As told by Angi, written by Lauren Rose 

A Marriage Marked by Control

I married my husband at 17. Even on our honeymoon, I knew something was wrong. When I stood up for myself on a minor issue, he erupted in rage and stormed out. I held my Bible in my hands while weeping and wondering what I had just stepped into—but I had made a commitment, and I resolved to make our marriage work.

For two and a half decades, I lived with coercion, manipulation, and emotional breakdowns—but I didn’t recognize it as abuse. I thought I just needed to try harder. It wasn’t until I came across Leslie Vernick’s The Emotionally Destructive Relationship that I began to understand the truth.

Ten years later, my worst fears came to pass. After he pinned me down in front of our daughters, I fled with my children. My church initially offered support but quickly turned when they heard his version of events. Their betrayal cut deeper than anything he had done.

The Turning Point: Called to Peace Ministries

Called to Peace Ministries Helped Me Heal After 27 Years of Domestic Abuse.

Through Joy Forrest’s book, her workbook, YouTube channel, and blog, I finally understood what I had been living through. Leslie Vernick gave me language years before, but Joy’s resources guided me into healing.

I discovered that God never calls us to submit to destruction—He calls us to walk in truth and freedom.

• The He Makes All Things New Retreats were a balm to my soul. Surrounded by hundreds of women who embodied kindness and compassion, I finally felt safe and seen.

• The CTPM Advocacy Course gave me tools, language, and confidence to walk alongside other women in their healing.

• CTPM’s pastoral interviews on YouTube gave me hope as I saw pastors owning their mistakes and choosing to do better.

A Story of Redemption

As I healed, my husband entered his own journey. At first, he resisted help and leaned on those who enabled his behavior. Eventually, he stepped away from everything familiar and entered a year-long intensive with the Center for Peace program. Over time, true transformation took root.

Because of the work we both committed to—his in releasing control and mine in reclaiming worth—we rebuilt on new ground. Today, our marriage is anchored in mutual respect and Christ’s love.

Today, I Serve the Mission That Saved Me

Now, I serve on staff at Called to Peace Ministries as the Advocate Administrative Assistant. Supporting the very team that helped me find freedom is one of the greatest honors of my life.

What I learned didn’t just change me—it overflowed into my children’s lives and even touched my husband as we rebuilt. Through God’s grace, my entire family is living proof that healing is possible.

A Message to Women Experiencing Abuse

Ladies, my heart goes out to you. As trapped as you feel, there really are options available! Called to Peace Ministries will walk with you at your pace and never require something of you that you are not comfortable with.

You were created to be cherished and understood. Our heavenly Father loves you with an everlasting love. He promises to never forsake you and will guide you each step of the way—even through what feels like the Valley of Death. May you reach for the Light.

A Message to Financial Partners

Financial Partners, I want you to know that your generosity is changing lives.

Many women feel trapped with no way out. But your support provides retreats, resources, advocates, and training that make survival—and even thriving—possible.

I am living proof. Your gifts don’t just rescue women from abuse—they ripple into their families and communities with lasting hope.