Silent Wounds: The Hidden Scars of Abuse
By Kateb Nuri-Alim Shunnar
Abuse comes in many forms, each leaving its own distinct scars. While physical wounds may heal with time, the damage inflicted by verbal, emotional, and spiritual abuse often cuts deeper, leaving marks that aren’t always visible to the eye but are profoundly felt within the soul. It’s the silent wounds—the ones carried in the heart and mind—that linger long after the harsh words have been spoken or the cruel actions have taken place.
Verbal abuse is often dismissed, minimized, or overlooked, but its impact can be devastating. Words have power—the power to uplift, inspire, and heal, but also the power to tear down, belittle, and destroy. When someone you trust, someone you care about, uses words as weapons, it can shatter your sense of self-worth and leave you questioning your own value. The echoes of harsh words can reverberate in your mind, eroding your confidence and planting seeds of doubt that can take years to overcome.
“You’re worthless.” “You’ll never amount to anything.” “You’re not good enough.” “You make me sick.” “You get on my nerves.” “You’re childish.” “I wish I didn’t know you.” These are the kinds of phrases that can become internalized, becoming a part of the inner dialogue that dictates how we see ourselves and our place in the world. Over time, this constant barrage of negativity can lead to deep emotional scars, causing feelings of inadequacy, helplessness, and despair. It’s as if a dark cloud settles over your spirit, blocking out the light of your true potential and the truth of your intrinsic worth.
The pain of hearing these words from someone close to you—someone you’ve trusted with your vulnerabilities—can be overwhelming. The emotional toll is immense, leaving you feeling not only devalued but also isolated. It can make you question your own reality, wondering if you truly are the problem, or if you’re deserving of such treatment. This internal conflict can lead to a profound sense of loneliness, even when surrounded by others.
Emotional abuse, closely tied to verbal abuse, is a more insidious form of harm. It’s the slow, steady erosion of your sense of self through manipulation, control, and psychological tactics meant to undermine your sense of stability and security. Emotional abuse can make you feel like you’re walking on eggshells, constantly trying to avoid conflict or the next verbal assault. It leaves you feeling isolated, misunderstood, and alone, even in the presence of others.
The hardest part about emotional and verbal abuse is that it often happens behind closed doors, in the spaces where we’re supposed to feel the safest—our homes, our relationships, our communities. It’s a type of harm that doesn’t always leave visible bruises, but the internal damage can be just as, if not more, severe. And because it’s not as outwardly apparent, it can be easy for others to dismiss or downplay what you’re experiencing.
But let me tell you this: your pain is real. Your experience is valid. And you are not alone.
In moments of deep hurt and confusion, it can feel like the Creator is distant, like the light of divine love has been obscured by the darkness of abuse. But even in those darkest moments, the Creator is there, holding you in a gentle embrace, offering a love that is unconditional and healing.
The Creator sees your pain and hears the cries of your heart, even when it feels like no one else does. The Creator is a constant source of strength, a wellspring of love that you can draw upon, especially when the world seems determined to tear you down. When verbal and emotional abuse try to convince you that you are less than, that you are unworthy, it is the Creator’s truth that reminds you of your inherent value, your beauty, and your worth.
This is why it is so important to have good people in your circle—people who truly love you, care about you, and cherish your life and well-being. Having people around you who support you in moments of rain or sunshine can make all the difference. These are the ones who will encourage you when you’re down, uplift you when you’re struggling, and celebrate with you when life is good. They are the ones who won’t neglect you, who see your value even when you can’t see it yourself, and who appreciate you for who you are, flaws and all.
Surrounding yourself with such people is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity for your emotional and spiritual well-being. These are the relationships that reflect the Creator’s love—unconditional, steadfast, and true. They are the antidote to the poison of abuse, reminding you that you are worthy of love, kindness, and respect. When you have a circle of support that holds you up and reminds you of your worth, it becomes easier to see through the lies of abuse and reclaim your power and sense of self.
Spiritual abuse, too, can compound the pain of verbal and emotional abuse, especially when those who wield power within spiritual communities use their influence to control, manipulate, or harm. When faith is twisted into a tool for oppression rather than a path to liberation, it can cause deep spiritual wounds that make it difficult to trust in the Creator’s love. Yet, even in the face of this abuse, the Creator’s light shines through, offering a path to healing and redemption.
Healing from abuse is a journey—one that requires time, patience, and an immense amount of courage. It’s about reclaiming your voice, your power, and your sense of self. It’s about surrounding yourself with people who uplift and support you, who remind you of your worth and help you rediscover the beauty that abuse tried to strip away.
And most importantly, it’s about reconnecting with the Creator, who is always there, offering love, healing, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow. The Creator's love is a balm for the soul, a light that can penetrate even the darkest of places, and a reminder that you are never truly alone.
We live in a world often blanketed by negativity, where the darkness of abuse can sometimes feel overwhelming. It’s easy to get lost in the shadows, to feel as though there’s no escape from the pain. But there is always a way forward, a path that leads back to the light. Sometimes, it means taking a step back from those who perpetuate harm, even if it’s difficult, and surrounding yourself with the warmth of positive, loving relationships that reflect the Creator’s love.
As you walk this path of healing, know that you have the strength within you to overcome the wounds of the past. The road may be long and challenging, but with each step, you move closer to a place of peace, wholeness, and freedom. You are worthy of love, worthy of kindness, and worthy of a life free from abuse.
Words can tear or heal,
In the silence, scars remain,
But light breaks the dark.
May you find the courage to speak your truth, the strength to heal your wounds, and the grace to walk in the light of the Creator’s love. You are seen, you are valued, and you are loved today and always.
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