There she sits, in the corner, looking beat down and in pain. Her right arm is in a fresh looking cast. Sitting next to her is a giant of a man. He must be over 6 feet tall. He whispers into her right ear. She shrinks into herself even further.
Oh Jesus help her, I pray to myself.
I am not an observant person. I am not a ‘people watcher’. I am 6 months into doctor appointments, chemo treatments and radiation for my mom. And on this particular morning, we are in the lab, waiting our turn for bloodwork. And, as always, my nose is in a book. I am an avid reader. But this morning, my mind can’t seem to immerse itself into the story. I NEVER have that problem.
I look up and around and my eyes land on this woman. Almost instantly, I am aware of what is quietly being played out in public. My heart cries out for her and I hear Holy Spirit say “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
I try not to stare as I watch this man whispering to her. She never looks up. I can feel her spiritual pain and fear. I discern darkness in this man.
Oh Jesus, help her.
Holy Spirit: I will never leave you, nor forsake you. Go, tell her.
Me: Lord, I’m afraid
Holy Spirit: Tell her she is loved by me.
Me: I will Lord!
The man suddenly stands as if to leave. My heart races as I take in his height. Lord, he’s huge! I quiet my spirit as I prepare to rise and go to her. I quickly dig out a card from my church to invite her to church, where I know she will be loved and accepted just as she is.
My heart drops as I watch him sit back down.
Me: Lord help me! I want to be obedient but I can’t do it in front of this hulk of an angry man. Papa, make him leave!
The minutes feel like hours. I pray. He whispers into her ear. She cringes.
Finally! He stands and slowly walks out of the room. Quickly, I go to her and give her God’s message then quickly exit the room.
I wish I could have done more. I wish I could have sat with her and loved on her for a while. It’s been over 2 years, now. She crosses my mind from time to time. I still pray for her and hope she has been delivered from that situation.
I am so blessed to have married a man who has never raised his hand to me.
If you are in an abusive relationship, know that I am praying for you. I pray for your safety. I pray that the Lord will open a door of escape for you. Please know that you ARE worthy enough to be cherished and treated like the queen that you are.
Know that God will never leave you nor forsake you.
NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
https://www.thehotline.org (before you click on the link, be advised that the website cautions you to be careful to erase your browsing history, if this is a concern)
The following has been copied from the website of the National Domestic Violence Hotline:
You are not alone.
“You are never to blame for the abusive actions of others. While responsibility for ending abusive behavior is your partner’s and theirs alone, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself on your path to long-term safety.
Remember that you always have options: our advocates are available 24/7 by phone or chat to discuss your situation and help create a personalized safety plan that’s right for you.”
Call them. It’s free and it’s confidential.
You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Psalm 139:13-14 NIV
Blessings,
Seek His Goodness
