I was living and ministering in the inner city when a stranger broke into my home and attacked me at knife point, threatening the lives of my two children—who were asleep in the next room—to keep me silent.
Rape is as awful as it sounds, and not a story anyone should tell.
I did tell—the moment I broke free from my bonds, in fact—calling my husband out of a meeting at church. “Come home,” I said, crying and shaking. “I’ve been raped.” He lovingly cared for me, and then together we turned to our family and church for support. They rallied around us, and our slow healing process began.
The time came, though, when I began to wonder if people thought of me only as “the girl who was raped,” and the shame of it was almost as unbearable as the rape itself. I wished I hadn’t told anyone. I wanted to go back.
That was sixteen years ago, and thank goodness God has brought me forward.
Back then I wouldn’t have believed I would one day speak internationally about my journey from rape to restoration and write a book on the subject that would be translated into many languages—and that I would be thrilled to do it!
My story, as it turns out, is not ugly at all. God makes all things beautiful! I became pregnant as a result of the rape, and my husband and I chose to welcome little Rachael into our family. I can see now that God gave me this beautiful girl as is a constant reminder of his faithfulness. I have gained so much more than I have lost.
I’m not just the girl who was raped; there is so much more to me than that. But I’m no longer ashamed to admit it is a part of my life. And if my restoration will give hope to even one other person, I’ll tell it one more time.
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Thank you for sharing God’s hand in turning evil around for good. All life is given by the Father. You are a vessel being used to bring healing to many hurting women. Thank you, Thank you!
What a powerful testimony of faith. Such a good reminder that God can take ANYTHING in our life and turn it beautiful. Like you, I used to wonder if other people saw me as “just the girl that struggled with an eating disorder,” and thus shame followed me around for a while. I now see the power in God’s plan and I believe if He can use my story to help just one person then that is good enough for me. Thank you for sharing your story.
It amazed me how many of us feel like “the girl that….” Praise the Lord for removing those labels and replacing it with “child of God.” Thanks for sharing!
What a powerful testimony of God’s goodness and power to heal in our lives. You have a wonderful husband too. I pray that God continues to bless you immensely. Thank you for sharing your story.
God is so good, isn’t he? Thank you for your encouragement. I also want to affirm your statement that my husband was wonderful. He was a huge support to me during this situation. Sadly, our marriage ended six or seven years later. He and I still have a good relationship, but we have both remarried. (Here’s an old blog post about it. http://www.heathergemmen.com/2009/08/year-from-today.html .)
A great argument for life, too. Sounds like a great read and testimony.
Powerful testimony!! Thanks for sharing something so deep!
God has provided, although through tragedy, a great testimony & witness for you!
God bless you!
Wow, Heather. Thank you for sharing. What an extraordinary story.
What a beautiful story of restoration and hope! Thank you so much for sharing today. I pray that the Lord will use you in great ways to further His kingdom.
Wow…Heather. Thank you. Just thank you.
What a powerful story. Thank you for sharing Heather!
Hallelujah- He gives us beauty for ashes! Thanks!
Thanks for your kind words, ladies. But honestly, I know you all have your own stories, too. Praise God for his wonderful transforming love!
A powerful witness…I can’t wait to read the book. I just ordered it. May God continue to bless you and your healing journey!
Oh, so, so beautiful! I absolutely love it!
Thank you for sharing your story, Heather. You write and speak with tender vulnerability and honesty, allowing others to respond in kind, letting go of shame and opening their own festering wounds to God’s healing light.
Love you and your startling beauty.
xo
Heather please continue to tell your story for the telling of it drives darkness away from those listening or reading who have their own battles to fight. Your book is the next one to buy on my list, one for me and one for a dear friend who has a similar story. Thank you posting of how our Lord can bring beauty from such a terrible thing.
Thanks for your kind words, Betty. So glad to have regular contact with you on this blog. You certainly have the gift of (in)couragement. 🙂
Heather Im speechless. Thank you for sharing !
This is A-MAZING!!! How He truly does make beauty out of the ashes of our pain!!! All. Is. For. Purpose.
ALL!!!!
I absolutely adore you for being able to be so strong and share your story. I’m only 18 years old and I’ve been through a miscarriage and went through rape and sexually abuse for many years. I felt a great pull to read your book in which I full Heartedly feel god had everything to do with. Reading your book has helped me a find a new found hope to keep moving forward with my life and not let my past tear me down. Your an amazing strong women. I look up to you greatly !