“Is it me?”
“I always feel like it’s my fault!”
“I feel so bad about myself.”
“I am worthless; I am not good enough.”
“I feel like I am invisible. Why say anything? It doesn’t make any difference.”
“I find myself so anxious all the time, like I’m walking on egg shells.”
“I’m so confused and feel like I’m going crazy!”
These are the common comments I hear from many people suffering under the hands of an abuser or oppressor. What is abuse? How do I see it clearly? What do I do? How do I heal? How do I move forward? What Does God say about those who abuse others?
He has much to say.
Psalm 11: 5
The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love
violence.
(Violence can be in the form of coercive control, words, deceit, blame-shifting, manipulation, isolation, anger, and many other tactics, as well as physical violence.)
Psalm 9: 9-10
The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble and those who know your name trust in you; for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.
Luke 4: 18-19
Jesus says in the beginning of his ministry: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives….. to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Psalm 34: 17-18
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
How can Dale help you?
Dale will help you understand what domestic abuse or any other form of abuse is. She will help you identify the patterns of abuse that have impacted you and brought suffering to you.
Dale will also help you grieve the pain you have experienced and see it for what it is. There are ways to grieve that are not so daunting, and Dale will guide you with steps and ways to grieve. Grieving pain and loss are important steps to take in order to move forward in your life in a healthy way.
It is important to see the abuse is not your fault. Dale will help you gain clarity of what truly is going on and relieve you of the guilt you feel. Dale will also help you see the love God has for you, which is so important, because people often see God in the same way they view their oppressors.
Helping you think through your options and choices is something Dale will provide for you as well. She will never pressure you to take a road you do not feel comfortable with. Dale will work with you to empower you. Your safety is a priority for Dale. She also has resources to provide you with help, such as online and in person support groups, as well as resources in Roanoke and Christiansburg that are available to you. She will help you find what you need, no matter where you live.
If you think you have been, or currently are in an abusive relationship and want to be free to move to a healthier state of being and find a path forward, please reach out to schedule your appointment with Dale.
