Written by Lauren Rose as told by "LaShronda" The abuse I endured in my marriage was horrendous. I suffered through multiple physical assaults. I once picked up his phone, and he punched me so hard it broke my nose. If I confronted him, he would state that he ‘wanted...
Survivor Stories
“Ashley” Finds Community and Purpose at our Women’s Retreat
I'm crying just thinking back at how much God has done in my life through the Called to Peace Ministries He Makes All Things New 2022 Women's Retreat. I learned about the Retreat from my CTPM online support group. As a newly single mother of two toddlers, I knew I...
Peace on Earth
By: Joy Forrest This has been one of the hardest years of my life, and that’s saying a lot, because I have suffered greatly in my time on this earth. Yet, in all my trials and tribulations, I have learned that suffering can be a beautiful opportunity to connect to...
Catherine Breaks the Cycle of Generational Abuse
As told by Catherine, written by Lauren Rose Catherine connected with Priscilla, a Called to Peace Ministries advocate, to help a friend. But as she began talking with Priscilla, her own story spilled out. Physical abuse was heavy at the beginning of our marriage, but...
A Thank You Letter From A Survivor
Dear Donors, Last Christmas, we were abundantly blessed by Called to Peace Ministries (CTPM).We have received cards, letters, presents, gift cards, and checks every Christmas for the last six years. Though humbling, receiving support was normal because I was a career...
The Self-Righteous Narrative of Abuse
By: Joy Forrest Perhaps in recent years you’ve noticed that a mean spirit has become pervasive in our culture. It’s most apparent on social media where anybody, and everybody, can express their opinions loudly and publicly without regard for others. It has not only...
Part Two: “Christine’s” Church Did it Again! Twice, They Demonstrated Covenantal Christ-like Love to HER!
Part Two: as told by “Christine,” written by Lauren Rose Remember Part One: "Christine" whose church introduced her to love after abuse? In the first part of her previous story, she asked her pastoral care pastor, "How can someone understand covenant love when the...
The Generational Impacts of Domestic Abuse: “I equated love with abuse!”
As told by Elise; written and introduction by Lauren Rose Elsie grew up in a violent home. She has seen first-hand, the far-reaching impacts of domestic abuse on multiple generations. It doesn’t just affect one family, but it trickles into each subsequent generation’s...
“Katie” Discovers the Gift of Genuine “Healing” After Domestic Abuse
As told by “Katie,” written by Lauren Rose The year before my marriage, God brought me to a place of self-examination where I realized I wasn't as Christian as I thought. I surrendered my life fully to Christ, and my life changed tremendously. There is much more to my...
“Evelyn”: The Darkness began Dissipating as the Truth of God’s Word was Revealed
Told by “Eveyln,” written by Lauren Rose I escaped what I now understand was a 28-year abusive marriage to a man that my sister unknowingly introduced me to as a "really good guy." He was seven years older than me and owned the business he had started when he was 21....
A Tale of Two Survivors: Junia and “Hannah”
As told by Junia and "Hannah,” written by Lauren Rose Both Junia and "Hannah" found themselves in authoritarian organizations (Sovereign Grace Ministries “SGM” and Institute in Basic Life Principles “IBLP”) that used their desire to honor God as a tool to groom them...
“Chiral” Finds Peace and Purpose
Told by “Chiral,” written by Lauren Rose As a single mom of two toddlers, I thought my kids needed a dad, and I desired to be a stay-at-home mom. I believed God answered my prayers when I reconnected with my high school boyfriend when he returned from the Army, and we...