Blake Davidson - Scars Dont Hurt: A Story of Triumph Over Sexual Abuse

MARGARET DAVIDSON

with Blake Davidson

SCARS DONT HURT: A STORY OF TRIUMPH OVER SEXUAL ABUSE
By Margaret Davidson With Blake Davidson
Published by Creation House Press
A Charisma Media Company
600 Rinehart Road
Lake Mary, Florida 32746
www.charismamedia.com

This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwisewithout prior written permission of the publisher, except as provided by United States of America copyright law.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the King James Version of the Bible.

Scripture quotations marked NKJV are from the New King James Version of the Bible. Copyright 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc., publishers. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are from the Holy Bible, New
International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, International
Bible Society. Used by permission.

Cover design by Terry Clifton

Blake Davidsons photo by Ken Kenna

Copyright 2004 by Margaret Davidson
All rights reserved

Library of Congress Control Number: 2004102753
International Standard Book Number: 978-1-59185-560-6
E-book International Standard Book Number: 978-1-61638-904-8

05 06 07 08 98765432
Printed in the United States of America

Acknowledgments

T his book has been a labor of love and a team effort from the moment we began to write it.

Thank you Bill, my sweetheart. You are the love of my life, my soulmate, and my constant encourager. You have always believed in me, even when I didnt. I love you and thank God for you.

I wish to thank Blake, with whom I have spent countless hours talking, taping, writing, and editing, and with whom I now share an incomparable creative adventure. (Blake, I miss our special visits.) And also to my daughter-in-law, Christine, who is like my own daughter and close to my heart. Christine never once complained about the time Blake took away from the family to write, and committed countless hours editing style and content together with Jane. Thank you both.

To my girls, Shawn and Heatherthank you for being so vulnerable and for contributing to the authenticity of this book. Because you allowed your stories to be told alongside mine, many people will be helped and healed. Thank you to my understanding sons-in-law, Craig and Al, as well. I am privileged to have your unrestrained support.

To Marie Miller, who wrote the Foreword and never ceased to encourage me, and to the many who prayed over this project thank you.

Im indebted to my nephew, Rick Hiebert, who took on the massive responsibility of editing the manuscripts. Rick, thanks. My story is better written for passing through your hands.

Finally, I thank Jesus, my Savior, my Healer and my very best Friendwithout whom there is no story to tell. I owe all to you!

Contents

A s a female evangelist, I am constantly pulled aside by Christian women who are scarred by an incidentor years of sexual abuse. The wounds of the abuse are so real, the memories so hauntingand yet many do not know in whom they can confide.

It was only in the latter years of our relationship as prayer partners that Margaret unveiled her tragic story to me. I would never have suspected the extremity of it, as Margaret has been so completely healed that even the emotional scars do not show. Margaret revealed her story of restoration and grace one hot summer day as we were sitting on a memorable rock by a cottage interceding to God for our unsaved families.

Every person needs to read this book; not only to understand the deep issues of abuse, but more importantly, to sense the grace of God and to be encouraged in the power of prayer. Many women do not feel they will ever be totally healed. This story demonstrates the mighty and complete work of the Healer, Jesus Christ. As the story unfolds, families, pastors and counselors will gain a glimpse into the secret chambers that many are trapped in yet are too afraid to talk about. Some chapters may seem horrifying, but we are cautioned in the Word of God not to be offended by the truth. Both Margaret and her family have made themselves vulnerable in order to bless others and bring healing to many who are being held captive by their realities.

The title of this book is fitting: Scars Dont Hurt. As you get to know Margaret and follow the passages of her life, you can find strength for your journey of pain and find the courage to help others. Anyone who reads this book will gain insight they never had before and will better grasp the complexities of sexual abuse. I myself am able to serve others more compassionately after having read the story of how God took Margaret from pain and shame to peace and complete restoration.

REV. MARIE MILLER

BY BLAKE DAVIDSON

T he first time I heard the story you are about to read, I was sitting on the kitchen counter beside the sink after helping Mom dry some dishes. We had been engrossed in a conversation about God and His grace, and how He can heal anything and make it new.

Mom and I often had these conversations, but this one was special. That day she told me that she thought it was about time I knew what her childhood had been like and how God had rescued and healed her. I remember sitting with fascination and curiosity, and thinking, What does she need to be rescued from? As she began to reveal what her family life was like, I soon realized it had been nothing like ours; the lady I knew simply as Mom was an incredible woman. In those moments as I sat on the kitchen counter, my mom became my hero.

A couple of years later when I was in my mid-teens, full of aspirations to become a writer, I told Mom that her story would make a terrific book. Then I took a presumptuous leap and shared that whenever she felt right about putting it all on paper, I would love to write it. She said she didnt know if God would ever lead her to do that; but if He did, she would certainly give me the opportunity.

During the years that followed, the urge to write Moms story never left me. We spoke often about our special projectbut the time wasnt right, the busyness of our lives and ministries didnt allow for it, and Mom didnt yet feel God nudging her in that direction. During the Christmas season in 1999, the subject came up once again. Mom had been having some heart problems and other health issues, and I said something I often said in passing: Mom, nothing can happen to you until I get your signature on a book. Neither of us said any more about it.

Three months later Mom called me. She was very excited on the phone and said, Its time Blake. Its time to write this book!

She had been at a womens ministries meeting at her church, and Evangelist Peggy Kennedy, a special woman of God, was the speaker. After Kennedy shared, she began to pray with some of the ladies at the front and Mom went to look for a box of tissues. Suddenly, Peggy stopped praying and began looking for Mom. She said she had a special word from God specifically for Margaret Davidson, and she asked some others to find her.

As Mom reentered the room, Peggy said, Margaret, Ive never given a word like this to anyone before, but I feel strongly that God has something to say to you.