how do you talk to an entire church about being raped

i have no idea what to do, im horrible with talking to large groups about normal stuff and then you throw in me being raped...my pastor wants me to give testimony, but i have no idea what to say, please help!

You could approach it as a third person, an outsider telling the story of another person. This is often one of the ways to deal with a subject in public that you have not dealt with within yourself.

For starters...

I would like to discuss the impact of rape has on it's victem. Many people fail to realize that not only is the individual physically assualted, but they are also mentally assualted as well.

While dealing with the aftemath of rape one seems to lose all security that was previousely known to them. Their foundation is suddenly torn apart as if an earthquake had struck and there is little left in the pile of rumble for them to begin to rebuild.

......

Continue on talking about your experience, emotionally, physically, mentally, ect...

I hope this helps..

--Sher

Just tell your story from the heart. I go to church and have heard many testimonies, and honestly, no one cares if it's perfect or how long or short it is. What gets their attention, or mine anyways, is not what words a person uses or the 'dramatic flare' or emotions they may add to it, but it's the honest heartfelt feeling when someone simply just goes and tells their story. But keep it simple, but make sure it's from the heart and exactly hwo you feel. Share how God has helped you through it all. Know what I mean?

Take Care and God Bless =)

Sarah-Joy

PS and at the same time, like Terrified mentioned above if you're not completely comfortable or ready to do this, then don't rush yourself. Give it time, and ask for help.

I agree with Sher then at the end say " I know how it is because I was that person."

i think everyone whos posted is right, if you're not completely comfortable, dont do it. but it could do much for toehr people.. and i lke the idea of a 3rd person veiw. and the ending with i shoudl know .. or whatever.

what ever you choose to do, be brave hon.. i hope things work out..

You could write it and get the pastor to read it. When you have been through something you can help others understand and learn from your experience. I can talk for instance about depression on the net where its faceless and safe but I cant tell anyone in person let alone a full church. I'm sure the pastor will understand and he can read it like a letter. Have strength and remember to speak from the heart.

Elisha

well see, i dont have a problem talking about it when its just a couple people and if i have someone there who knows, then i just look at them, but i have low selfesteem and i cant talk to large groups.its just weird for me, i cant even look a single person in the eyes...

Terrified - I know it's hard going to court, but at least you have a chance of getting him put away, and if it isn'c successfull..at least you tried. That isnt sposed to sound pessimistic or anything, I just mean that a very small percentage of accused rapists actually get convicted because the criminal justice system is so fucking screwed up - it;s the victim that has to stand up in court and prove he was guilty, whereas it SHOULD be the accused trying to prove he's innocent. it's fucked up, and well..yeah..good luck love

yeah, i wish i would of had the courage to tell someone cuz i found out later that he tried the same thing to another friend of ours from the neighborhood.i was just way too scared at the time so props to you for doing that!

well i think you emailed me..did you get my email?? well if not i will just talk on here or you can email me back...i think i can help....i wrote my suicide speech so i think i can help just give me a write back always Mandz

mandz, i got ur email but my computers messing up and wont let me email for some reason so ill email you when i get back to school.we had a snow day today tohugh so i couldnt write.

you can do it!!!

i know it seems hard, and you might not even know everyone you're talking to... but just try to find a way to make them undertand, because if you can prevent even one person from having the same thing happen to them... you're saving them...

ok cool thats sounds great i get to read my speech on thursday so i will be able to help no worries. but just keep me posted on here okay ttyl. Mandz