Day 3 Hope challenge

Nachelle’s Story

When I was 14 years old, I went to a summer camp. It was a great week. As the week unfolded, I made friends, grew closer to the two friends I went with, and learned how to do a back flip. Throughout the week I noticed there was a lot of construction going on. The men working on it did not seem to be part of the camp staff and kept to themselves. With only two days left in week, I ended up needing to run out the back door. All I remember is that I was too hot. I had a pink long sleeve turtleneck on. I still don’t know why. It was the middle of the summer. Once I got outside, I remember the fresh air hitting my face and being happy, and then I remember a hand clamping onto my forearm. I never saw the man coming, it was the orange he wore that indicated he was one of the construction workers. From there, I was pulled to the side of the building, and I was scared of being killed. I was made to perform oral sex and afterwards was struck on the head with something hard. I’m not sure if that is why I passed out, or if was all just too much.

I waited 4 years before I told another soul on the earth. I remember wondering why no one knew. I wondered how my mom could avoid reading what was written on my face. How my best friend missed the random outbursts of tears. I would say to myself over and over "No one sees me, no one knows me."

Years later I was given the gift of a very specific name for God; El Roi, the God who sees me. The God who sees ME. My God sees and knows me. My God sees and knows you. 

Prayer for the Day

God, in a world where I don’t feel seen. I know you see me. You are my El Roi, “The God Who Sees Me” I know you walk with me in my pain. Please walk with me today.