In today’s show, Gwendolyn Winklaar is joining me as she shares her journey to healing and restoration after sexual abuse.
As you can imagine, sexual abuse is a deeply traumatic experience. It can have long-lasting effects on a person’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
The aftermath of sexual abuse often leaves survivors overwhelmed and feeling hopeless and alone.
But it’s important to remember that healing and restoration after sexual abuse are possible.
And in today’s show, Gwen is sharing her journey to healing, and how you too, can find restoration.
Gwen shares how the first step towards healing and restoration after sexual abuse is acknowledging the trauma you’ve experienced.
She says that although it’ll be painful, it’s a very important step.
In this episode, Gwen gives us practical steps toward healing and restoration after sexual abuse. She also shares how, as loved ones, we can walk alongside someone going through this.
She recommends seeking professional help from a good Christian trauma counselor and how…
- beneficial they can be in helping you process your emotions.
- they will help you find ways to cope with your thoughts and feelings.
And let’s face it, when we’re dealing with trauma, it’s crucial we find the help we need!
Be sure to check out 15 Best Prayer Journals to Strengthen Your Prayer Life.
Gwen’s story of HEALING AND RESTORATION AFTER sexual abuse
As you’ll learn in today’s show, Gwen’s faith in God played a significant role in her healing.
She found that turning to God and seeking His guidance brought the peace and comfort she’d be looking for.
And when we learn how to pray and communicate with God, it can provide a safe space for us to connect with Him.
Gwen tells us how important it is to build a strong support system of close friends and family who can offer comfort, understanding, and encouragement.
I love how she shares that although her relationship with her mom wasn’t an easy one, her mom gave her the space to allow other women to come into Gwen’s life and “mother” her through it.
What a powerful example of not having to be everything to our own children!
In fact, it shows us that as difficult as it may be, we often need to step back as moms and allow God to place others in our children’s lives, so they can grow and heal.
Boy, did I need to hear that! How about you?
Grab these Free 40 Powerful Christian Affirmations to help you stand on God's truth in the hard times.
Seeking Help for Sexual Abuse
It’s important to remember that healing is a journey, and it takes time. There will be ups and downs, and there will be pain. But with each step forward, you’ll get stronger and more resilient.
The most important thing is to never give up on yourself and know that healing and restoration are possible.
Even if you don’t yet feel it!
If you’re being sexually abused, seek professional help immediately. Share it with a trusted friend, build a strong support system, and most importantly, turn to God.
He is our healer, redeemer, and restorer.
And as impossible as it seems, we serve a God who blows the roof off impossible situations every single day.
You aren’t alone, my friend.
You’re loved unconditionally. You’re worthy, and you were meant for something beautiful.
If you’re experiencing sexual abuse, please reach out to the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.
HOW TO FIND Healing and restoration after sexual abuse
The Power of Community in the Hard Times
We can more easily handle trials throughout our life when we remember God’s steadfast love for us.
And it all begins with a firm foundation in our living God.
If you’re looking for a good support system, a community that’s ready to stand with you in the hard times, without judgment, be sure to check out the Grow Your Faith Community.
In fact, you’ll find Gwen inside our incredible community, and she’d love to walk with you in your healing.
In this growing community of women, I teach you how to take scripture and apply it to your own life, so you can remain unmoving and hopeful in the face of your trials and challenges.
Plus, it’s an incredible group of women ready to…
- stand in the trials with you
- listen when you need an ear
- encourage you to remain steadfast
- help you see that you’re not alone
The Grow Your Faith Community isn’t always open, so make sure you get on the waiting list here, so you’ll know when the doors open.
Thanks for joining Gwen and I for today’s show. Before you leave, be sure to check out some of my listener favorites below.
You’re not alone, my friend, and it’s time to start believing it.
Learning how to put our complete trust in God isn’t easy. We say we trust God, but what we really mean is that we trust Him for what we want, when we want it. At Footprints of Inspiration we uncover who you are and why you were created; how to walk in healing through forgiveness; and how to go before the Lord with confidence. Through this journey, you’ll discover that it truly is possible to experience peace, even in the hardest times in your life.
Tammy Rotzoll is the founder and owner of Footprints of Inspiration and podcast host at A Faithful God Podcast (which can be found on your favorite podcast player). She lives in Virginia with her husband and together they’re learning how to navigate their fun, new adventure as empty nesters.
Join Tammy and the FOI community and discover the freedom that comes from saying, “Heck yeah, God! I’m all in!”