In Thanksgiving

[beatitude]

A few days ago I wrote a message to an old acquaintance who has been abused by the same person who hurt me. I suspected she had experienced something similar, but I didn't have proof, only a hunch. There were some risks in reaching out to her, but they have paid off. She has experienced exactly what I did and was so pleased and relieved to hear from me, and it looks as though we will be able to help each other. We talked for over three hours and I felt almost like a new person after we were done - it was as if a lot of bad memories and pain were sloughed off like dead skin. The abuse was more recent for her and she has been blaming herself, but hearing how similar my story is has made her see that it can't have been her fault. She is making progress through therapy, though still in a lot of pain. Please pray for her continued healing, for the person who hurt us, and also give thanks with us for what may be a nice emerging friendship.  I am deeply grateful, and in light of everything that happened, Psalm 26:1 is in my head - "Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering."