Healing won’t remove the memory
For years, I dreamed and believed that I could forget what happened to me as a child. I really thought healing would remove the memories.
That thinking actually clouded my ability to heal. I thought I would only be healed if the memories no longer existed.
I recently looked up the words “healing” and “heal” in a dictionary.
Healing (adjective) – curing or curative; prescribed or helping to heal. Growing sound; getting well; mending. (Noun) – the act or process of regaining health: a new drug to accelerate healing. Related forms include healingly (adverb); self-healing (adjective); unhealing (adjective).
Heal (verb used with object) – to make healthy, whole, or sound; restore to health; free from ailment. To bring to an end or conclusion, as conflicts between people or groups, usually with the strong implication of restoring former amity; settle; reconcile. To free from evil; cleanse; purify. (Verb used without object) – to effect a cure (of a wound, broken bone, etc.); to become whole or sound; mend; get well.
A few years ago, I finally accepted I would never remove those memories of my childhood trauma.
I realized in 2013 that “healing” meant that I could become whole, sound and restored to health, but that I didn’t have to have the memories erased to be healthy. That was the moment I truly began to heal.
I know how one can feel all alone and not know how to handle panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD), and the other effects from childhood sexual abuse. So I decided to write a book, “FIGHTING THROUGH THE FEAR – My Journey of Healing from Childhood Sexual Abuse.”
I share who and why certain people influenced me, my early years, what it is like to raise a family, build a business, increase my faith all while trying to heal and find peace.
Here are a few responses from readers:
“Hi Dave, I have read your entire book, FIGHTING THROUGH THE FEAR. Frankly, I usually skim books by business leaders, but yours is so compelling that I ended up reading in depth.
Some of the many aspects I like:
1. How you proceeded chronologically, showing the struggle to cope with the at times severe impact of abuse while building such a respected business.
2. Reading about what a magnificent person and supportive wife Karla has proven to be.
3. The way your faith and your many charitable acts, involving your time, treasure, and talent, has helped you heal by focusing on healing others.
4. Your inclusion of other survivor’s stories.
5. You wake people up to the immensity of abuse. Given (my) ties to the Marcus Autism Center, I knew that 1 in 68 kids are diagnosed with autism. I had no idea that 1 in 10 would suffer sexual abuse and 90% of them not reporting it. No wonder your blog is read in 120 nations!”
*****
“I am 2/3 of the way through your book. I took a break, recalled the quote below and figured I would share. Thank you for your voice. “Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.”
*****
“The shocking truth about abuse. C David Moody has a testimony and powerful message. Buy two copies. One for you and one for a friend.”
*****
“….OH and THE BOOK IS AWESOME!!!! Well written. I read it in two sittings!!! I’ve already told three people about the book “Fighting through Fear”. I’m also a Howard grad and one of my classmate’s sons wants to go to Howard’s architecture school so I told her about it and she is going to google it to look for it on line for her son.”
*****
“The story and writing style really draw me in. I can really relate to many of your childhood and college experiences. I could smell the mosquito spray and hear the “mosquito man” of my childhood in Savannah as you described it in your book. My husband and I lived in Baton Rouge for 7 years and we could hear the high school band practice from our house, so that memory came back to me as you described your time in Baton Rouge.
“It is all those types of details that really bring a richness to your book and let the reader see how we have common experiences. I think that setting that backdrop helps me to feel a part of your journey. It has been a real eye opening book to see how the abuse affected your life’s journey.”
*****
“There are not many books that I have read that held my attention as much “Fighting Through the Fear.” I found myself up late at night reading and rushing home from work to get to the book. It was captivating and enlightening!”
*****
“Moody’s book is a fantastic, powerful read. I salute David Moody for his courage to step up and share, making a huge difference in many lives. Job well done !!!”
*****
“Happy Birthday! I’m on page 206 now! Amazing Story!”
*****
I get weary at times as I share my journey. Then I get a “thank you” from someone, or I get heartfelt responses from readers. I regain the strength to keep helping others heal. I know God has put me in this place at this time to help others.
Click here to buy the book. Profits will be used to help others heal. Thanks for the support.
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