My name is Olivia Shilunga from Namibia. I'm firstly a child of God, a servant of God in His Vineyard, an author and Human Resources Director. I was molested as child by my step brother and I have lived in silence, shame, pain, rejection and broken most of my life. In 2020, the Holy Spirit instructed me to write this book after I refused to write it a few years back. It was during the writing that came face to face with what happened. This is were I truly discovered the love of God, the grace to forgive and be forgiven, the healing power of God's Word and my true identity in Christ Jesus. What is abuse? There are many forms of abuse and one of them is sexual abuse. As a child, when you are sexually abused, it steals your innocence away and at the same time it derails your destiny. The perpetrator threatens you with silence and worse of it all he/she continues with the abuse for years. They make you feel guilty, dirty and deserving of the abuse. You as the victim become fearful, withdrawn or sometimes acting up, have low self-esteem, or even angry. I was sexually abused as a child by a relative and for years I carried the burden, the pain, the guilt and every confused emotion you can ever think of. I had no one to share my ordeal with, and by the way, who will believe me? I suffered silently; I started to drink alcohol at a very young age to escape the pain and humiliation – yes, my mom used to sell them. I carried the guilt for many years, and it affected my relationship with men. Sexual abuse takes a whole lot of you; it is only Jesus who can heal you and set you free. The cycle of sexual abuse can only be broken when we speak up. Talk to an elderly person or a teacher if you are a child or teenager and if a young adult, talk to your pastor or a counselor. Let us break the silence of abuse, we can do it!! I am speaking out, that is my freedom. I am breaking out of the cycle of abuse and nothing anyone can say can make me feel otherwise. The words of people will never form who I am in Christ Jesus, no matter how hard they try, and oh boy, they are trying. Everywhere I find myself, people have tried to make me feel less than I am, but I know who I am and who’s I am, I know what the Lord says I am, and I believe it without a doubt. Challenges will come but Jesus has made us overcomers, only if you believe and live it. Allow the Lord to heal you from all forms of abuse, and allow him to embrace you, love you, and care for you. It is worth it, my friend. As a parent, learn to look at signs of changes in your children. Many a time when a child who was lively and outgoing becomes shy and withdrawn, don’t take it as mood changes or acting up. Many times, a child who is sexually abused becomes withdrawn, shy, quiet and sometimes teary or fits of anger. As a mom, tell your little ones never allow anyone to touch them and especially on their arms, legs, between their legs or chest, and that go the same for a boy child. Take note that not only girls are sexually assaulted but also boys. I mentioned in the beginning of this book that perpetrators are not always strangers but people you know well, acquaintances, neighbors or relatives. Be on the lookout for signs of abuse and be sensitive and curious about your child or children. As a mother, when you get involved in your child’s life, you will be able to see changes. We get so busy with work, and other activities, and we fail to earnestly get involved in our children’s lives. My mom was just a regular mom, always busy being a mom, taking care of her family but she never neither knew nor was sensitive to realize that someone in the house was molesting me. I don’t blame my mom for the things that happened to me, all I wish is that this should have never happened to me. The Bible says, “The thief (devil) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (abundant)”. John 10:10 You see how good God is and how evil the devil is, who will you believe? John 3:16 clearly shows us, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son. That whoever believes in him shall not perish (die) but have eternal life”. No matter what happened to you, your life has to continue, and you don’t have to do it alone but live your life in Christ Jesus. This world is a messy place, but it does not have to be that way for you. There will be wicked people in this world, but you don’t have to be the victim of their wickedness any longer. I am encouraging you to look up to Jesus, go to him in prayer and believe what his Word (Bible) is saying and live it. Matthew 11:28 says “Come unto me all you who are weary and burdened; and I will give you rest”. Jesus is our only rest, our Prince of Peace, our Healer, our Comforter and our Savior. He suffered and took up our pain upon himself in order for us to enjoy peace. It is time to step out and to speak out!!! To get your ebook go to: http://booklovers-namibia.com There is a readers preview for everyone who are ready to purchase my book. Every book purchased will help me go out to minister to many. In our country many are suffering due to molestation and the act happens everyday but no one wants to stand up and speak. God called me to be a mouth piece for many here and beyond. His grace is sufficient for me. God bless you Pauline, for giving me a platform to reach many. In His Vineyard Olivia