She said “NO.” But you didn’t listen.

You selfish, egotistical punk.

You took advantage of an intoxicated girl.

Like a lion in wait for its prey.

Evil personified, a ravenous beast.

I HATE YOU. I HATE YOU. I HATE YOU.

 She couldn’t fight you off.

Couldn’t get away

 You overpowered her weakness,

Took what you wanted, used her up,

Then threw her away.

You thief, you predator.

Destroyer of life.

You’re a MURDERER.

A helpless victim

When you ravaged her body, you killed her soul.

Your treachery stole her from those who loved her most.

She was never the same again.

WHERE DID MY DAUGHTER GO?

Invisible wounds –unseen to naked eyes.

“Damaged goods”, she believed the lie

Said to herself, “Who will want me now?”

I wanted you to suffer

Agony like you caused her.

What if you were raped, you vile fiend?

SEE HOW YOU LIKE THAT.

And yet, it would never be enough,

Never satisfy, because the truth is —

I wanted you to DIE.

Wouldn’t that make it better — your death, a just reward?

I dreamed it night after night. My private agony.

The raping of my soul.

Then I realized

I HAVE TO LET THIS GO. I HAVE TO LET THIS GO.

This need for you to hurt and bleed

But how?

There would be no justice. None in this world.

No, not here, but definitely there – in heaven it would come.

Christ’s example showed the way.

I would follow His lead.

It didn’t come easy. It was a lot of hard work,

But today I can finally say,

I FORGIVE.

I. FORGIVE. YOU.

For the sake of my own soul.

For my heart’s release.

Now my comfort is this — on the Day when Christ returns — or when you leave this world —

YOU’LL GET WHAT YOU DESERVE. YOU’LL GET WHAT YOU DESERVE.

God in heaven will decree it. And we will finally see it.

And I– I will be at rest with that.

I’ll live in peace until that day

When He who sees all things will make them right,

In His time and in His way.

But now, O Lord, ’til that Day comes, please heal her heart and mine.

Convince her she’s still pure and holy – perfect in Your eyes.

That you’ve never loved her more

Than you do right now tonight.

AND SO DO I. AND SO DO I.

***From the mother of a rape victim.

These Bible verses really helped me:

• “Forgive as the Lord forgave you”  Colossians 3:13.
• “. . . He does not leave the guilty unpunished”  Exodus 34: 7.
• “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”  1 Corinthians 15:57.