Editor's note: In her own words the author shares the personal growth she experienced in the development of "Pretending it Never Happened," a feature article published in last winter's Quarterly.

I had just returned home from meeting with my pastor and felt God leading me to write about my journey to overcome the emotional and spiritual damage caused by childhood sexual abuse. As I sat down to write I reasoned this was part of my healing process. I had no idea God had a greater plan for me.

The next Sunday an LWML member gave me a copy of our latest LWML district newsletter that included the themes for upcoming issues of the Quarterly. The theme, "Family of Faith," suggested a topic on abuse.

With the deadline just two weeks away, I sat down to finish writing my story. I sent the article to the Quarterly features editor to consider for the "Family of Faith" issue. Because of the sensitivity of the topic, she asked me if the article were used, would I prefer to remain anonymous. As I searched for the answer, other questions flooded my mind:

How can my testimony claim to have found peace in Jesus and then hide my identity?

How can I speak of victims suffering in silence and remain silent?

How can my trial be a witness to others if they don't know who I am, and if they can't see what God has done in my life?

How can I claim victory in Christ and continue to be ashamed of my past?

I decided to include my name with the story. I informed my sister and friend, who are mentioned in the article, of my decision. My friend agreed that it was important that my story include my name, but suggested I use my maiden name; after all, that is who I was when the events occurred. My sister, who still lives in the community where we grew up, suggested I use only my first initial and middle name as a buffer for myself and my family. I took their advice.

Our LWML retreat was on the horizon. The retreat topic was "Experiencing God's Peace." Thinking my story fit the topic, I brought copies with me to see what the Lord would have me do with it. I shared it with the ladies in my room and prayed that the Lord would show me if it were His will for me to share it with others, and, if so, that I would recognize the opportunity.

I gave a copy of my article to each of the pastors at the retreat. One pastor came over to me and said, "This fits very well with the topic." The other pastor presented a Bible study: "Peace-God's Power and Presence in Storms." I skimmed ahead and noticed the study included a time to "share a story of a storm of life that God has led you through." Was this the opportunity I had prayed about? Was I really willing to step out in faith and share my story? Was the true reason I was using my maiden name for the benefit of my family?

The women who had read my story in our room the night before encouraged me, but reminded me that ultimately it was a decision only I could make. I knew once I read my story aloud I could never go back, but if the statistic that one in four women have been abused was accurate, possibly ten women could benefit from my reading it. I told the pastor presenting the study that I would like to read my story. "Are you sure?" he asked. I rethought it for a moment and responded, "Yes."

When the appropriate time came, the pastor announced that I had something I wanted to share. I went up to the podium and explained that I had written a story that was being considered for publication in the Lutheran Woman's Quarterly. I told the women I had brought a copy with me, knowing it was related to the retreat topic, but not knowing if I had the courage or confidence to share it. I began reading and never once looked up to see the faces of the crowd. The room was silent, except for the sound of my voice. When I finished and started to leave the podium, I lifted my eyes to a standing ovation. One woman shouted "You are a victor!"

When the Bible study was over several women approached me, each with very different stories, yet suffering in very similar ways. The pastors said that several women had spoken to them as well.

I have no regrets about sharing my story. God gave me the strength I needed to step out in faith. I have gone from being a victim of the past to new life in Christ who overcame sin and the grave that I might share in His victory and His peace.