“Though the title reads Silent Tears, this is a story about triumph and grace; the triumph of Dorothy, her sons, Tre’ and King, and ultimately that of Nate Newton as well. Both the good and the bad that we read in this story occur beneath the covering of God’s grace, which is the bedrock of Dorothy’s strength. In fact, this book is more than a story; it is a witness and full evidence of human capability. Every man should read this biography.”
—Monte & Ingrid Ford
Former Senior Vice President for American Airlines, and Owner, Peace of Life Massage
I AM BEING ABUSED,
WHAT SHOULD I DO?
victims of abuse, friends
of abuse victims, and abusers -
Free Download - Finding HelpReach Out
First, know that you are not alone. You have someone who can and will help you—a friend, a family member, or a church, or if not, an abuse victim advocate. Being abused is not your fault. You are the victim. One out of every four of your women friends has also experienced some type of domestic violence.
Don’t isolate yourself by shutting people out. Isolation is dangerous. You need to reach out to someone and let them know you need help.
If you are uncomfortable speaking with a friend or family member, PLEASE call The National Domestic Violence Hotline. The number is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). You can even call them anonymously. There are people available at any time day or night to answer questions, direct you to local assistance or just to talk. Their website address is www.thehotline.org. This can provide you with insight in protecting yourself. If and when you decide to leave, they can help you create a plan to break free.
Reach Up
Calling on the Lord is not a platitude or a last ditch effort. He does protect and defend, comfort, deliver and heal. Spending time seeking His face, meditating on His Word, and worshipping Him can bring hope and great inner strength. Giving way to bitterness hurts only you, not your abuser. Believing the lies you hear and all the negative things you have been told during a shouting match serves only to lower your self-esteem and give your abuser power over you. Shouting back is a natural response, but it only serves to escalate incidents and further lower your esteem.
Instead, learn what God says about you. See yourself through His eyes. Dare to believe His promises and that you have a destiny on your life that no one should ever be given the power to deny. You are beautiful. You are unique and special and one of a kind. You are precious in God’s sight. He esteems you highly and has numbered the very hairs on your head. He is grieved when you suffer and he captures your tears in remembrance. Reach up to Him. Call on Him. He is always there.
Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the LORD,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
—Isaiah 40:28-31 NKJV