Replies to 'Childhood Sexual Abuse Support'

Hi! I'm sorry I seemed to disappear, I got busy and just didn't think to check the message board. I was pleased to see your response. I read your message to oreo...about your abuse. I am amazed at the similarity of your story. In my family there are six brothers and sisters...and we were all abused as children without any of the others knowing. We each thought we were suffering this alone. All of this came to the surface years ago when I started discussing my therapy sessions with my older brother. He then revealed to me that he was sexually abused. After that I started talking to my other siblings and discovered that we had all experienced the same thing. No one knew about the others. And what really saddens me is that this is the same brother who kept pushing me to make amends with my abuser. Especially when he hasn't really dealt with his own issues. He's one of those Christians that believes we should forgive everyone simply because the Bible tells us so. Now, I believe in God, in fact I am in the ministry of music, but I have enough sense to know that when God told us to forgive, he meant from the heart, not just words coming out of your mouth. Some things just take time. Each one of my siblings handles "life" in their own way: two have turned to drugs and alcohol for most of their lives; one completely distances herself from the family; one shows very little emotion...ever; the "Christian" brother has battled...still battles drugs, alcohol, and homosexuality; and me, I was very promiscuous between the ages of 17 and 21 and I overeat. I've had a weight problem all my life. No surprise there, huh.

Sometimes when I read the messages on the board, a strong sense of sadness comes over me. But I think it's in a good way. I mean, it's sad that soooo many people have been abused and some of the stories remind me of my experiences. I think that's what brings me to tears but at the same time I am amazed at what we have each survived in our lives. Unfortunately, not every victim makes it out alive or in their right mind, you know.

By the way, congrats on your weight loss. What are the major differences you feel in your body now?