Hey dear friend, As I sit down to write this blog post, my conversation with Teresa Whiting is still fresh in my mind. It wasn't just a conversation; it was an experience; we took a deep dive into the reality that so many face yet often remain silent about—sexual brokenness. It’s a topic that's been swept under the rug for far too long, especially within faith communities. Yet, Teresa, an author and a beacon of hope, joined me to unveil the grace that lies within this difficult journey.
Now, before we dive in, let's take a moment to unpack what sexual brokenness is. As Teresa beautifully put it during our chat, "It's either the things that have happened to you or even the choices that you've made that have serious consequences...so many of us can relate to." That's the truth, isn't it? It's a widespread issue that, for too long, we've struggled to talk about openly.
In our culture today, where sexualized images and narratives are prevalent, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of sexual brokenness. Yet, amid this, there's a call to embrace love and redemption. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." This verse offers comfort and promises that, even in brokenness, there is a divine plan for wholeness and healing.
What is the church's evolving stance on discussing sexual brokenness? The conversations are changing, and as they do, they promote healing and forgiveness. As the body of Christ, the church is learning to provide the space and language needed to process these experiences, moving away from silence and shame towards openness and healing.
Teresa's healing journey is a powerful testimony to the Holy Spirit's role in our lives. But it's not just individual stories that can inspire us. Our faith provides us with the comfort and guidance we need, particularly when we turn to the women in the Bible. From the woman caught in adultery to Tamar and Bathsheba, we find God's steadfast compassion on full display. It's in John 8:7 where Jesus famously said, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her." Talk about a wake-up call to challenge the stigma attached to sexual wounds.
Teresa shared an insight about King David. She said, "You do realize that he actually raped a woman, killed a man for sexual pleasure." Yikes! It's a tough pill to swallow, but it pushes us to grapple with the societal context of these biblical figures.
Now, here's a sobering stat - one in three women worldwide experiences sexual or physical violence, predominantly by an intimate partner (World Health Organization). These aren't just numbers, folks. These are real-life stories calling for the empathy and compassion that Jesus himself modeled.
As Teresa perfectly put it, "There is always someone that can identify and learn something from your story." Sharing our testimonies is not about glorifying past mistakes; it's about showcasing the grace and mercy of God that have led us to a place of healing. It's about saying, "Look at what the Lord has done."
To those reading this and feeling the weight of your own brokenness, know that you are not alone. The path to wholeness is a journey, one that may require therapy, supportive relationships, and resources like podcasts that speak life into your situation. Take heart in knowing that "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18).
I encourage you to listen to the full podcast episode with Teresa Whiting. Let her words and the stories shared be a beacon of hope for you or someone you love. Together, let's continue to weave a tapestry of redemption and restoration, sharing the love of Jesus with all who walk this path.
Remember, your story matters. Your healing is possible. And through faith, a new chapter of wholeness awaits.
With love and blessings,
Visit www.ruthhovsepian.com for more resources on spiritual growth and deepening your relationship with God.