As told by “Georgia,” written by Lauren Rose 

At the time of the He Makes All Things New Women’s Retreat, I had been single for six years after leaving an abusive marriage. I was raising two girls on my own, just trying to make it as a single mom. I had experienced emotional, psychological, and some physical abuse. During my marriage, I lived in a world of confusion and fear and didn’t fully understand why. Even after the separation, the abuse continued through cyber tracking and control. I was still constantly uncertain and confused about what I had experienced. I believed God had good plans for our family, but I felt stuck in the fog and didn’t know how to move forward.

Receiving a scholarship to attend the retreat gave me a life-giving opportunity to learn, grow, worship, and heal in community with other survivors. From the moment I arrived, my spirit, body, and mind knew this retreat was a safe place. For the first time in years, I could allow myself to relax and be fully present – something that often feels nearly impossible for a survivor navigating everyday life after abuse.

The retreat gave me the clarity and knowledge to take the next steps forward. Because of the retreat, I joined a support group and found a local therapist who truly understands abuse and trauma. Until then, I believed I was alone. But at the retreat, I discovered I wasn’t. For the first time, I felt truly seen and heard while living in the confusing and isolating world of hidden abuse.

Before the retreat, I hadn’t grieved at all. One of the most healing moments came when a biblical counselor at the retreat sat with me as a listening witness to my story. This was the first time I had ever shared my story with someone outside of my personal circle or court professionals. Yet in that space, it felt completely safe.

As I spoke, she listened with compassion and skilled understanding. During our conversation, I began to grieve for the first time. I didn’t even know I had this grief in me. Words cannot fully describe the healing and freedom a survivor experiences when she is, without reservation, seen, heard, and understood.

The grief allowed me to open my heart so that God could say other things to me. It opened up room for God to help me know my identity and worth in Him. My heart became more tender toward Him. Because of the scholarship, the retreat created dedicated time and space for the Lord to speak to me directly. He met me there and spoke words that changed how I see myself, clarified the truth of how He sees me, and continues to guide how I expect others to treat me moving forward.

I carried these words home with me:

“You are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you.”

The retreat was a tangible way for me to experience every one of those words – not just spiritually, but practically, through community, care, and truth.

Nearly a year later, I am braver, clearer, and continuing to grow. Soon, I will complete the Called to Peace Ministries advocacy training and join the community of advocates who walk alongside women just like me – women who are still waiting to be seen, heard, and believed.

I would not have had the financial means to attend the retreat on my own. To the donors who gave toward scholarships: please know that your generosity made this healing possible. Your gift didn’t just fund a retreat; it changed the trajectory of my life.

Thank you for being part of my story.