Recognizing Abuse
For women asking, "Is this abuse?"
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I Recognized Her Story Because I Almost Didn’t Make It Out of Mine
What Death of a Pastor’s Wife brought back to me about coercive control, financial abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse, spiritual abuse, survival—and the God who never stopped having a plan for my life. A note before reading: This post discusses sexual assault, coercive control, psychological and spiritual abuse, and fear for personal safety. Please take care of yourself while reading. I wasn’t prepared for what happened to me when I watched Death of a Pastor’s Wife. I knew it would be difficult to watch. What I didn’t expect was to recognize so much of it. Not because Mica’s story and mine are the same. They aren’t. I would never pretend…
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Elizabeth Smart Documentary on Netflix
I’ve been watching the Elizabeth Smart documentary on Netflix, and while her story is extraordinary and horrific in ways I will never claim to understand, it stirred something in me that I couldn’t ignore. Not because our situations are the same — they are not. Not even close.But because watching how long it took for the justice system to respond to abuse at all reminded me of something painfully familiar. The waiting. The delays.The way harm can be acknowledged and still not acted on with any real urgency. That’s the part that hits close to home. I’ve been in court for years now dealing with my ex after everything he…
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She Was Slowly Erased
I look at old photos—and I don’t see what I used to see. I don’t pick apart my weight or my smile or my hair.I don’t zoom in and cringe at my hips or the way my clothes fit.Instead, I feel this ache deep in my chest for the girl in them. Because I know what’s coming. She doesn’t. She’s just standing there, hopeful. Loving hard. Wanting to be chosen, kept, enough. But soon she’ll be convinced that she’s not. Before she got engaged, she wore a ball chain necklace every day. She’d had it for years. It wasn’t fancy. Just simple. It had a Celtic cross on it, and…
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Backhanded Gifts and Silent Insults: When “Kindness” Comes With a Knife
It never ends quietly. Not when you’re dealing with someone who craves control more than connection. Today, my kids got packages from their father — gifts delivered straight from Amazon, carefully chosen with just enough sweetness to pass as thoughtful… but soaked in judgment and surveillance. One got a phone holder to help record guitar videos. That’s nice, right? Except it came with not one, but two containers of acne medication. Unsolicited. Unasked for. Unnecessary. This child had already had the courage to face their insecurities and see a dermatologist a month ago. He is on a treatment plan. But of course, their father didn’t ask. He just sent a…
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Escaping The Chaos Of The Malignant Narcissist
Chaos is the weapon of a malignant narcissist—emotional manipulation, control, and confusion become your daily reality. But you can escape. Discover how to break free, reclaim your peace, and find healing.
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Chosen to Be Broken : Malignant Narcissism
Being chosen to be broken—it's the painful reality of malignant narcissism. But your story doesn't end with their cruelty. It's time to reclaim your strength, heal, and write a new chapter.
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I’d Rather Be Beaten
Sometimes the bruises you can’t see hurt the most. Emotional abuse cuts deeper, leaving scars on your heart and mind. But healing is possible—one step at a time.
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Holidays and Narcissists
Holidays should be a time of joy, but with a narcissist, they become a battlefield. Learn how to protect your peace, set boundaries, and reclaim your holiday happiness.
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Why Narcissists Seek a Trophy Wife: Understanding Their Need for Validation
Narcissists are obsessed with appearances, and for many, a trophy wife becomes the ultimate symbol of status and control. But beneath the surface, this pursuit is a desperate need for validation. Understanding their motives can help you break free.
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Emotional Vampires: How to Recognize, Protect Yourself, and Reclaim Your Energy
Emotional vampires are everywhere—people who drain your energy, leaving you feeling exhausted and empty. But you have the power to protect yourself. Learn how to recognize these toxic individuals and reclaim your peace.
