I was abused consistently for two years from the age of three. I was sexually abused by two brothers who were our family friends that my parents trusted 100%. I did not tell anyone. As I grew older, I began to feel unloved, unsafe and withdrew into myself. I did not love myself and I had a deep seated anger towards myself.
Some years later, I got into the University, and sometime in 200 level, I came to Lagos to visit an uncle of mine. Two of his friends also came to visit him and that day there was no light. It was in the evening. My uncle dashed out to quickly get fuel for his generator. Before he got back, his friends had gotten a hold of me, pinned me down and raped me. I was deeply hurt and wounded especially because this was repeating itself again. For a long time, I found it very difficult to love and forgive myself and my abusers. I was filled with so much bitterness and was always angry.
I met my fiancé (now husband) in 300 level and he was the first person I could completely open up to. He encouraged me and told me I was still a Virgin in Christ. He was a Pastor. When we got married, the early years were really rough because of my emotional baggage. I revisited my relationship with Christ and started loving myself. I read the Bible so much and read a lot of Joyce Meyer’s books as well. God took me through a healing journey. Today I am free from shame and guilt. I have also completely forgiven my abusers. I have a wonderful marriage and I am so happy. God has blessed me with a very good man I sometimes feel I do not deserve because of my past. I also now love myself.