#MaybeHeDoesntHitYou

I've noticed this trending hashtag, and it makes my heart glad that people are speaking out, and standing up, so here's my two pennies.

I can honestly say that I was an adult before I was aware of abuse in forms other than physical.

I read a few books in my early twenties that condoned domestic abuse, and made statements to the effect of a woman's place being to stay by her husband no matter what, pray harder, try harder, eventually your abuser will change, and if not, then you have been a servant to the Lord. I won't get into my honest opinions of that philosophy, but abuse is abuse.

Abuse comes in many forms. Abusers come in all forms, races, religions, and genders.

Maybe he doesn't/hasn't/won't ever put his hands on you, but if he belittles you, calls you names, dictates what you can or can't do, what you can wear, who you can talk to, controlling or manipulating you to the point that you are removed from all other relationships/friendships that are beyond his reach of control, then he is an abuser. (or she!)

If you are ever made to feel so unworthy of love that you are broken, it's abuse.   

If you find yourself in an abusive situation, tell someone. Reach out. Shame can be debilitating, but you are stronger, and you are worthy.

Abuse is physical.

Mental.

Emotional.

Spiritual.

You are beautiful.

You are precious.

You are strong.

You are worthy of love and affection.

You are never too much and always enough.

You are a diamond, a rose, a pearl, the most stunning of all God’s creation.

Don't ever let anyone lead you to believe any different.

I know this may not apply to you, and I pray that is the case, but I encourage you to reach out to those you love and share a similar message. You never know who might just need to hear it. 

I would rather sound like a crazy ranting lunatic, than to find out someday that you would have asked for help if someone had just said something.

If you are the victim of domestic abuse, and are looking for help you can reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.