have forgiven him. When I did that, I felt a great weight had been lifted off my heart. After participating in the Healing Group, I am getting closer to women in my church. I find that I listen to their stories, I really empathize, and they listen to me. If I had not gone through the Healing Group I would not be as close to God and I would be very self-focused and isolated. I would like to tell someone who is considering being in a Healing Group how it helped me so much and it offers real hope for healing!