Finding Hope After the Fairytale Falls Apart

 “I believe God’s Word, but I just have to trust right now, that someday…. I may see the good…in what seems like a bad dream.” — Sarah (Oasis participant) 

Sometimes the man of our dreams ends up being a nightmare, even if he professes to share our faith. Most of us enter marriage with beautiful dreams – of finding love, building a life, being treasured. But sometimes, those dreams turn into something painful and confusing.

Abuse can take many subtle forms. Emotional abuse could show up as constant criticism and put downs. This can leave you feeling worthless or insecure. Financial abuse might mean your spouse won’t let you have your own bank account. Or they may discourage you from working, making you financially dependent. 

Abuse can leave you feeling confused because they often will downplay their behavior. They might say you are acting crazy or overreacting, which is also known as gaslighting. It is a tactic to change your perception of reality through denial and avoiding responsibility.

Here is the important thing—God is not a God of confusion, but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33) This experience can bring up a whirlwind of emotions – doubt, fear, maybe even anger. Those feelings are completely normal. In the midst of those emotions, here are four important facts to remember:

 Your experiences may feel overwhelming, but you are not alone on this journey! We are here to support you. We have resources designed to empower you on this path:

• Educational materials about domestic abuse, to help you understand what you're going through.
• Safety planning worksheets, to support you and prioritize your safety and well-being.
• Online Bible study groups where you can connect with others in a safe and confidential way.

You may feel lost and unsure of what the future holds, but there is strength and resilience within you. Take your time, explore your options, and know that there is help and hope available.

Interested in more? Check out our resources page here