Healing from Childhood Abuse Through Faith, Reflection, and Hope
My memoir, The Secret Darkness, and Abuse Journal, my faith-based resource for survivors, help readers understand the lasting effects of childhood abuse and domestic violence, explore healing through personal reflection, and discover hope through biblical wisdom and God’s grace.
L.M. Carleton – Rescued by Grace
I’ve learned that acknowledging the past does more than uncover painful memories.
It gives us the understanding to recognize how childhood abuse, neglect, and domestic violence have shaped our lives. That understanding becomes the foundation for personal growth, healing, and the freedom to choose differently.
At forty-eight, an unexpected encounter with my estranged husband on a dating website became a turning point. God used that moment to stop me from running from the past.
I began writing as a way to release years of pain and unanswered questions.
As I reflected on my childhood and the years I spent in an abusive marriage, hidden memories surfaced. I wrote honestly about childhood trauma, domestic violence, and the long-lasting effects abuse had on my life. Through that process, I began discovering lessons, biblical wisdom, and hope that I now share with other survivors.
Love is Action Not a Feeling
Love is action, not a feeling, and the actions of a man (or woman) tell you he (or she) loves you. Words can change on a whim, but his (or her) consistent actions of devotion and support tell you he (or she) loves you. When a man’s (or woman’s) words always match his (or her) actions, and his (or her) actions always profess love for…
How to Overcome the Fear Exposing Abuse Secrets
It’s hard to overcome the fear of exposing your abuse secrets, telling what happened (your story of abuse) when you’re fearful of an abuser, and carrying the burdens of guilt and shame. You might feel scared to share your experiences of child abuse, sexual abuse, and domestic violence because of anxiety. You could find yourself wondering what others think about you or your decisions. It…
When You Find Love a Poem
When You Find Love is a Poem by L.M. Carleton. When you find love,you’ve changed toxic behaviors. When you find love,you’ve overcome emotional anguish.
5 Ways to Prevent a Toxic Relationship with Drama
What is a toxic relationship with drama? Toxic relationships develop when one or both people are mentally unhealthy and emotionally unstable. When a relationship starts on shaky ground, the toxicity identified by excessive drama increases unhealthy behavior patterns (passive aggression, manipulation, jealousy, etc.). These harmful behaviors create a toxic situation with emotional highs and heartfelt lows. As the anxiety builds, you feel extreme love and…
About Abuse Journal
Childhood abuse can leave wounds that shape the way we see ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us. But our past does not have to determine our future.
Through honest reflection, personal stories, biblical wisdom, and faith-filled encouragement, Abuse Journal offers adult survivors hope and guidance as they seek healing, spiritual growth, and freedom through God’s grace.
More than a memoir, The Secret Darkness is an invitation to every survivor who wonders if healing is possible. It is a story of resilience, redemption, and the life-changing hope that your past does not have to define your future—and that freedom can be found beyond yesterday’s shadows.
L.M. CARLETON
Rescued by Grace