Violence and a Time to Heal

Puede ser que seamos complicados como personas o que seamos difíciles de entendernos en nuestras relaciones o que no compartiéramos las mismas opiniones. Pero eso nunca justifica la violencia. No a la violencia verbal, emocional, física – Nunca.
We may be complicated as people and we may be difficult to understand in our relationships, and we may not share the same opinions. But, that never justifies violence. No to verbal, emotional and physical violence - Never.

Sacramento, California, March 2010

Una buena amiga mía lo ha pasado bastante mal. Me confesó que lo mas doloroso para ella ha sido la gran disilusión y decepción que ha llevado de haber dado lo mejor de sí, de su persona, a un hombre que continuaba maltratandole con sus acciones, palabras y juegos psicológicos. En sus momentos débiles le duele inmensamente el hecho de que un esposo de tantos años no le tratara con más respeto. ¿Cómo es posible? Ella se había dado de una manera que casi no le quedaba nada – siempre hacía todo para ser la mujer, madre y amante que él quería. Pero nadie cambia lo que no está dispuesto a cambiar. Y yo sé que no había nada más que ella pudiera haber hecho diferente para cambiar su situación. 
Afortunadamente, esta última vez que nos reunimos observé en ella que se ha empezado a sanar. Finalmente, se ha dado cuenta de que no ha tenido la culpa por ese maltrato y mal genio. La veo cada vez más fuerte. Hasta de ella ha surgido una firmeza de carácter, como si su ser gritara, “Hay que Vivir!”

A good friend of mine has had a really bad time. She confessed to me that the most painful part for her has been the great disappointment and betrayal that she's experienced from having given the best of herself, of her person to a man who continually mistreats her with his actions, words and psychological games. In her weak moments the immense pain of the fact that her husband of so many years doesn't treat her with more respect is intolerable. How is that possible? She has given of herself sacrificially, in such a way that there isn't much left to give - she always did all to be the wife, mother and lover that he wanted. But, no-one changes who doesn't want to change. And I know that there wasn't anything else that she could have done differently to change her situation. 
Fortunately, I observed in her this last time we were together that she has begun to heal. Finally, she has noticed that the mistreatment and anger isn't her fault. I am seeing her stronger each time. There is even a noticeable rising up of strength of character in her that I hadn't noticed before as if something inside her were shouting, "It's time to Live!
(Finally translated to English 2.14.13)

Y la Paz de Dios, que sobrepasa todo entendimiento, guardará vuestros corazones y vuestros pensamientos en Cristo Jesus. 
Filipenses 4:7
And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 
Philippians 4:7