Healing the Brokenhearted: Feeling God’s Love after Experiencing Abuse | BYU Women’s Conference 2021

“Trying to heal from the impact of abuse and learning to feel close to Deity (or to feel at all) in the wake of dehumanizing experiences can be a very personal, painful, and overwhelming journey. I have come to believe that the Savior - a ‘man of sorrows, acquainted with grief’ who was ‘despised and rejected’ (Isaiah 53:3) is a God who understands trauma. I believe that He willingly weeps with us in those dark places even when we cannot feel. In my work as a psychologist I have seen that healing is possible. The Savior's ‘grace is sufficient’ (Ether 12:27) to strengthen and sustain us while we wait for His atonement to make restitution to us for all we have lost.”-Jennie Bingham
Session Description: Abuse can leave us wondering: If God loves me, why did this happen? We may think, if He allowed this to happen: He must not love me, I must not be worthy of love, I deserved this. As promised from our loving Heavenly Father, these times of pain need not last forever. We can find healing through God’s love and promises. How can our trust and faith in God bring light to our most dark and trying experiences? This session will address strategies for seeking professional help and finding healing as we turn to the Lord.
Questions to ponder: How do I feel the healing balm of the Savior, the warmth of His embrace, and His strengthening hand as I move forward with faith? How does an understanding of my inherent worth as a daughter of Heavenly Father strengthen me in the face of abuse and trial? How can I seek strength through Jesus Christ to help ourselves and others feel whole after trials? What does progress look like for me as I take time to work through pain, loss, anger, and the process of forgiveness?
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