The Aftermath of Rape... What a sterile title. How can such a bland title pack such a punch to the one that writes it? This is the story of a woman that strives to walk with God. To honor Him. To make her life one of worship. A woman whose past recklessly alters her life. A woman who is overcoming - mending - healing- through the grace, mercy and help of God.

Her story, her thoughts, her feelings - her hopes, dreams, failures and successes carefully laid down for others to read. Why?

Because she has hope, not only for herself, but for others that hurt. Because so many struggle in silence and the silence itself inflicts shame and pain.

Perhaps, if she stops the silence; others will, too. Perhaps others will find a measure of freedom as they realize they aren’t alone. There are others - far too many others, that understand and are on the same journey.

Being raped plunges it’s victims on a solitary path. That’s not a special idea or something unique to survivors of sexual abuse. It’s a fact for everyone. Yet this particular crime isolates the victim like no other. It sprouts weeds of distrust, fear, anger, shame, self-loathing, self destruction. By its very nature it almost demands silence.

Quickly enough, one can sit at their kitchen table and talk about the time they were mugged, or their house was broken into or their car was stolen. No one raises an eyebrow, wondering what you could have done to prevent it, or what you might have done to bring it on yourself.

Were you dressed wrong when your car was stolen? Did you in any way encourage the mugger? Did you keep valuables in your house, knowing full well there are thieves out there?

Those questions are obviously out of place. Yet when rape happens, somehow those questions, those thoughts are common place.

Thus begins the silence.