Day 3 - Sometimes All You Want to Do Is Sleep

Letters to my teenage self 

A Devotional for Trauma Survivors 

Day 3

Dear teenage self, 

Sometimes all you want to do is sleep. I get it. You're exhausted, and facing one more day is just too overwhelming. Your entire body just wants to shut down and sleep the day away. Every decision you try to make seems like too much. You literally "can't even" today.

Let me offer you a different perspective. You're exhausted because you've been in survival mode for so long that you've forgotten you are not alone. The outcome of today does not rely upon you to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Jesus is right there with you, ready to carry the burden. Will you set it down and turn to Him today?

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

+Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

There is no one who understands you more than Jesus, and there is no one more capable of helping you, healing you, and guiding you than Jesus. Will you pray with me?

Heavenly Father, I am so tired and overwhelmed today. It would be so easy for me to remain in bed and shut the world out. I'm exhausted physically, mentally, and spiritually. I don't feel like I have what it takes to go on. I need You, Jesus. I hand over the reins of my life to You. You are my God. You are on the throne. Lead the way, Jesus, as I step out in faith. Thank You for being a safe place for me to rest, and for being the motivation to keep going even when I think I cannot. It's in Your Holy name, Jesus, that I pray. Amen.

Sleepy Fred

Stay tuned for another episode. See you next time! And remember, if you or a loved one is in danger, get help immediately, and don't stop talking until someone acts on your words.

National Domestic Abuse Hotline: 800-799-7233 Hours: 24/7. Languages: English, Spanish, and 200+ through interpretation service. SMS: Text START to 88788

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 Hours: Available 24 hours. https://www.rainn.org/

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. https://988lifeline.org/

In Christ alone our hope is found

Run, don't walk for help! You're worth it.

 

 

 

Day 2 - You Think You Are Unworthy of Love

Letters to my teenage self 

A Devotional for Trauma Survivors 

Day 2

Dear teenage self, 

You think you are unworthy of love. You look in the mirror and loathe everything you see.  You're picking yourself completely apart and missing the point entirely. You are beautiful just the way God made you. He didn't make a mistake. 

You feel uncomfortable in your body because someone abused you. Someone else took advantage of your youth, vulnerability, and naivete. The shame does not belong to you. It never did. Put it down and do not pick it back up again. You are worthy of love. You are loved by the perfect God who created you, knit you together in your mother's womb, and cares for you each day of your life.  

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."

+Matthew 18:6 (NIV)

Pray with me. 

Dear Jesus, It's hard for me to see myself as You do. It's easier for me to open a magazine, turn on the television, or look at models online and compare myself to them. I often feel discouraged because I find so many flaws within myself. On top of all that, I feel uncomfortable in this body that someone else abused. Sometimes I feel ashamed and want to run away, but I can never get away from myself. Wherever I go, there I am. I thank You, Jesus, that You are always where I am. You give me comfort and You heal me in unexpected ways. Today I ask You to show Your unending love for me and help me to see myself as You see me. I'm scared to take this leap, but I know You are with me, giving me the necessary things to succeed. It's in Your Holy name I pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Author, Mandy, age 40. 

Stay tuned for another episode. See you next time! And remember, if you or a loved one is in danger, get help immediately, and don't stop talking until someone acts on your words.

National Domestic Abuse Hotline: 800-799-7233 Hours: 24/7. Languages: English, Spanish, and 200+ through interpretation service. SMS: Text START to 88788

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 Hours: Available 24 hours. https://www.rainn.org/

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. https://988lifeline.org/

In Christ alone our hope is found

Run, don't walk for help! You're worth it.