Why did it take me so long to tell my parents about my abuse? I knew my parents loved me. They would have protected me. I wouldn’t have suffered for nearly five years as a result.

It took me so long because I was scared. For years I was fed with a false love that lied to me. The “love” I received was far from perfect. But I didn’t know any different. 

I thought I was going to be punished for the “love” I had experienced. I lived in fear believing this. This is what shame does. It makes you feel like you are to blame. I would have been the one people were going to judge. 

Furthermore, because I did not know what real love felt like, I didn’t know how to reciprocate this love to others. The lack of perfect love in my life left me feeling insecure and worthless. 

What is perfect love?

John, in his letter to the early Christians, describes what perfect love really does: 

When we feel God’s love in our life, we have nothing to fear. As a result, we can then be confident and secure in knowing our fear of being punished is taken away. When we are secure in God’s love, we can pass this love onto others. 

When we feel God’s love in our life, we have nothing to fear. As a result, we can then be confident and secure in knowing our fear of being punished is taken away. When we are secure in God’s love, we can pass this love onto others.  Click To Tweet

Oh, how I lament over not knowing this sooner. Fear and shame would have been cast out earlier and God’s perfect love would have taken place. 

Something to think about…

When we are afraid of something, we feel insecure. Knowing God’s love can help us feel secure again. The problem sometimes though is being aware of when God is loving us (which is all the time, by the way *wink*). 

Why not keep a journal and write down all the ways you experience God’s love. It doesn’t matter how small it is – nothing is insignificant in God’s eyes. 

If a gift is given, write it down. If a prayer is answered, write it down. When a stranger gives an unexpected compliment, write it down. Whatever it is, yes you’ve guessed it…WRITE IT DOWN! 

Prayer

God, I longed to be free from fear as I was growing up. Thank you for loving us so perfectly in a way that is never too late for us to accept. Help us to embrace this love and then to release it for others to experience the same freedom from fear. Amen.