Mai was born in Iraq, in a home where the Christian faith was twisted to justify violence. Her mother died when she was only 10, and from then on, her father—who claimed to be a Christian—treated her with extreme harshness, saying he was carrying out 'God's wrath.' She grew up believing she didn't deserve love, compassion, or care. 'I accepted everything: the verbal abuse, the low self-esteem, the lack of self-love. I thought I wasn't worthy of anything,' Mai recalls in an interview.
The patriarchal culture of the Middle East made her feel even more trapped. At age 14, her family moved to New York City, but the change of country brought no relief. On the contrary, her father's abusive behavior intensified, and he exerted an unhealthy control over every aspect of her life.
The Double Life of a Teenager
At school, Mai seemed like an ordinary young woman, but at home she lived a nightmare. 'I led a double life; no one knew what was happening, not even my Middle Eastern friends,' she says. Her father forbade her from wearing her hair down, and when she disobeyed, she was severely punished. Physical and psychological violence were constant, and Mai felt she had nowhere to run.
The Turning Point
In the midst of despair, Mai began to question the faith her father claimed to have. She remembers hearing sermons about a God of love, but seeing only oppression at home. Then a friend invited her to a local church. 'That was the first time I truly felt God's love,' she says. She started reading the Bible and found hope in verses like
'The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want' (Psalm 23:1, ESV).
The Escape and the Encounter with Jesus
At age 17, Mai made the courageous decision to run away from home. With the help of church members, she found shelter and began a new life. 'Jesus gave me the strength to leave that situation. He showed me that I was valuable to Him,' she testifies. Today, Mai is an advocate for women's rights and shares her testimony to encourage other abuse victims.
She found emotional healing through faith. 'God restored my self-esteem. Now I know I am unconditionally loved,' she says. Mai also dedicates herself to helping refugees and immigrants facing similar situations.
What the Bible Says About Abuse and Oppression
God's Word is clear in condemning violence and abuse. In Psalm 72:12-14 (ESV), we read: 'For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight.'
God never approves of abuse, even when practiced by someone who claims to be religious. Jesus came to bring freedom, not slavery. 'So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed' (John 8:36, ESV).
A Message of Hope
If you are going through an abusive situation, know that God sees your pain and wants to set you free. Don't be afraid to seek help. Christ's church is called to be a refuge for the oppressed. 'Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest' (Matthew 11:28, ESV).
May Mai's story inspire you to trust God and seek the true freedom that only He can give. Reflect: how can you be an instrument of healing for someone who suffers?
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