If Only

He has saved me from death,

    my eyes from tears,

    my feet from stumbling.

And so I walk in the Lord’s presence

    as I live here on earth!

Psalms 116:8-9 NLT.

If only someone had told me
It was never my fault
Someone else was to blame
For this horrible assault

If only someone had told me
To my attacker belonged the shame
For innocence that was stolen
Leaving me never the same

If only I had been assured
That I would heal someday
Perhaps it wouldn’t have taken
So long to find my way

If You, oh God, once told me
But I failed to listen well
And spent far too many years
In what seemed a living hell

I’m thankful now You’ve declared
Your grace is all I need
To heal and grow compassion
Your love the perfect seed

Now I will tell to others
The power of my story
To reveal the truth I now know
And bring to You all glory

---

Linda L. Kruschke is the author of My Name Is Beloved, winner of the Unpublished Memoir category of the Oregon Christian Writers Cascade Writing Contest, as well as a self-published author of two poetry books. She is a wife, mother, active member of her church, former Bible Study Fellowship leader, and recovering lawyer. She works as the Director of Legal Publications for the Oregon State Bar. But her real passion is sharing God’s healing grace with others, especially those haunted by sexual trauma and abortion. She struggled with major clinical depression for many years, but through the power of forgiveness has become a fearless follower of Christ, living in the assurance of her salvation and God’s love. She blogs at Another Fearless Year and Broken Believers.