My Book Club recommendation for June is “My Story” by @elizabeth_smart_official. I was given her book in 2015 and my favorite part was her moms advice.
She said, “Elizabeth, what these people have done to you is terrible, and there aren’t words strong enough to describe how wicked and evil they are. They have stolen nine months of your life away from you that you will never get back. But the best punishment you could ever give them is to be happy, is to move forward with your life, to do all the things you want to do. Because by feeling sorry for yourself, by holding onto the past, by reliving it, that’s only allowing them to steal more of your life away from you. And they don’t deserve that, they don’t deserve a single second more. So you need to be happy and you need to move on with your life.”
I had the opportunity to hear her speak in November 2017 while supporting the Catholic Community Center and I was so impressed at her ability to share her story while still not looking back.
I had no idea how important her example would be to me a year later after my discovery. I too saw how he used spiritual manipulation to justify his behavior. When I saw his work phone I was stunned to see him sharing scriptures with prostitutes. After he explained how he was a good man and he made sure to tell them they were a daughter of God. In fact, they were just like me with less opportunity and by paying them he was offering them a better life. My brain still can’t process this justification for his behaviors.
I was reminded in a therapy session what Elizabeths moms advice was to move forward and be happy. Like her I tell my story and I have moved on. I am happier than I’ve ever been. The betrayal is a part of who I am but his choices do not define me. He already stole so much of my life he doesn’t deserve one more second. I pray we can all find peace in our healing journey and I encourage as you share your truth you too can be strengthened to walk away from the wickedness in others choices.
Purchase “My Story” at Amazon for $16.49.