Note to readers: This post is the first in a three-part series. I met author Wendy Blight last year and, given the national conversation that’s taking place about sexual violence, particularly on college campuses, I found her story both relevant and redemptive. JB
“I hesitated, then spoke three words I never thought I would utter: ‘I was raped.'”
Wendy Blight had a seemingly perfect life. Voted a “Baylor Beauty,” engaged to be married to her college sweetheart, job offer in hand as she graduated – it was all working out exactly as she had planned. But then, after a leisurely afternoon by the pool with her friends on a muggy Texas day, she returned to her apartment and found a masked man waiting for her, wielding a large knife.
What followed was a horrific crime, and then a 15-year journey to find answers: Where was God when I was attacked? How can my rapist go unpunished? Can I ever feel safe? Will I ever just be normal again?
In her compelling book, Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner: The Transforming Power of God’s Story,Wendy 
tells how, after the assault, fear and doubt became the driving force in her life. I imagine that anyone who has ever been the victim of sexual violence would readily understand Wendy’s torment. For those who have not experienced that pain, the honesty in her story opens the door to a deeper level of empathy, offering valuable insight into how to come alongside those who are hurting.
If you’ve been around this blog for awhile, you know I love the University of Virginia, and right now I am privileged to be part of a group of students, alumni, and faculty members who are working to assess (and improve) the school’s climate and culture, particularly as it relates to sexual assault. We’ve talked with legal experts, law enforcement officers, bystander education advocates, professional counselors and a host of other brilliant and compassionate people, and I am encouraged by the progress that’s being made. New policies and procedures are taking shape, and more and more students are stepping forward to help one another.
Perhaps nowhere, though, have I seen the path to hope and healing charted so clearly as it is in Hidden Joy. Because she has “been there,” and because she doesn’t try to gloss over her anger or her confusion, Wendy’s story resonates with truth. And when she begins to trust God – to see his hand in her life, working for good purposes, even in the midst of her pain – it makes you want to stand up and cheer. It’s like watching a prisoner step out into the light.
I wish I could put a copy of Hidden Joy into the hands of everyone who has ever been a victim, or who has ever wanted to help a friend find hope amid the ashes of suffering. I can’t do that, but sweet Wendy has offered to send a free, signed copy of her book to someone who posts a comment on this blog – we’ll pick a giveaway winner at random and announce that on Wednesday.
I’m also turning this space over to Wendy for the next two days. Tomorrow, she’ll recap her story and offer a free chapter of the book to anyone who would like to read more. And Wednesday’s post will feature strategies for staying safe, insights Wendy first shared on Oprah Radio and now offers to us. They’re commonsense tips, but important ones – and, if you’re like me, you’ll want to forward them to your children, your friends, and anyone else who will listen.
(3.18.15 – Congratulations to Helen Roberts of Virginia Beach, who will soon be receiving her complimentary copy of Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner – and thank you, Wendy!)
Jodie, thank you for having me on your blog today. It means so much to be a voice in this conversation. It breaks my heart every time a story comes across the news about another sexual assault on a college campus. Yes, because as a victim it brings back memories, and I know that pain and the long road to recovery. But also because I know that change is possible. It will come when we, as a society, commit (as UVA is doing) to educate college women AND men, administrators and professors on this topic. As we stand together to make change, we will breathe new ways of thinking and behaving into the college environment.
Blessings,
Wendy
I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and have been blessed by Wendy Blight’s ministry!! Thanks, Wendy for being transparent 🙂
It is because of my sexual assault, and stories like this that confirms my calling 2 years ago at age 51 to become a Christian counselor. I start my practicums soon, please pray for God’s guidence in where He would have me do my practicums.
Praying now. Thanks so much for your comment – and for your heart to help others. May the Lord bless you as you pursue this calling. Psalm 25:9 – “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.”
Wendy’s story is truly inspiring.
I love Wendy. I love her blog. I love her inScribe study so that, but have not read this book.
Amen to all of that! Wendy’s book, Living So That, is a terrific resource for anyone looking to make sense out of life’s trial and learn how to let their light shine “so that” people will praise our Father in heaven!
Thank you for sharing your story, Wendy. As a mom of a college student, I am looking forward to reading your comments on Jodie’s blog.
Susie, you will appreciate Wendy’s post tomorrow. I am sharing her story will all of my children – and asking them to forward her insights to their friends. Praying for your college student right now… 🙂
It’s a blessing to read each of your comments, Emmy, Carol, Nita, Annette, and Suz. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and share your heart, thoughts, and kind words of encouragement.
Annette, praying now for God to give you perfect recall of all you have learned and need to know for your practicums. May He bless the work of your hand as you ready yourself to serve the hurting and broken in His Kingdom…to use your test to be a beautiful testimony of His healing power.
Blessings,
Wendy
I so appreciate you touching on such an important issue! I’ve been a victim of sexual abuse in the past and the scars it leaves are unlike any other. I love how open and honest Wendy is about what she’s been through and how God helped her through it! This book looks like a great read!
It IS a good read – told with honesty and a HUGE amount of HOPE. Thanks for your comment – we are all grateful for Wendy’s willingness to share her story. JB
As someone who is just starting out in ministry, young women who have experienced the kind of pain that rape and assault can bring are the very people I hope to reach. Thank you so very much for writing this and I pray that your words can help teach people that the road to recovery is truly possible.
God bless.
Thank you for commenting – like you, I am so grateful for Wendy’s ministry. JB
Thank you, Wendy, for sharing your story. Places such as that bring a feeling of isolation, there is a need for strong women like you to stand up and say, “me too”. The enemy seeks to isolate, but the Kingdom of God is a community. As a woman in ministry, and working on my counseling certification, this is something I see often. Prayers and blessings in your ministry. <3
Yes! The “me too” factor is huge – thank you, Brittany, for what you are doing to let women know they are not alone. JB
Thank-you for sharing your story Wendy! You are truly an inspiration! God bless your ministry!
Thank you for posting. I agree – Wendy is inspiring! JB
I would really like to read this book and share it with my daughter who started college this year.
Please do! And please be sure to forward today’s blog – 3.18.15 – to your daughter. Wendy’s strategies for staying safe are so valuable – I am sharing them with all four of my children today! Jodie
HJ is still one of my absolutely favorite books. God’s work is truly transforming!
He is! And you are right – that book has POWER. Thanks for commenting!