Healing Begins When the Silence Ends
Abuse Journal is a faith-based collection of reflections for adults healing from childhood abuse, neglect, adverse childhood experiences, and domestic violence.
Through honest stories, reflective writing, and the hope found in Christ, you’ll discover that your past does not have to define your future.
Whether you’re just beginning your healing journey or have been walking it for years, Abuse Journal offers a place to pause, reflect, and find hope.
Every reflection is written from the perspective of someone who has walked this road and discovered that healing is possible.
Here you’ll discover:
- Personal reflections from a survivor’s healing journey
- Faith-based encouragement for difficult seasons
- Insights into childhood trauma and its lasting effects
- Resources for healing and self-reflection
- Hope that healing is possible
My Story
My name is L.M. Carleton.
Abuse Journal began after an unexpected encounter with my estranged husband reopened wounds I believed had long been buried.
Through reflective writing, I began facing years of childhood abuse, neglect, domestic violence, grief, and fear. What started as private journal entries eventually became this website—a place where darkness could be brought into the light. I hoped that by sharing my story, others would find the courage to begin sharing theirs.
Looking back, I began to understand how years of abuse had shaped my beliefs about relationships, trust, forgiveness, and even my own worth. Healing wasn’t simply about remembering painful experiences. It was about allowing God to replace fear with truth and restore what had been broken.
You may recognize yourself if you:
- Still carry the weight of childhood abuse
- Live with guilt or shame that isn’t yours to carry
- Struggle to trust others
- Find yourself trapped in unhealthy relationships
- Wonder whether healing is really possible
- Long for peace but don’t know where to begin
What I Learned
Reflective writing helped me recognize patterns I had never understood.
I began to see how childhood adversity had quietly influenced my relationships, decisions, fears, and beliefs for years.
Most importantly, I discovered that healing involves more than understanding the past. Through faith in Christ, I learned forgiveness, found hope, and experienced God’s restoring grace.
The memories did not disappear, but they no longer controlled my future.
Healing doesn’t erase the past, but it changes the power the past has over your future.
A Note About This Website
Abuse Journal shares my personal experiences and reflections. It is not a substitute for professional counseling, therapy, or medical care. If you are in immediate danger or need professional support, please seek help from qualified resources in your area.
Where to Begin
If this is your first visit, here are a few places to start:
- Read survivor stories to learn how Abuse Journal began.
- Explore reflections on healing from childhood abuse and domestic violence.
- Discover the value of reflective writing for your own healing journey.
- Learn more in The Secret Darkness and Abuse Journal: Reflections of a Survivor’s Healing Journey.
Continue the Journey
Abuse Journal began as private reflections during my own healing journey. Those reflections eventually became two books:
The Secret Darkness: Overcoming Abuse and Finding Freedom—my memoir of surviving childhood abuse, domestic violence, and discovering freedom through Christ.
Abuse Journal: Reflections of a Survivor’s Healing Journey—a collection of reflections, lessons, and encouragement drawn from years of writing and healing.
Whether you begin with these journal posts or continue through my books, my prayer is the same—that you discover hope, healing, and the courage to believe your story is not over.
When you’re ready, I invite you to continue the journey.
Your Story Isn’t Over
For many years, I believed silence would protect me.
Instead, it kept me trapped.
Bringing my story into the light became the beginning of healing—not because the past changed, but because God changed me.
If you’re carrying wounds that no one else can see, I hope these reflections remind you that healing is possible, your life has purpose, and
God’s grace is greater than your deepest pain.
You are not defined by what happened to you.
In Christ, even the darkest chapters of your story can become a testimony of hope, healing, and redemption.
Welcome to Abuse Journal. I’m honored you’re here.