Dina

Dina bore the scars of her pre-teen years, marked not only by the physical pain inflicted by her cousin who sexually abused her but also by the profound psychological wounds of guilt and hurt. These burdens, carried from a young age, led to a toxic blend of hatred and shame within her, a heavy burden she struggled to lay down.

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In a moment of vulnerability, Dina laid her raw emotions and painful details of her past for the first time to our Arab Woman Today’s counselor. This act offered her a glimmer of relief, giving her the space to truly hear her voice amidst the chaos of her inner turmoil.

 

Guided by our counselor, Dina came to recognize that the deformity lay not within herself, but within the flawed character of her cousin. She found solace in the realization that her youthful innocence had left her unable to fully comprehend the gravity of the situation, absolving her of the burden of guilt she had carried for so long.

 

Seeking solace in her faith, Dina turned to prayer, asking for forgiveness for both her cousin and herself. Through the lens of her biblical teachings, she found a profound understanding of forgiveness, drawing strength from the example of Christ's boundless mercy. She came to see the injustices of the world as a consequence of its fallen nature, where the influence of evil seeks to fracture our connection with God.

 

Embraced by the loving arms of Christ, Dina felt the weight of her past lifted from her shoulders. With renewed clarity and purpose, she embarked on a journey of forgiveness, guided by the unwavering belief that she was not defined by her past but by the grace of her Creator.