Day 4 - Pearls Before Swine

Letters to my teenage self 

A Devotional for Trauma Survivors 

Day 4

Dear teenage self, 

You're misinterpreting scripture. I know you are stuck on the scripture from Exodus 20 that tells you to honor your father and mother. Stop. In this case, it doesn't look the way you think it should. Your parents are not going to choose healing for themselves, and instead are going to transfer blame for their pain onto you. To continue a relationship with them is to deny your mental health, sacrifice your relationship with God, and create long-term trauma for yourself beyond what you've already experienced. 

“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces."

+Matthew 7:6 (NKJV)

You don't realize this now, but in 20 years, you will break free from their clutches and start to heal. The peace you receive from severing this relationship will be like nothing you've ever known. You will be free. 

Jesus is walking with you through everything, even when you don't feel Him. Turn to Him now and trust Him with your pain and your healing.  He is capable. He is willing. He is waiting. 

You finally made it to NYC for your 41st birthday and it was everything and more you've ever dreamed of.

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 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.