To Fellow Survivors

To my fellow survivors and those spiritually awakened or working through its beginning stages. Don’t lose hope. You are not alone. You are not going crazy, as some within your circle might whisper. You see, we understand that not all relationships look the same. We understand that our eternal life doesn’t have anything to do with man and everything to do with our connection with our Common Creator. We were given a special purpose and calling. We were tested under extraordinary pressure and temperatures for a reason. 

For each time in your childhood you tiptoed around the moods of people who should have protected you. For all the times, silence or deception was safer, not easier — safer, than asking for what you needed. For all the times you swallowed your words so they would not explode into theirs. To those who close themself off, because you had to learn how to read a room before you knew how to read books… Now is not the time to fall silent within our family units. Now is not the time to be afraid of the elephant in the room. We now understand their tactic was to dodge accountability, to destroy any trust in and for you, to isolate you, and to manipulate within the darkness, while proclaiming the light, while turning families and people into weapons. You understand now that darkness feeds off fear. It is time for some hard conversations. It is time for listening and understanding. Now’s the time for accountability and forgiveness on all fronts… ours and theirs, because when we realize just how all deceived we’ve been, it makes forgiveness that much easier to give. It is time to show your family and friends the Truth. Our family and friends need our strength more than they know. It’s time to let our light shine within our clicks, work lives, and communities that are growing so dark. Who all share one thing in common - we’ve all been deceived, but we still have a clear path back to wholeness. Stand firm in the Light and be not afraid of any darkness that tries to dim it - for it is that persistence and unconditional love and fulfilment of forgiveness that creates an environment the darkness can no longer be part of. It isn’t easy… It’s not a popular position… It may not be perfect… but in the end, there will be complete healing for those who choose to walk that path. 

To think things will get easier on the other side of healing should be a fleeting thought. We will have peace and joy though… a priceless part of life we just first get to experience outside of trauma and survival mode. But now we have the tools and experience. Now we have the upper hand, due to the connection with the one who saved us, when no one else would or could. We weren’t given these tools to not use them. But that is why we are still here. That’s why we are aware. That is our purpose. 

Survivors. In healing, we gain discernment, and in each situation and individual life, these relationships have to be carefully weighed. Not all families, spouses, and social circles will accept your desire to heal. Lead by example. Actions speak louder than words. Gently, patiently, with forgiveness and understanding instead of the anger towards and fear of betrayal we feared. It doesn’t mean we won’t feel angry or betrayed in their responses. It doesn’t mean we don’t set boundaries or have to sever ties, but we have the tools and understanding to now work through each relationship with our Common Creator. Always, ALWAYS seek His direction first. Ask for a fresh set of eyes and ears. Ask for a renewed Spirit. No church building needed. Listen… pay attention.