To Do or Not To Do
I have so many “To Do” lists.
How about you? It might be on a calendar or a sheet of paper. It could be on your device; computer, phone or tablet. Maybe it’s in your head or maybe you have a person who helps you stay on track. To one degree or another “To Do” lists are ubiquitous.
Having been ill this last year, I have had times when I needed to keep lists in literally every room of the house. My hope was that I didn’t forget things and I could still get stuff done.
For people who have endured child abuse and other trauma, accomplishments and achievements are gold. Abuse survivors have diminished self-worth and often rely on getting things done to feel valuable, especially the core violation of child sexual abuse (CSA). Agency and autonomy certainly aid in healing.
If you suffered abuse, it was not your fault. We live in a fallen world with sinful people and demonic aggressors. You were targeted for abuse in an attempt to destroy your innate dignity.
Each of you were created to be perfect. You have unique talents and abilities that no one else on earth has. You have a purpose that only you can fulfill. There is a problem that only you can provide the perfect solution to.
We are human beings, not human doings.
Some of our lists are over the top stressful. I’m not advocating laziness, but I am suggesting that every once in a while, we should make sure we are not overloaded with “To Do” lists at the expense of self-care, family time, developing and maintaining relationships or time simply resting.
I’m a believer, so it is super important to me to have regular prayer times and times of worship. Daily Bible reading is just as important to me as food.
If we are going to fulfill our purpose, we need to slow down and figure out what that is.
It’s not easy for survivors, especially with the myriad of complex mental, physical and emotional problems that arise from long-term or early CSA. Trafficking victims and domestic violence victims are in the same boat. We’ve been used and abused so devastatingly, that it is hard for us to be still and know that we are still valuable.
Today, on my list is a note to remind you, that you are the height of creation, the pinnacle of all the creatures God made. He created you to have a relationship with you, for you to enjoy life and to be His representative here on earth.
We were abused to attack our essence. That part of you that lives in your body, but will live on after your body is gone. We are tri-part beings. We are spirits, we have a soul- our mind, will, and emotions- and we live in a body.
They can attack our bodies and our minds, but our spirits are resilient.
If this is just what you needed today, take the time to appreciate your whole being. Take note of your scars. Consider whether or not you’re driven to accomplish tasks. Take care of yourself, because you are so important. Look over your lists and make an effort to seek joy.