Real Grace

12/01/2007 - My first blog - ever!

This is a question I have always believed the answer to be “Yes”. I believed it even when I first began facing the wounds of my abuse 3 years ago. I believed that there had to be a way to feel better emotionally; that there is a way to stop dealing with the same emotional issues. Although I have to say my issues were not as clear to me in the beginning as they are now. Since being able to identify my emotional issues: control, mistrust, low self-esteem, etc., and being able to allow Jesus to heal the wounds that caused those issues I can say with confidence this journey of healing does get better. I won’t say easier because each level of wounds is different but I am learning and understand more how to face those wounds, not to stuff them or the feelings, and allow Jesus to heal them.

I have to say the harder question for me now is, “Can you have healthy relationships with those who’ve abused you?”. My abusers were my parents. I am finding it very difficult to be in relationship with them. My experience has been that they have so many issues themselves that constantly get in the way of us having a healthy relationship. I’m trying to change the way I relate and respond to people but, unfortunately, my parents are not. I want to be known as a very forgiving and “grace-giving” person even to those who’ve abused me. I believe the key is in healthy boundaries. This is an area I’m still working on and pondering.