For many years, I lived in a dark place because of the childhood trauma I experienced at such a young age. Although my innocence was stolen from me, I’ve decided to become an advocate to ensure that other children would not have to suffer like myself. Childhood sexual abuse is a taboo subject that not many people are willing to address but I refuse to be silent. I lived in silence for almost three decades but by God’s grace and mercy, I am now free. I’m no longer living in bondage.
Through my relationship with Jesus Christ, I’ve learned to forgive the three individuals who molested me, I’ve forgiven the Foster Care system for placing me into a abusive home, I’ve forgiven my parents for neglecting me and today I’m still going through my healing journey. Forgiveness has allowed me to began to heal and as I continue to move forward, I want to encourage other victims of childhood sexual trauma to do the same. It is a difficult process but it can be done, I’m a living witness. As I write this blog my heart aches for those men and women who were sexually abused as children, those that are currently living in silence. I want you to know that you are not alone, I know what it feels like to be defeated and not want to live anymore. I know the feeling of living a life of shame and feeling as if it was my fault. I want to encourage you never to give up, keep pressing on. The only reason I’m still here today is because God had a purpose for me and through all of the heartache and pain, all things work together for the good, to those that love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Although God didn’t cause those horrific incidents that occurred early on, He used those traumatic experiences to bring me closer to Him and to use me as an instrument in order for other’s to see His power!
The month of April is National Child Abuse Awareness month, please talk to your children about childhood abuse, we cannot turn a blind eye to this issue because it is happening and I will not allow people to continue to sweep it under the rug. I want to thank you for reading this blog, feel free to share we never know who it may encourage!
Marko Hamlin
Marko Hamlin 