The Story of Hiba
For as long as I can remember, my life was filled with pain. At home, I faced constant violence; my father and brother once beat me so severely I thought I would die, and my mother encouraged them. I felt worthless, broken, and completely alone. Depression consumed me, and fear shadowed every moment. I lost trust in myself, and the thought of ending my life became a dark escape. I even questioned God, wondering why He allowed so much suffering in my life.
When I first began counseling with AWT, I was crushed physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I had no work, no income, and no freedom to continue my education. My family refused to support me and denied me the chance to study or earn my own living. My world was full of despair, and I couldn’t see a way forward. The pain from the beatings left me not only bruised on the outside, but shattered on the inside. I arrived at my first session with almost no trust in myself, convinced that my life had no worth and no future.
But in those sessions, something began to change. My counselor gave me space to pour out my pain and fears without judgment. She listened with patience and compassion, helping me release years of fear, anger, and hopelessness. She taught me how to face the suicidal thoughts that haunted me and encouraged me to call her whenever I felt close to harming myself. She guided me to recognize my challenges and break them down, teaching me small steps to handle them rather than being crushed under their weight. For the first time, I began to sense that I was not completely powerless.
Slowly, I began to see that I had strengths inside me that I had never recognized before. Through AWT counseling, I discovered that I could express my feelings instead of hiding them, that I could say no to abuse, and that I had the right to protect myself. My counselor helped me build skills to face moments of fear, to calm my anxious thoughts, and to believe that I was capable of more than just surviving. She even referred me to a doctor who could help me manage the deep depression and physical symptoms I carried from years of trauma.
It was also through AWT that I began to encounter Jesus in a real and personal way. In the midst of my darkness, I slowly realized something I had never believed before: God loves me. Not for what I could do, not for what I deserved, but simply because I am His. I began to understand that my life has value in His eyes, that my pain does not define me, and that even in the deepest suffering, God gives hope. This truth changed everything. I could see that I was not abandoned, that there was a future for me, even if I could not see it yet. I started to believe that He had a purpose for my life, a life beyond despair.
Week by week, I felt freedom. Painful memories began to lose some of their power over me, and I started experiencing peace in my heart. I learned to recognize and challenge negative thoughts, to face my fears with courage, and to rebuild my confidence step by step. I was no longer the girl who wanted only to die. I had found hope, purpose, and the assurance that God was walking with me every step.
Today, I continue to grow, receiving counseling and support to help me overcome depression and fear. But I am no longer trapped by my past. Through AWT, I met Jesus, the One who gives strength when I am weak, courage when I am afraid, and joy when I have forgotten what it felt like. I now believe that my life has meaning, that I am loved and valued by God, and that one day I can help others find the same freedom and hope I have discovered.