It’s easy to look at a survivor who’s struggling and think that they are weak. Even if you don’t say anything, if you entertain those thoughts it will affect your relationship with that survivor.

Please work on looking at us (yes, I’m a survivor too) clearly. If you look at us through God’s eyes you will eventually see that we are strong and brave, even though we may not see it. You will catch a glimpse of the struggles we’ve lived through. You’ll see how days are filled with challenges and nights are filled with restless dreams and memories; you’ll begin to understand how each step has been an effort, how each day must be navigated even when we have no hope, and you’ll learn to respect our relentless courage.

So of course we’re not perfect. I’m sure you know that no one is. But we’ve had to be brave, and resilient, and resourceful just to stay alive. If you are lucky enough to know a survivor who has disclosed to you, pray and ask God to help you recognize their strength and bravery. Pray for humility so that you can honor their dignity; pray for godly wisdom so you can extend hope. And give God thanks for their courage.