“If you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows, but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14
As beautiful as Queen Esther was she was trapped in a marriage to King Xerxes who did not share the same faith or values as Esther. She was part of a haram that took her away from her family and all she was familiar with to become groomed for the life of a queen. But in her uncertainty, we know God still had an undeniable plan! In my own story, I believe God also has a plan to change the trajectory of the marriages in my family. Where there has been adultery, addictions, violence, disrespect, and patterns of constant rebellion against the word and the knowledge of God, concerning marriage. He has raised up a generation, that has said NO MORE! “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1Peter 5:10.
Breaking free from past generational cycles of abuse has taken much resilience and strength. Through God’s transformative power, I have gained the courage and determination to face every adversity head-on and declare “I am more than a conqueror!” Roman 8:31. “As for me and my house we shall serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15. Even, when faced with the challenge of serving Him alone. By bravely choosing to leave a narcissistic marriage, I not only liberated myself, but also paved the way for future generations to live free from the shackles of dysfunction, yokes of addictions, and narcissistic abuse.
I believe strongly in the sanctity and dignity of marriage and in the promises of God’s word, which shows that there is hope, even in the darkest of situations, for God to rewrite my story and bring His ultimate plans to pass in my life. Through my courage and unwavering faith to never give up, I hope to provide a beacon of light for my children and grandchildren, offering them a new paradigm of what a healthy and loving relationship should look like. Although years have passed and memories will begin to fade, I pray that the Lord will restore to me the years that the locust, the cankerworm, the caterpillar, and the palmerworm have eaten. Joel 2:25.
My decision to break the cycle of abuse demonstrates that change is possible and that it only takes one person to catalyze a ripple effect of transformation for generations to come. As I dismiss the shame of any failure, refuse to accept the status quo, and denounce any ounce of pride, I will become an agent of change, inspiring others to follow suit and create a brighter future for themselves and their descendants. Deuteronomy 30:19 states “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”