I’m linking up with Chatting at the Sky and The Nester for a 31 Day series. The challenge is to write everyday in October. Last year was my first year as I wrote about 31 Days of Living with Purpose. View the series here. This year I will be writing 31 Days of Anonymity and I hope you’ll join in. The specifics about this series and how you can get involved can be found by clicking here. As we go through the series, each letter will be linked below. I hope these letters by anonymous souls will give a voice to your silent hurt.
Dear Coach,
How could you do what you did to me? You were supposed to be a safe person. I trusted you. I looked up to you. Admired you. And you used that trust to violate me sexually. Yes, I willingly participated. Yes, I enjoyed being chosen. But I was just a girl. Only 15 years old. You were married. And old enough to be my dad.
In fact, you were like a dad to me. When I think about what happened I get angry. Then I get sad. Then frustrated. Why did you do it? Are you still doing it to other girls? I worry that because I didn’t say anything you might still be doing it. How many other girls have you done this to?
As my teacher and coach, you held a position of power over me.
You were in a one-up position and I was one-down. And you abused that power. You manipulated the situation so that I would lie to my parents and spend every weekend with you and your wife. You got some sick payoff from using me sexually while your wife was in the other room. That’s sick.
Because of what you did, I confused sex with love. I’m not blaming you for my adult choices, but you do play a part. A big part. After I graduated high school and moved away, I engaged in riskier and riskier behavior. I became a stripper. Then a prostitute. Are you proud of me?
Well, despite what happened. . .
God has shown me that he’s washed me clean. No traces of your dirtiness in me. My own sin stained me so crimson but he’s washed me white as snow.
And he can do the same for you…
I don’t understand and probably never will.
I forgive you because forgiveness is a gift I give myself. But I’ll never forget.
Dear Anonymous,
I love your heart that it can forgive in this situation. Forgiveness is a journey in and of itself, especially when we are hurt by those who should know better. It hurts when others take advantage of their positions, let alone those they have authority over. I’m reminded “For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matt. 6:14) Oh how I long to be forgiven! Thanks for the reminder that I need to forgive too.
Dear Reader,
Do you struggle with forgiving those who have hurt you? Have you been hurt by someone in authority over you? PLEASE FEEL FREE TO COMMENT ANONYMOUSLY.
What a beautiful and heartfelt letter. I look forward to seeing your 31 Days.
Thanks Donna! I have been so inspired by those who wrote in letters. I’m still looking for a few more to finish out the series, if you know anyone interested in writing. Looking forward to the month together.
How difficult it would be to forgive someone in that circumstance. Bless her for having the strength to change and to forgive. So glad she was able to change her ways and find Christ.
Lisa – I know. I brings a holy anger raging within me when people in power use it to abuse others. So thankful to those who can forgive and move on becoming an incredible influence to how powerful our God is!!!
Wow, very brave to write this! Looking forward to your series, Alene!
Amy, I didn’t write this. But I agree very brave!!! This woman has such an incredible story to tell and I’m so thankful God is allowing her to do just that. May we all learn from each other. And learning about forgiving others and how important that is is crucial to all our walks. Maybe you’ll have some wisdom to share on that — oh please do!
I am very sure Proverbs talks about forgiveness and agree, it is CRUCIAL! There is a 31 Days series about forgiveness I just subscribed to! http://tsjphotography.com/blog/31-days-of-forgiveness/
Thanks for the resource, Amy! I’m already being stretch!!!
I’m being stretched too! LOL
I’m struggling to find words to respond. What a powerful letter! What a powerful series topic!
Thank you…
I agree this is such a powerful letter. The fact that she was just a teen makes me angry. I’ve had people display their power over me, but fortunate for me I was an adult. Maybe it was a little easier to see their sway then, not sure. While this makes me angry at all who abuse unsuspecting young ones, it also makes me aware of how powerful my own actions and words are. Oh that I should stop and take notice.
Dear Anonymous- thank you for sharing your story!! I know it took a lot of courage and your honesty is valued!!
I also applaud your courage to write. What power in putting it in words and even more glorious is the power of forgiveness!
Alene, what a wonderful series! I can just see these letters helping SO many. Thank you for this idea and for giving others a chance to share their stories.
It’s all about the Anonymous writer 1. being brave enough to step out and reach for Jesus 2. fighting through the process of forgiveness and 3. teaching us all while writing through the past pain of it all.
Braving these silent voices give hope to others that Jesus can rescue them too!
Courage comes when we face our greatest hurts. Dear ” Anonymous”, you have given me an example of true Christ like courage in what you shared.. You are loved, sister, and I know that He will continue to walk beside you, blessing your steps with His Love..
Oh, Alene!
Wow…so powerful! And the fact that you are giving these HARD, HARD stories a voice!
Redemptive!
Thank you, Jesus!
Dear Anonymous, I’m so sorry that this happened to you. Thanks for sharing your story – such a powerful story of forgiveness.
And Alene, what a gift you are – allowing others to share their stories here. Looking forward to rest of the series.
This is AWESOME. What a powerful, liberating way to share stories. Looking forward to reading more!
I think it’s a great idea for a series. We all have so many things on my mind, and sometimes anonymity can help us get some peace of mind.
Geeesh. Again, a topic that is not spoken, but unfortunately, many relate to.
Thank you, for sharing your story, and encouraging others on.