Freedom Is Such A Beautiful Name
“Freedom!! That’s my new name!” What a joy it was to hear these words from one of the ladies in our sexual abuse recovery groups.
Part of the process in our sexual abuse recovery group is to uncover how they see themselves. It is usually in shame, disgust, dirty, unworthy, someone’s property or even sometimes something worse. Scripture tells us that ‘as a man thinks in his heart, so is he’. (Proverb 23:7)
During the 13-week recovery program, these courageous women, look back into their past and discover how they received their shameful identity. With the help of an experienced leader and the support of each other, these ladies walk through their past, learning how to forgive and how to recognize and replace unhealthy coping skills. What I think they value the most is finding out that they are not alone on this journey. They find a place where they not only have a voice but are heard. They find a sisterhood that says “me too.” Many say that it’s the first place they have felt as if they belong. A place of where they can be truly known and accepted.
As we wind down our group, the women are asked once again to look at their identity. How do they now see themselves? If they could choose a new name, what would it be? It is amazing to see the transformation taking place. The words from one client. “Freedom!! That’s my new name!” I feel so light. I feel like a little girl that now has the whole world opened up to me. Like someone has just asked me what do I want to be when I grow up. I now see the possibilities are endless.”
As a woman thinks in her heart, so is she. This is what hope looks like.
We, here at Anchor Point, have the honor and privilege of being a part of bringing hope to the hopeless. Whether it is in our sexual abuse support groups, post-abortion recovery groups, counseling sessions, in our Hope Family Center or in our school or medical clinic, hope brings freedom and freedom is beautiful. Christ came to set the captives, those without hope, free.
If you would like to be a part of setting the captives free, or maybe you need some hope yourself, you have an open invitation to Anchor Point. We are saving a front-row seat for you…… because no one is beyond hope.
Author –Cindy Voss