Comments about ‘Elizabeth Smart a resilient example for other abuse survivors’

I love that photo of Elizabeth, she is her own person and she defines who she is. What an awesome strong woman and what a wonderful family support she has had.

Can we finally, once and for all, be done with this story? I can't wait to go a few days without any news relating to this.

But will it go away and the family really, truly, honestly move on with their lives?

Don't count on it.

Pat Reavy will have a long grey beard before that day ever arrives. And you can put that in stone.

One of my concerns for Elizabeth is how this will affect her when she eventually gets married, and experiences the intimacy of that relationship. I sincerely hope that she will not have problems leaving the memories of the abuse behind, and going ahead in a loving relationship. I'm would imagine she has had some kind of counseling beyond what her family can provide. If not, it might be wise. She is well grounded spiritually, and that is such a great support for her. She's bound to have some kinds of "flashback" memories triggered by places, or smells, or other type of memory triggers. I hope those fears and bad memories fade far, far away. Thank goodness for the Atonement and the healing blessing that is.

The fiery trials remain aflame: the haunting sweetness at the center of the First Presidency Christmas Devotional has been sweet, and healing to me:

...
What shall we give to the boy in the temple
What shall we offer the man by the sea?
Palms at his feet and hosannas uprising;
Are these for him who will carry the tree?

What shall we give to the lamb who was offered,
Rising the third day and shedding his love?
Tears for his mercy we'll weep at the manger,
Bathing the infant come down from above.

It was sure good to see that picture with the smile. She is indeed lovely and it shows.

I am happy for Elizabeth. She is blessed to have a loving, supportive family and parents who have stood by her unflinchingly the entire time. I would that every victim could have such support. It is no wonder Elizabeth is doing so well. It is possible that in the future it will come back to bite her because that is the nature of abuse. Triggers happen even to those who have done or are doing their level best to be on top of their experience. I'm glad she had her day in court to face her perpetrator and to testify against him. This court experience has helped to put it behind her. Perhaps it will reduce the effect of triggers in the future for her. I would that all victims could have such an opportunity to get it out of their system. Otherwise, it tends to run around in your brain. It is very important to the healing process to do what Elizabeth has been able to do. Let us hope other victims can find a way to do the same.