The day after my wedding I realized I was in an abusive relationship. We argued about how much it hurt to watch him flirt with one of my bridesmaids on my wedding day. He reached over with his hand on my throat and pinned me to the wall while screaming “Shut up! Shut Up!”

Shocked, I quickly quieted down, ran into the bathroom, and cried.

What kind of man did I marry? How can he do this to me when just yesterday he professed his love in front of all of our family, friends, and God? 

Later that day, he cried. He apologized, and promised to never ever do anything like that again. But of course, he did.

As his angry outbursts continued, he accused me of being lazy if the house was not cleaned to his liking. Or if dinner was not ready when he came home. No matter what, it was always my fault.

He Told Me It Was My Fault

He claimed I was the only one who drove him to act out in anger. When enraged, he threw objects; hit the wall near me, or broke things. He took my hands and wrung them as he backed me into a corner. He shouted, “If only you’d been better, I wouldn’t have to lash out.”

This is why he was angry with me.

Scared,  I feared he would kill me. Tired of the constant fighting, I dialed the police but quickly hung up. The police came and questioned me. I denied that anything happened or that I was in danger. After calling a few more times, the police officer threatened to take my children if the calls continued.

I had to do something to save my children and protect them from my husband’s increased violent outbursts, always prevalent in our home.

Her Journey Is A Safe Place

When I first attended Her Journey, I quietly listened to the lesson. A wave of love and calmness was spoken over me. I literally felt warmth go through me. It is hard to explain what happened to me but I knew I had come to a safe place. A place where I would be loved and accepted with all my anxiety, shame, and guilt. Her Journey was the first place I felt understood. Each time I attended group, my spirit was renewed.

At the end of every class, I gave my prayer request. My group leader prayed with such power that I had goosebumps. God answered my prayers.

Because of the Her Journey program, I received the support and encouragement needed to move forward with my life. I found the strength to get a job and put myself through school. With my new courage and support, I divorced my abusive husband. Then I joined a church, made friends, and became involved in my community.

I am confident and happy. I have the support of wonderful women around me. My children aren’t anxious in our home. With a sense of contentment, I have a healthy outlook on life.

Without the ARMS Her Journey group I really do not know how I would have survived.