My name is Sally. I was in the psychiatric ward because I was suicidal. With four young kids, I told myself I was suffering from postpartum depression. But while I was in the hospital, the doctors told me I was there because of my “domestic partner” and only about 5% postpartum. They obviously didn’t know what a “Christian marriage” looked like.

I was assigned to a counselor, after seeing her twice she told me I needed to go to ARMS abuse recovery program. I took the brochure and kept it.

Nine months later, my abusive husband lost his job and my life became even more of a living hell. I was NEVER allowed to be alone. I could not go grocery shopping without him and all four kids. He even followed me to the mailbox.

Sally Was Too Afraid to Leave Him

My parents took me to see an attorney, while my boss covered for me. My husband often brought all the kids to come check in on me at work. I signed the divorce papers but didn’t have the strength to file them yet. I was convinced he would try to kill me if I left.

Then I figured I would either kill myself or try to leave and he would kill me. My thought was that he wouldn’t get the kids if he killed me, they’d go to my mom. I know this sounds twisted but I was desperate.

I don’t even remember how I ended up at my first Her Journey class, but that night it was just me and the leader. When it was over I felt like I had just met an angel. She knew exactly what I was feeling and going through with my abusive husband. When I got into my car I sobbed and sobbed. God was watching over me.

Abuse Is Not Sally’s Fault

I learned so much from attending ARMS. The most important was that I was not alone, and it’s not my fault. I realized that my best would have never been enough for my abuser. He wanted me to fail and depend only on him. I learned how much God loves ME, and how precious I truly am. That the only things I could control were MY attitude and actions, not his! And that I am capable of making choices to keep myself and my four kids safe.

I attended the Her Journey program three full times before I finally filed for divorce. Unfortunately, my church didn’t understand. I lost my entire church support system. They were the only people my abuser allowed me to talk to! But I kept going to ARMS for 45 weeks. Each time I attended a group God revealed more and more to me.

His love reaches Sally

I’m now four years out of the abuse and my life is full of possibilities. My kids are thriving and happy, not just surviving. Life is not all peaches and cream but I am no longer in abuse. My life has dramatically changed. I am now a leader for the Her Journey program.

Thank you so much for supporting ARMS. I am so touched by people’s willingness to give so that women like me can find the healing and support they need. I couldn’t have afforded it on my own.