Image Credit: pinterest.com
Today, this blog post is a HUGE step for me.
For the first time, ever, I’m sharing my entire story — My entire experience from 2006 through 2010. Until now, I’ve mentioned pieces of it, here and there, on this blog. This took a lot of courage. It took me multiple drafts of an email, several days of reviewing and re-reading, feeling knots in my stomach and tears in my eyes.
I’ve wanted to do this for almost six years now, but something kept telling me to wait, to be patient, that the right venue or opportunity would come along.
Thanks to Carla and her amazing blog, she’s made it her mission to share those stories that need to be read / heard. Please check out her blog – The Melodramatic Confessions of Carla Louise. She balances tough, scorching topics – Feminism, rape culture, domestic violence, abuse, capital punishment – with awesome challenges about TV shows and music.
Carla has a disclaimer at the beginning of her post, but I’ll share a version of my own:
Disclaimer: This post contains graphic depictions of abuse, violence, sex, alcohol, and a few other difficult topics.
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With that said, I welcome comments or questions. Please feel free to reach out to me, via commenting here, or by the information on my “Contact” page.
Thank you.
Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂
Hot Shot Headlines 
Laura Beth,
You and I are similar in so many ways, it’s almost scary! I think God intended for us to find each other! My story is similar to yours, only fortunately for me, mine was only about a year and a half instead of 4 long ones! I am so sorry that you had to go through that!! I admire your courage and bravery! I have only just recently started to share my story with others, and I’m afraid to write about it, because I don’t want my brother and dad to read it, as I’m afraid they’ll end up in jail for murder (This isn’t a joke, it’s a genuine concern). It’s something I need to pray about. I am a huge advocate for #AlwaysKeepFighting, and like you, maybe by sharing my story it will help someone else speak up against domestic violence! I’m so unbelievably proud of you for sharing your story with the world, for realizing your values,and for standing up to John!! I am so happy that you now have a wonderful and supporting husband!! I’m always here if you ever want or need someone to talk to! I admire your bravery!
Kristian,
Thank you, so much, for your kind words and support. I agree – God has a plan for all of us! It’s scary sometimes!
I understand how you feel – I’ve waited so long for similar reasons. My parents have not known the whole story, the whole ordeal. My mom was initially under the impression that I never had sex with John – She told me, the day I broke up with him: “Boy, aren’t you glad you didn’t have sex with him?” I just smiled and nodded.
Prayer is incredibly powerful. I have prayed constantly for the last six years – It’s hard to believe it’s been that long, too – for a way to tell my story.
I’m proud of myself, too. I’ve become more proud over the years. I’ve become more confident with my voice, my writing, and sharing this story. I’m happy that I took this step forward and “put it out on front street,” as my manager likes to say.
Thank you so much. I may send you an email later today, to decompress. You’re wonderful. Thank you for your kind words, support, and encouragement. It means the world to me.
I’m just even more excited that our paths have crossed! Feel free to email me anytime, and just know that I’m always here! 🙂
Me, too. You rock! Thanks so much!
Laura Beth,
I am in tears reading this…. You are so brave and courageous. Not only to survive that but to share you’re story is amazing. I had no idea so much had happened. I prayed for you so much and I am so happy that you have found true happiness in life. You were my first Longwood friend and we had tons of amazing memories from school. I wished you the best then and I still do ❤
Courtney,
Thank you so much. You’re one of several people who have reached out to me today expressing the same feelings.
A lot of people had no idea what was truly going on because I internalized everything. I thought I could handle it myself. Growing up, I never liked asking for help – But now I know how valuable it is.
Thank you so much for your prayers and your kind words. I am truly happy with Al, and I’m convinced that everything happens for a reason. Yes, I went through hell and back to get there, but the journey has been worth it.
I have amazing memories from Longwood and your friendship, in spite of everything that happened. You’re awesome. Thank you so much for reaching out – Your comments here have made today so much better! ❤
I said something like this on Carla’s page, before I saw that you had reblogged it here: Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I’m sure that it will bring so much to a lot of people.
You’re so strong for having shared your story, just as you’re strong for having survived such an ordeal. In short, you rock! \m/\m/
You’re so welcome. Thank you so much for your kind words and your support! I really appreciate it!
You are most welcome! I understand that writing & sharing this w/the world (or, at least, the blog-o-sphere) was rough, but I hope that it proves to be cathartic to you, allowing you to let go of some of the negative emotions/thoughts that may still affect you.
I know, from personal experience as well as reading about it, that all forms of abuse involve isolating the victim, &, even after the abuse ends, victims still feel alone. By sharing your deeply personal experience, you could be reaching someone who feels like he/she’s alone. That’s worthy of all the gratitude I can possibly express. ❤
It was cathartic and therapeutic. I’ve been wanting to do something like this for six years. I feel like a huge weight has vanished.
I never thought about the feeling alone aspect, but it makes sense. If sharing my story helps out just one person, then it’s completely worth it.
Well, it sounds like writing & sharing your story has already helped one person: you! 🙂
Exactly!