Using Evil for Good (Kara Campbell)

TRIGGER WARNING: SEXUAL ASSAULT

I used to struggle with the idea that God allowed truly evil things to happen to people. I didn’t understand it until he allowed one of the worst events in my life to take place. Even in the midst of my trouble, I didn’t see how God could use something so evil. The thing is, God saw how he could use my pain, and I am so glad he did.

2018/19 was supposed to be my year(s). I was a freshman in college, and had my eye set

on being a lawyer. After years of heartache due to various events in life, I began to live a life of blatant sin. I was living a life full of alcohol and drug abuse, extreme sexual immorality,

hatefulness, and self doubt. I was running far away from God. The direction that I was headedwas down a scary path. God redirected that path in a way I did not expect.

January 19, 2019, I attended a house party with a close male friend. We were playing

drinking games, and I became blackout drunk. I don’t remember the rest of the night. I only

remember waking up the next morning naked, with bruises around my neck and arms. I

remember texting him to ask what happened. I could feel what had happened but I didn’t want to believe it. He confirmed my suspicions and asked me to go buy emergency contraceptives. He raped me. My heart shattered. How had I ended up here?Was it my fault? The shame was overwhelming, so I hid. I stayed silent until I couldn’t look at myself in the mirror.

I went forward to the police and pressed charges. It was one of the hardest things that I

have ever done, to relive something that I couldn’t remember, only feel. Our mutual friends

didn’t believe me. They went to the police and claimed that I was lying and backed him up by claiming that my past sexual habits prove that it was most likely consensual. They became

violent. Following me around campus trying to physically assault me for coming forward. The

police were called for my protection multiple times and I ended up in a Title IX protection

program. I was losing everything and was scared for my life. I decided to leave school and drop the charges. I wanted to run from my shame.

I spent the next year trying to heal. I begged God to do something.I felt useless and

unworthy. I knew my lifestyle opened up the opportunity for this evil experience. Though I hadn’t realized it at the time, God began moving the puzzle pieces. I moved to Athens Alabama, and I began attending a bible study with my mom where God began to speak to me. He began to whisper songs of love to me and my broken pieces began to heal, but I still kept God at arms length. Not long after, my husband Scottie came into my life. I was scared of men and relationships. However, God used him to heal the broken parts of me and show me that I am safe and worthy of love. We got married and later had our daughter Noelle. Becoming a mother was a huge piece of healing my relationship with my body after trauma. However, I knew something was still missing.

After a few months of attending Discovery Church, I came to the understanding that I was

not whole because God was not the center of my life. I then fully devoted my heart to him, and everything changed. He has given me purpose. I am blessed to use my pain and spread the reforming love God gave me through worship. I won’t say there aren’t days that I struggle. But leaning on God to steady me in those storms has been the answer. If you have experienced a similar situation, know these things: You are not alone. It’s not your fault. God is strengthening you for your purpose.

What happened doesn’t define you, God does.

Verses:

Isaiah 61:7-8

1 John 3:1

Isaiah 54:10

Psalm 9:9-10

---

A little bit about Kara...

Hello! My name is Kara Campbell. I am 25 years old. I am married to my wonderful husband Scottie, and we are blessed with our beautiful daughter, Noelle. I am blessed to serve in ministry at Discovery Church as well as the TTS worship team! I am hoping that sharing a bit of my heart will help another woman going through a tough time to see Jesus’ love.