Dave Moody is one of the survivors featured in Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children® child sexual abuse prevention training. In the video below and the blog post that follows, Dave shares in his own words his survivor story and his journey to healing.
My story is one that you might have heard before.
Born and raised in a loving household, I was sexually abused by my babysitter. Unable to tell my parents, I carried this experience into adulthood.
Still, I got married, had two children, raised them with my loving wife Karla, and built a successful construction company in Atlanta, Georgia USA.
One fateful day, after learning that another family member of my wife had been sexually abused, I told Karla about my own childhood sexual abuse (CSA). The aftermath of revealing that devastating secret almost killed me.
When you hold something for 26 years, even though I could bury it, it would always come up. My body started falling apart. Sudden panic attacks. A complete nervous breakdown. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Fear, shame, embarrassment, guilt, self-doubt, and worry.
It took years of proper counseling, a loving and safe environment, building my spiritual faith, and deciding to unilaterally forgive my abuser that gave me the strength to face my past, live in the present, and speak truth to other CSA survivors. I decided that I wanted to do something to help other survivors find the strength to speak their truth. The blog Moody Speaks was born.
Moody Speaks is my way of helping those who are on the journey of healing from CSA, as well as those who are waiting to take the first step. The goal is to share important information and show that we survivors that can do incredible things in our lives, be happy, and not let our pasts control us.
I encourage you to visit Moody Speaks and read some of the stories there. Know that the courage and strength of these survivors was rooted in taking a first step on their healing journey. This journey is there for all of us, once we’re ready.
Note:
Darkness to Light would like to acknowledge that although Dave’s journey included forgiveness of his abuser, we realize that this is only one path. Every survivor has their own experience and that the road to recovery is different for everyone.
Dave Moody lives in Atlanta, GA with his wife, Karla. He is the owner of C.D. Moody Construction Company and has helped build many of Atlanta’s famed architectural structures. Dave also runs his blog, “Moody Speaks,” which provides a way of helping those who are on the journey of healing from child sexual abuse, as well as those who waiting to take the first step. Visit Moody Speaks at www.moodyspeaks.com.
I commend you for telling your story C. David. It will help many to read and to see that exposing secrets & getting out traumatic pain is healing. You are a very brave & courageous man and I wish you all the best on your road to recovery. I will pray w you that God continues this good work & that you feel His love, peace & comfort.
I just saw your video. May God bless you and your family. You will never know how many peoples’ lives have been touched by your heart and your words. By sharing your story, you’ve opened doors for so many people who’ve been locked up for so long.