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Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2006 14:24:38 GMT -7
Hi, this is Mallory hailing from nothern New Mexico. I have been masturbating since around puberty, but I didn't know exactly what I was doing, didn't even know the word masturbation. I did know that it probably wasn't right, but wasn't positive, and that sure isn't much of a sword against masturbation, especially considering the heart factors that were at work. I kept it a secret, although my step dad suspected something, on top of other accusations that actually weren't true. I discovered what it was called after reading Not Even a Hint by Josh Harris, but I still was not at the point of feeling like it was a serious enough issue to go through telling someone ( must be some kind of issue if I'm ashamed of it, right?). I have since moved out, where masturbation and unlimited eating( esp. craving sugar and chocolate) have increased. These are related in that they are both self comfort, but they feed off of each other in the guilt that they produce. The biggest wake up call though, is how the mental effect is ruling me in my everyday life at work, at martial arts( not anymore- I got asked to leave based on my emotional instability- never been told to leave anything before), and with my friends. My biggest struggle is the emotional rollercoaster that I'm on- I can go from happy and carefree to deadly silent, which leads into tears if aloud the time. I do have father wound issues, isolation issues, and difficulty even getting an idea of grace. Masturbation is really just the outward part of what hurts so bad- but at least it is a wake up call. I have also found myself to be very vulnerable when men try to arouse me sexually- I do not have the strength to walk away most of the time, despite the fact that I have only had two boyfriends, both fairly short term. The first did nothing, but the relationship that I just got out of- well- I hesitatingly allowed everything but actual intercourse and kissing on my lips( two things that I objectively vowed to give no one but my husband). The bad part is that, despite the fact that I realized it was wrong, now when I start thinking about him, I often feel the urge to mastubate, and have done so more since I broke it off with him. I just need help digging up and dealing with heart issues, discovering grace, and avoiding the outer symptom of it all- masturbation
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Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2006 21:22:24 GMT -7
curlygirl,
I appreciate your transparent sharing. It actually sounds like you have an good understanding of some of the heart issues involved which is often the first huge step towards healing! I only have a moment to respond righ now, but wanted you to know you were prayed for and to ask you if you have any sort of counselor or support system where you are?
With care, Captivated
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Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2006 14:01:47 GMT -7
Dear captivated,
Thanks so much for replying. It was kind of a thrill that someone replied so fast, even though in some ways I didn't want to check my email- didn't want to deal with it I guess. As to your questions, I don't have a counselor, and I don't think there is a support group in Chama, the closest "larger town". I do have an incredible lady that I work with, who has addressed her notice of my emotional rollercoaster, but also encouraged me somewhat to continue the relationship with the man that I ended up going too far with. She was not at all in approval of what happened, but she felt that I didn't give myself a chance, and said that there were "other ways to have fun". I also have a couple of really great girlfriends that enjoy deep,soul- searching conversation, but somehow I feel like I would come across as a very needy, draining kind of person. They are a little older, but I don't want to add that stress somehow. I think I need someone tough, that will tell me when I screw up. My Mom is an option, as we have been quite close all of my growing up years, but she has so much on her plate already without worrying about me. I guess I am reluctant to even seek out a counselor, because I feel like I can somehow get through this- or should- with the help of my Abba alone. Yet I am isolated too. I don't know. But at any rate, there's a long answer to a short question.
Thanks so much, curlygirl
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Post by Deleted on Aug 31, 2006 6:46:47 GMT -7
Hi curlygirl! While friends are a blessing as is family, I wouldn't necessarily recommend using them as your accountability group/person. God may open those doors with a certain friend, but I'd want to be certain it was really clear before sharing anything. On the other hand, I have several friends I can share anything with and they'll still love me...and share their "stuff" with me for prayer as well! So, just pray and ask God to show you what will be most healthy for you and see how He opens doors. There are also some support groups over the phone available to women who want to get free. If you're interested, I'll get the information to you. I know a woman doing one such group right now and gaining more and more freedom as she does! Counseling? Anyone who's overcome this with a great degree of success will tell you, you cannot do it alone!!! Whether it's counseling with a counselor experienced with this or a support group or both, you will need support. About that guy friend....I guess I'd advise not being in contact for a time....you can tell him you need a time of personal seeking God for some things. If he respects you and supports you in this...and this relationship is something blessed by God, then it will only make it stronger for you to do this. If he doesn't respect you, but pressures you or your relationship fizzles, then you can thank God for making things clear as well! I'd just be really sure you are personally strong emotionally and spiritually prior to entering a relationship with another man! I really do admire you for sharing here, by the way! You're a blessing! With compassion, Captivated
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Post by Deleted on Aug 31, 2006 19:10:51 GMT -7
Dear Captivated,
I'm suprised that your online right now! It is 11:45 mountain time, and I just got off my late shift at the restaurant. Thanks so much for the advice, I'll have to consider it. For some reason, getting a couselor sounds so serious. I feel like if I could just get the heart issues cleared out, if I exercise greater decisiveness when tempted, then things would clear up. I feel like you are probably right, but I've always shyed away from most organizations. I don't go to church, mainly because I don't really seem to fit with any of them that are here. Aside from that, last time I did try a church again, I had a really bad experience with one of the guys there- one of the older guys that is soposed to protect, not take advantage of a young girl's physical and mental weariness. Mike did give me the email for Michelle, a lady that does over the phone support groups. While this may help, I feel like I want to talk to a real person, a person who will ask me the tough questions and lead me to what to do with the answers. I see a lot of what is causing my problems, but the question is " what next?".
Concerning the fellow that I was having problems with, he is already out of the picture, such that I told him that we should not even talk on the phone. So much seemed contrary to what I believed, that, even though it still hurts sometimes, I ended it. I seem to try going out with someone about once a year, and then draw back either being hurt or hurting someone. That is the absolute worst part about this last man is that I hurt him so badly. Because communication was so difficult, I don't think he ever will fully understand why I let him go. I must say though, it feels good to not be in agony over whether to continue or cease. I am glad that it is over, and I don't ever plan to get in that situation again. Right now I just need to focus on getting over all this mess inside. Thank you so so much for being the support you are. just affirming that I need to get serious about this is a big help, since I've been riding the fence for so long. May the heavenly father bless you!
curlygirl
PS. If you don't mind, what area of the country do you live in? Just curious.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 5, 2006 12:21:26 GMT -7
Hey, Curlygirl! Sorry it took me so long to respond...all of the Labor Day festivities kept me fairly busy! How about you? Did you get your break yet? I live in Kentucky, by the way! I'm not sure how long I have to answer you now because my kids will be needing me again soon, thus the reason I'm on so late at times!!! BUT, I wanted you to know I appreciate all you've shared and that you do want to do what it takes to be free of the things which have weighed you down for so long, no matter what! Of all the things you mentioned, I'd really like to encourage you to do one thing. I know you think joining the group Mike told you about would not be as personal, but it's a really good place to start because you get to hear what has helped other women and to learn from them...and believe me, hearing from different people with different personalities and various stories can be deeply personal and bless you more than you know....and help you understand yourself and why you may get into these relational cycles with men when you just may need the time to heal and focus on your own recovery! As you learn to share and to trust one another, you become bonded together in fighting for one another to be free of this as well! Plus, it sounds like it would be done with an experienced and caring woman to guide you! Please consider it and let me/us know so we can pray for you! With care, Captivated
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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2006 18:24:53 GMT -7
Hi Mallory,
I'm praying for you also. The best wisdom has already been ably shared by Captivated. :-)
TruthSeeker
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Post by Deleted on Sept 10, 2006 16:37:20 GMT -7
Truthseeker,
Thanks for getting in the boat with me on this. I need a lot of prayer, esp. right now. Every time I drift from spending time with Elohim, listen to certain types of music, or start overeating ( well, I guess there are other factors too), I become severely tempted, and cave. I did cave tonight, but what's strange is that I don't seem guilty enough for the action. I don't like it, or my objective mind doesn't anyway, but I often see it as just a sign that I'm drifting in other areas of my life. And, I still haven't contacted that lady. I just don't think "sex addict" really fits me. I see the masturbation as a small issue compared to the turmoil beneath it. I just don't know what to do, and frankly, I stayed away from the site for a while because I didn't want to think about it and I wasn't being particularly tempted. Sometimes just talking about the problem makes me think about it and makes it harder than if I just ignored that I do have a problem. Well, thanks again for your prayers; now I just need to pray too!
curlygirl
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Post by Deleted on Sept 11, 2006 12:12:00 GMT -7
Hi,
www.celebraterecovery.org
(If that doesn't work, try .com.)
I haven't fully explored their website, but it may have some resources that might be worthwhile. They have groups around the country, which are not specific to a particular type of recovery. They cover "hurts, habits and hangups."
Continuing to pray...
TruthSeeker
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