| Survivors of child abuse have a tough time on the | | | | myself whenever I would be near the abuser. When |
| issue of forgiving. Forgiveness is a process. The | | | | my abuser was on her deathbed, I was able to be |
| decisions to forgive come incrementally. I learned | | | | with her, hold her hand, and sing to comfort her. |
| how to set limits and care for myself. I came to | | | | Earlier, we had reconciled, my mother asking |
| sense God's love and comfort, and to know that I | | | | forgiveness for not wanting to be a mother or to |
| was a child of God. | | | | have me. We were able to cry together and hug. I |
| 1. Forgiveness from God is to feel loved, comforted, | | | | no longer felt fear. I was able to be my adult self. |
| and treasured by the Holy One. Gradually I was able | | | | 3. Not to forgive is to remain a victim. I felt like a |
| to accept a sense of God's love, comfort, and | | | | victim for years. I felt like I didn't have control over |
| treasuring of me, even though I felt I was a | | | | my life. I clung to childhood survival skills such as not |
| "nothing."... "Beloved Creator, gently hold me. Let me | | | | being noticeable, downplaying my abilities, and I was |
| know your love and comfort. Thank you for | | | | at risk for developing addictions.. "Divine healer, help |
| treasuring me even though I feel helpless and | | | | me to care for myself. Remove the terror I feel. |
| incapable." | | | | Guide me to live a fuller life." |
| 2. My decisions to forgive came incrementally. Not | | | | Forgiveness is a spiritual key to healing for survivors. |
| only have I prayed to be protected, but also that | | | | Do you want to learn more about beliefs on child |
| God heal the one who abused me. At some point, I | | | | abuse and forgiveness? Part 3 in the series will |
| asked to be shown how to set limits and care for | | | | continue with three additional beliefs. |