Dear sisters of Still The Momma, today, let’s confront a challenging yet vital topic: the spiritual abuse many of us endured at the hands of our ex-husbands. It’s a painful journey many of us have walked, our faith shaken by manipulation and deceit. But fear not, dear sisters, for in our collective strength and resilience, we find hope and healing. Together, let’s untie the knots of trauma, reclaiming our faith and forging a path to restoration and renewal.
Understanding Spiritual Abuse:
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In our marriages, our exes used religion as a tool for control, distorting God’s teachings to justify their actions and manipulate us. They preyed on our trust and vulnerability, leaving us feeling confused, and spiritually wounded. We often found ourselves questioning our worthiness, our faith, and even God’s love for us at times. Their manipulation ran so deep that we began to doubt the very voice of God in our hearts, second-guessing His guidance and questioning whether we were truly hearing Him. This inner turmoil made it difficult to discern God’s voice amidst the cacophony of our exes’ lies, leading us to unwittingly prioritize their manipulative whispers over the gentle nudges of the Holy Spirit. As a result, we found ourselves following our exes’ dictates instead of God’s prompting, further entrenching us in cycles of spiritual abuse.
The Devastating Impact:
“The effects of spiritual abuse reached every part of our lives, leaving us feeling lost, disconnected, and powerless. It was like our very souls had been stripped bare, leaving us vulnerable and exposed. We began to see ourselves through broken lenses that skewed our view of who God made us to be, leading to a crisis of faith and leaving us feeling alone and adrift. Our sense of identity as cherished daughters of God was clouded by the lies and manipulation of our exes, making it difficult to see God’s unfailing love and truth. Instead of embracing the truth of who He made us to be, we were trapped in a cycle of doubt and confusion, unable to fully trust in His promises and provision.
Navigating the Journey of Faith:
Reclaiming our faith after such trauma isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely possible. It starts with acknowledging the pain and brokenness we’ve experienced and recognizing that what happened to us was not God’s way. We’re learning to sift through the lies and distortions our exes fed us, seeking out the truth of God’s Word for ourselves. It’s a journey of rediscovery, as we uncover the beauty of a God whose love knows no bounds and whose grace is more than sufficient for our every need. Step by step, we’re reclaiming our spiritual autonomy, refusing to let our exes’ manipulation dictate our relationship with God any longer.
Finding Healing and Redemption:
And sister, be released….
At times, we may have found ourselves wrestling with feelings of self-blame, wondering if we somehow played a role in the abuse we endured, because we let it happen and didn’t call it out for what it was. This self-doubt can stem from the manipulative tactics used by our abusers, who may have falsely convinced us that we were to blame for their actions. That is a lie from the pits of hell. It’s crucial to recognize that the abuser will be the one held accountable for the deceit they used against us. Despite the lies we were fed, it is time we release any self-blame and embrace the truth of our inherent worth and value in the eyes of God.
Embracing Freedom and Empowerment:
As we continue on this journey of healing, we’re stepping into a newfound sense of freedom and empowerment. We’re no longer defined by the lies our exes told us or the roles they tried to force us into. Instead, we’re embracing the truth of who we are in Christ—cherished, valued, and deeply loved. We’re setting healthy boundaries, reclaiming our voices, and refusing to be silenced any longer. With God’s strength and guidance, we’re breaking free from the chains of spiritual bondage and stepping into the abundant life He has promised us.
Closing Words of Encouragement:
My dear sisters, as you walk this path of healing and restoration, know that you are not alone. God is with you every step of the way, holding you close in His loving embrace. May you find comfort in His presence, strength in His promises, and hope in His unfailing love. Together, we’ll continue to journey toward wholeness, reclaiming our faith and embracing the abundant life God has in store for us.
With love and solidarity,
Gemma