I want to especially thank my abuser!
October 26, 2022, was my 12 year anniversary in the US, and it brought great joy and appreciation to the Almighty God!
A few weeks after arriving in the country, things changed. I came to join my husband and my mother-in-law, who was also living in the house. I was looking forward to a fantastic married life. All my dreams and aspirations were going to be fulfilled as I entered the most important phase of my life. I had prepared for this day, this new phase. I had plans to live heaven-on-earth with my beau! Not knowing the enemy had a different agenda for me.
It started with many complaints, regardless of what I did. I couldn’t hold money, I couldn’t get a job, I couldn’t have friends. I was not allowed to do anything progressive. I realized nothing really pleased my man in this new environment. Everything was strange to me. I had no friends or family, so I did everything to behave like an abandoned child. I realized I was more like a maid in the house and had no voice at all. I kept my smile and make-up so no one knew I wasn’t happy. Thank God for my London swag! It kept me going for a while.
I couldn’t tell my family members in the Uk because I couldn’t even believe what was going on. It felt like I was watching a Nollywood movie.
I kept hoping for the best, but things got worse. The mental and physical abuse became worse even when I got pregnant. There was no one to help me. I remember one day I was hit and started bleeding and called 911, I had to tell them I fell, which was half true as I was actually punched in my stomach. At the hospital, it was confirmed that I was pregnant, but unfortunately, I was on the verge of losing the child. I cried to God to save my baby. He did! And this child today is a BLESSING to me and the world. No wonder the enemy wanted to get rid of him. A million reason to be thankful!
For a minute, things were quiet only to start again, I remember being sat on at 6 months pregnant and choked. And all I could hear was “So what can you do now”, now you are powerless..." I could have lost my life that night. But I’m still here, someone shout hallelujah for me, please!
I can look back now and smile because no one could imagine what I went through, not even I. With all my qualifications, having been educated in one of the most prestigious institutions in the UK, I didn’t even know I was being abused.
Love is a crazy thing, I tell you...
Today, I smile because I’m ALIVE y’all. My trademark was my beautiful smile, which I lost then, but it’s coming back now. I’m alive, I’m mentally sane, and my children are healthy. I’m not in the psychiatric ward. I give God all the praise!
No one can tell me there is NO GOD, I have seen Him move in my life. I am thankful.
Thank you, Abba!
Looking back, I realize the devil won’t waste his time and energy on a believer except they are a threat to his kingdom. There must be something about my life that the enemy just couldn’t wait to snuff out like a candle. I also know that through it all, God will never leave us nor forsake us.
I want to especially thank my abusers. They have made me the Christian I am today. Every pain they have caused me has been the very avenue God has brought forth a ministry. The pain has made me stronger, more prayerful, and more compassionate. I used to be very carefree and arrogant (I had it all then…..) but now, I am compassionate and humble (still work in progress). The scars are testimonies of victory.
Praise God!
I have learned and received Grace. I encourage us all, He has not brought us this far to leave us. I want to leave you with this, "What the enemy meant for evil, God in His infinite wisdom is able to turn it around for your good." Someone, please raise a hallelujah!!!
Today, I dare you to believe God again. I dare you to trust that even in your painful moments, He still loves you and will not abandon you! From this understanding, let's lift up a praise to the Most High God!
Thank you, and God bless us all.
Chioma Abiola
21 Days of Thanksgiving! Day 10
The Grace Movement!