Do you ever wonder where Father-God is when you suffer? Or, have you asked, “If God really loves me, why didn’t he protect me from the abuse?”
Do you struggle with forgiveness: of yourself, others, and even God?
Then meet Karen Rabbitt, the author of her memoir, Trading Fathers: Forgiving Dad, Embracing God. She appeared on my BlogTalkRadio show — you may listen to the podcast.
Trading Fathers is Karen’s story of her years-long struggle stemming from sexual molestation by her dad that began at age 4. As a young adult, when Karen became a Christian, she expected immediate relief from her emotional pain.
Not to be.
Karen continued to experience shame, depression, and emotional instability. After her second emo
tional crisis in her twenties, God challenged Karen to do the seemingly impossible:
Choosing Forgiveness
If you’ve been there, you’ll identify with her denial, depression, anger, and. . .I hope. . .the moment she finally made peace with the consequences of her father’s abuse.
Karen shares a comforting word: “If you are wrestling with God about hard questions, my memoir will encourage you to keep wrestling. God is a good Papa and he wants you to know him as your Forever Father.”
Visit Karen’s website and read the first chapter of her book.
In looking for Christian women writer’s retreats and related websites, I’m pleased with both of these finds — Lucy’s “Beautiful Warriors” site/blog and Karen’s book. I look forward to reading the sample chapter b/c this topic has been on my heart and mind due to a dear friend.
Shauna,
I’m so glad you found my blog. Karen’s website is great. Go there and read the chapter and tell your friend.
May God continue to bless you mightily.
I, too, was abused sexually by my biological dad,then adopted father. However, the pain is not as it once was, and at times still question why God why?
I have been more abused with other Christians than the none christians, and still ask God why? I have a story to tell, to give hope in the midst of pain, and to learn to live victoriously and not as a victim…. I’M on my way to living life more abundantly.. praise God, the God of healing those that are brokenhearted…
I’m glad your on the path to healing yet sad you had to endured abuse at the hands of men who should have protected, not harmed.
Almost everyone I know who’s been abused asks, “Why, God?” There’s no satisfactory answer, I think. Christian platitudes sound hollow.
Remember, you were not at fault.
You do have a story to tell and your story and you presence will help many on their healing journey. God bless you.
Shauna, let me know if I can help you in any way. I hope the first chapter of Trading Fathers was helpful, too.
Deborah,
So sorry for your abuse. The why question is so hard to let go of, isn’t it? You might like to read my excerpt from Trading Fathers that I put on CBN: http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/prayerandcounseling/Rabbitt_God_Purpose_Pain.aspx
Don’t give up, there’s always more healing and hope with Jesus, and his best is yet to be.