Available September 1, 2026
Abuse Journal: Reflections of a Survivor’s Healing Journey is a collection of personal reflections written throughout a season of healing. These writings explore abuse, recovery, faith, forgiveness, resilience, and the lessons learned while finding a path forward.
More than a book, it is the culmination of years of journal entries originally shared on AbuseJournal.com. Each reflection represents a step in the journey from silence and secrecy toward truth, understanding, and healing.
The Story Behind the Book
Abuse Journal witnessed an important season of my life. It documented a healing journey through the darkness.
Before Abuse Journal, I wrote on:
- TheFullLight.com
- TheLordIsCalling.com
Both reflected a growing desire to step into the light of truth.
On October 5, 2020, I registered AbuseJournal.com with the purpose of illuminating the darkness and encouraging survivors to pursue lives of healing, freedom, and hope.
My background as a self-taught website developer influenced the direction of the blog. Outwardly, it served as a journal for other survivors. Inwardly, it became a place where I could openly confront painful memories through personal reflection and faith.
My father often said, “Don’t tell your business in public.” As a result, I learned early to keep secrets—to avoid naming the abuse or uncovering buried truths.
For forty-six years, the fear of others discovering my deepest pain followed me everywhere. I learned how to survive, but the weight of guilt, shame, and silence became increasingly difficult to carry.
Abuse Journal became a quiet place to release those burdens, reflect on painful memories, and seek understanding through the eyes of faith.
What I did not realize at the time was that each blog post contained fragments of a larger story—remnants of the past being brought out of the darkness and into the light. The insight and wisdom gained through that process became an essential part of the healing journey.
Writing The Secret Darkness
Writing my memoir, The Secret Darkness, became another important step in the truth-telling journey.
For a long time, I believed the manuscript was nearly complete. Then I realized that many of the reflections written on Abuse Journal also belonged within the memoir itself.
That is often how healing works.
The pieces emerge gradually. Memories surface. Insights connect. What once seemed scattered begins to form a clearer picture.
The writings collected in Abuse Journal: Reflections of a Survivor’s Healing Journey preserve those moments of discovery, struggle, faith, and growth.
To learn more about this part of the journey, read:
The Remnants Brought Into the Light (on abusejournal.com)
Continue the Journey
Today, Abuse Journal has grown into a faith-based resource for adult survivors of childhood abuse and domestic violence. Through personal stories, biblical wisdom, and honest reflection, it offers understanding, hope, and encouragement for those beginning the healing journey.
No matter where you are today, you are not alone. Healing is possible, hope is real, and by God’s grace, even the deepest wounds can become part of a story of restoration.
If you are beginning your healing journey, I invite you to visit Abuse Journal.
If you are ready to reflect more deeply, write your own story, and continue growing in faith, I invite you to visit The Remnants Journal.
Thank you for visiting and allowing me to be part of your journey.
L.M. CARLETON
Rescued by Grace