9 years ago I slapped a man after he threw my laptop across the room. In return, he punched me and held me in a headlock on the ground.
I left.
That lasted a month. 2 years after that, that same man stood at the foot of my bed with a loaded gun (bullet in the chamber), demanding my respect.
It took me 2 months to leave after that.
That time lasted 3 months. There have been a handful of times between 7 years ago and 2 months ago that I have said I needed to or tried to leave, and each time I was convinced I needed to stay because “God hates divorce”. Even now, even with people that are well aware of the actual physical (and mental/emotional) DANGERS present if I stayed, I still feel judged for leaving and protecting my babies.
Friends, if nobody has told you yet today… There are a LOT of things that God hates, and abuse is one of those things. One of these days I will be able to speak more freely about my marriage, but in the meantime please let me be one to tell you – you are worth SO much more than rubies, and you should never have to tolerate being abused, especially in the name of your faith.
the incandescent life 