The Monster Named "Rape" written by Shalene

Today I am grieving for my friend. I found out yesterday that she had been raped by someone she knew and trusted. It was not a date rape- they were supposed to have a strictly professional relationship. Much like a doctor- patient relationship. She called me yesterday and told me the "Reader's Digest Version" and she is still hurting very much. She is afraid to go home (he knows where she lives), she is afraid to answer her own phone (afraid he will call.) It reminds me of what pedophiles do to the children they assault. I am so saddened for her.

I have never been the victim of rape, but let's just say I have a unique understanding of something of what she is going through. I am happy to say there are a few blessings that have come from this, despite the fact that one would think none could come from it. One, she is aware that this happened to her body, not her soul, and that she can use this horrible experience as her testimony to the comforts and the glory of the Lord. Two, she is getting psychological help for a lot of other issues that have caused her pain recently. I am so thrilled that there are some blessings coming from it! I know she has a long way to go still, and the healing will take time. I only pray that I can be there for her, when she needs to weep, and when she needs to pray, or when she just needs to be held by someone that doesn't make her feel like it was somehow her fault.

Have you ever been the victim of a sexual assault? Do you feel guilty, dirty, or worthless? If you do, please feel free to contact me at info@prv31woman.org, and I would be happy to just talk, or listen or whatever. I am not a professional counselor, but I would be more than willing to be a shoulder for you. I won't try to tell you what you should do, and your information will be kept completely confidential. (I won't even share as much as I did here today.) I will share nothing, unless you want me to, and ask me to yourself.

I will be praying on this topic for the next few days, because no matter how hard I tried today, I could think of nothing else that the Lord wanted me to post. I feel led to help other women in this aspect, if you would like my help. So please, do contact me if you'd like my prayers, want someone to talk to, or just want to scream at someone about the unfairness of being a victim. I get it, I truly do. Love and peace to you all.

Lord, today I pray for my friend and all the other victims of this terrible crime. I pray for the peace and serenity that only you can give. I pray that if I can help any one of them, that if it be your will, I do. I pray these things in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.