Did you know that Domestic Abuse is a largely hidden crime which goes unreported to the police?
In this episode of What's the Story, guest Sadaf (who also happens to be our show Producer) shares her experience of being in an abusive relationship that left her stripped of her confidence and isolated from loved ones. After forgiving her abuser with help from the Lord, Sadaf embarked on a journey of healing that allowed her to regain confidence and trust in herself and in God's plan for her. Through her story, Sadaf reminds us that hard times shape us into stronger, more faithful beings and that God's grace is always enough to carry us through. Don't miss this powerful episode!
Here’s a summary of this week’s story:
- Sadaf grew up in Pakistan and became a Christian at the age of six while attending an international missionary school. She went on to do her undergrad in Canada and then eventually the UK for her Masters. She has been settled in the UK for the 17 years.
- She shares how being in an abusive relationship with a Christian fiancé isolated and confused her. What began with emotional abuse and coercion later turning physical. She reveals that she felt trapped and ashamed, and blamed herself for the abuse. Her family eventually became aware of the situation and helped her to open up about it and she eventually found clarity and value in herself through prayer and was able to end the relationship.
- Sadaf had to go through a healing process after ending her toxic relationship. Her family played a crucial role in supporting her and helping her move forward. She eventually moved away and received counseling while also relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance. Forgiveness, both towards her ex-partner and herself, was a key part of her journey.
- Her advise is to speak up and talk to trusted friends and family when in an abusive situation. It's important to forgive oneself and take responsibility for one's actions, rather than getting caught up in the "what if" questions, in order to move towards healing and liberation.
- She reconciled her experiences of abuse with her belief in a good God and explains that going through hard times can strengthen one's faith and make them more aware of God's goodness, and that God never promised an easy life, but his grace is sufficient.
- Sadaf and her siblings experienced a major challenge in their lives with the sudden passing of their parents, who were instrumental in their faith, and had to deal with the grief of both a long-term illness and a sudden loss. While they have processed the events, they continue to cling to the hope that they will see their parents again one day.
- Sadaf's one message is to be a student of the Bible and to study it in order to know God's character and truth, and to adapt to different seasons in life while maintaining that discipline.
ABOUT SADAF:
Meet Sadaf, our podcast producer who's also a super-mom. She works tirelessly behind the scenes throughout the week making sure each of our podcasts are delivered with excellence. With a Master's degree in Business under her belt, she's got the smarts to match her creativity. But when the headphones come off, it's all about family. Sadaf is a devoted mom to two amazing boys and loves nothing more than a good hangout with family and friends. Her life is a beautiful juggling act of producing top-notch podcasts and creating priceless memories with her loved ones. Above all, she marches to the beat of her faith. As an unwavering ambassador for Christ, her life is an inspiring testament of love and belief that echoes both in her work and at home.
