By JoAnn Hodges

Many years ago, women suffered in silence, afraid to tell anyone what was happening to them. There weren't many support groups set up like it is today and some women feared for their lives. I was a victim of domestic violence over 20 years ago and can remember filing Protection Orders and having the door locks changed on more than one occasion.After years of being afraid of my husband, I finally took a stand and fought back. I thank God that my story didn't end in death.Because our society has become more aware and women have begun to speak up; various organizations have been established to provide support for those in need.My heart goes out to anyone who is suffering from this dreadful abuse and pray that you, too, will escape! The Domestic Abuse Hotline is 1-800-799-7233

I Thought...

"Stop" I yelled, at the top of my lungs!

"I said,Don't push me again!"

You know that you're much bigger than me.

Every fight we have, you always win.

I thought you were a true friend.

I trusted you right from the start.

You were the perfect gentleman.

I opened up and gave you my heart.

I thought you were my Prince Charming.

You were as sweet as you could be.

I guess you were just pretending.

So, you'd get to make love to me.

I thought you were my Knight in Shining Armor.

Never thought you'd do me any harm.

Didn't think I'd ever need protection from you.

Thought you'd be my shelterfrom the storm.

I thought Ihadmarried my true love.

I thought we'd be together formanyyears.

Never thought I'd be your "Punching Bag".

Never thought I'd cry so many tears.

My family and friends think I'm crazy!

I'm starting to believe I am too.

I don't understand whyI'm still in this relationship.

Whywon't I leaveand get far away from you?

Is it hope that you'll get better?

Or is it fear that has a grip?

Whatever it is, I need to figure it out.

Can't take another busted lip!

No more Restraining Orders!

No more changing the locks!

No more callingPolice to my house!

No more running down the block!

Thenightmarehas finally ended.

I was a fool for so many years!

Once I turned everything over to God,

He erased all my doubts and fears.

I have noill feelings towards you.

I hope you're enjoying your life.

I pray that you've learnedhow to treat women.

No need to abuse another wife.

JoAnn Hodges is a woman gifted with many talents. She has a full-time job with the USPS, owns and operates www.Favors4Life.com, is the founder and ministry leader of Saved, Single and Celibate Ministries, and is a writer, poet, and author of Expression of the Heart, Poetry.