PEACE FOR VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE

A few guidelines to help ease the mistrust, humiliation, pain and suffering of victims from any kind of violent acts, sexual abuse, domestic violence, rape, and incest. Also guidelines for people who have suffered emotional abuse.

1. Know in your heart that we are all subject to sin, even parents, therapists, coaches, husbands, wives, priests, and respected friends. People make horrible mistakes. This is something I learned the hard way.

2. Know that forgiveness is an act of self-love. It frees us from bitterness, hatred and resentment, therefore, allowing room to heal. Forgiving the person that hurt you allows for love to enter your heart, replacing the hateful fearful feelings with loving ones, so you can start the hearling process.This does not mean you have to be a victim to the person or that you don't need to seek justice. It simply means that forgiveness will free you from the bitterness. By all means seek justice from those who harmed you and do not continue to be victimized.

3. Know that the feelings of unworthiness, despair and depression are only temporary feelings. You are loved by God and you are worthy of Gods love, support and healing. The same love that God used to create the moon, the sun, the planets and the stars is the same love God has for you. You are precious to God and He wants you to stay in His love.

4. Know that God did not betray you in any way shape or form, man did. God does not want to lose any of His sheep. God wants us all to Trust in Him, regardless of our circumstances in life. God cannot stop the bad from happening in our lives because He gives us all free-will. Some of us use this free-will to harm others. God, however, can help us heal. He can help us get out. He can help us be free. God works through other people and seeking help will give you the means to allow God to help you, because we are all children of God and those good people in the world want to help make it a better world to be in.

Psalm 56 3:4
Whenever I am afraid,I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word). In God I have put my trust, I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?

5. Know that there are support groups that can help. There are hundreds of support groups for domestic violence, clergy sexual abuse, discriminations and the list goes on and on. There are resources listed below.

6. Know that there is a hidden lesson in all the misery. Look for the good to emerge from the tragic event. Maybe you will one day help others in similar circumstances and offer them hope when you have healed. Just know that there is a reason for everything that happens in life, and turn the bad situation into a positive one, by helping others get over their own sorrow.

7. Know that love conquers all fear. Pray for God's divine love to heal and strengthen you. God's love is the most powerful weapon against evil in this world. Think loving, positive, happy thoughts. The more you think in a positive way, the more your life will move in a positive direction.
"As you think, so shall you be."

8. Know that we are all created for a purpose in life. Find your purpose for being here. Do something creative to break out of the depression. Writing, art, meditating, sculpting,singing, music, lecturing or gardening. Whatever you love doing, do it. Finding a creative outlet will help you feel better, become more positive and help you find answers to your problems. A nice creative outlet will lead you to your "purpose in life", which is much grander than being a "victim." We are all created for a reason, a purpose that will somehow serve God. Look for that purpose in your prayers and meditations. Be a survivor of dreams not a victim of circumstances.

9. And know that God wants us to pray for our enemies.
Jesus told us in Luke 6 27-28

"But I say to you who hear. Love your enemies do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you."

Mother Teresa knew Jesus intimately and she said,