Sexual Abuse Survivor's Tattoo Brings Hope To Others

Sexual abuse is not easy to talk about, especially for those who have been through it. But there's a freedom that comes from stepping into the light. An author referred to as JA bravely shared their personal story of sexual abuse and journey towards healing. And the beautiful meaning behind this sexual abuse survivor's tattoo is an inspiration for anyone else struggling with this issue. Credit: Facebook / Love What Matters

The Struggle

The author, known only as JA, was molested in the second grade by a neighbor. Like so many, JA kept the abuse a secret. And the effects of the abuse were deep and long lasting.

"For the past 14 years, I have struggled with feeling broken, and dirty, and unworthy of love. I struggled with PTSD, often having nightmares and flashbacks. I thought that I was too broken to be fixed, too violated to be loved, and too messed up to be normal. I struggled with suicidal thoughts for 4 years," JA wrote on Facebook.

[rsnippet id="3" name="Article-Ad"] JA finally hit a turning a point at the end of high school, committing to seek true healing. The sexual abuse victim reflected back on a word of encouragement received years before at a Christian summer camp.

"I remembered from my very first summer at River Valley Ranch my most favorite counselor/wrangler, Leigh had taught us the word Tetelestai- meaning it is finished. That word stuck with me."

RELATED: How to cope with sexual abuse

The Healing

JA used that word to stay motivated, promising to turn it into a tattoo once true healing occurred. All the hard work paid off, and JA was transformed from a victim into a survivor.

"I am NOT broken, I am NOT unworthy of love, and I am a SURVIVOR. And I know now, that it was never my fault, and that despite its ups and downs, life is forever worth living. So yesterday, I sat down in the tattoo shop and forever reminded myself - it is finished."

The sexual abuse survivor's tattoo represents healing. And it is a symbol of hope for all others facing this difficult journey. Sexual abuse is heartbreakingly more common than many realize. Evil hates the light (John 3:20-21), and uses fear and shame to trap the victims in a prison of secrecy. Satan uses the shame to convince victims they are "damaged goods" -- that they are unworthy. But nothing could be further from the truth. God is always there, waiting to Heal us.  

Here are some ways to build healthy relationships after sexual abuse:

• Pursue healing
• Create a circle of inspiration around yourself
• Talk it out
• Embrace the love that Jesus offers you
• Overcome addictions
• Deal wisely with your family's response to your abuse
• Break the generational curse
• Find a mentor
• Build committed friendships
• Set boundaries when dating
• Develop a healthy sex life in marriage
• Grow closer to God
• Shine your light in the world

Get more in-depth information on these healing steps HERE.

Here are some healing verses from Scripture:

"The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly." John 10:10 "Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy." Psalms 82:3 "The Lord is the support of all who are crushed, and the lifter up of all who are bent down." Psalms 145:14 "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 "The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." Psalm 9:9 [rsnippet id="2" name="ArticleAd-300x250-3"]

A sexual abuse survivor shares the 13 powerful lessons that helped her find healing!

  Credit: Love What Matters