Courageously Sharing Truth

Livin' What You're Given

Karen DeArmond Gardner is a survivor of thirty years in a marriage where she was verbally, emotionally and at times physically abused. She talks about how her own work of writing a book, speaking to others and helping to educate communities around the issue of domestic abuse, has been helpful for her own growth and healing.
She points out that churches are not always equipped to deal with this issue. She states it is better to go to shelters, support groups, therapy and advocates who will listen and point victims to the resources needed to begin living life apart from the abuser. Karen also says that social media can have groups that may be helpful. She gives us some practical steps when attempting to help those we may encounter who are in the situation.
Karen's work in her book, link listed below, has not only helped her to heal and move forward in the aftermath of domestic abuse, but she shares stories of how telling her story has helped others. She calls our attention to the fact that when we judge women for not leaving, we need to understand there are reasons why they do not feel they can leave. Her book emphasizes the process of healing and the very real difficulties women can face when choosing to leave the abusive relationship.
She also states that experiencing the love of God and understanding that it was never His plan for women to be abused was a tremendous addition to her healing. Although most of us grew up with thinking that saving a marriage regardless of cost to a partner in that union, it is a false narrative.
To learn more about Karen's ministry and find resources visit Amazon and find her book. Hope for Healing from Domestic Abuse: Reaching for God's Promise of Real Freedom by Karen DeArmond Gardner.
Visit her website at: Another One Free website https://anotheronefree.com/
The website for Stephen Ray Watts and the band Dotsero https://dotseroband.com
The website to connect with Laura Padgett https://lauralpadgett.com/