Photo: Anna Sjoblom, Unsplash

Soul Shelter

Notes from one woman’s journey through emotional abuse, to my AAPI faith sisters.

You are beloved. You are not alone. Welcome to a safe, listening space that believes in and blesses your belovedness.

…………………..

A blog created to support AAPI women of faith who are navigating emotionally abusive relationships.


 

About

I am an AAPI artist, poet, coach, and facilitator working at the intersection of grief and joy. Emotional abuse is part of my history. I have survived, and continue to find healing and wholeness on the other side. It’s a work in progress.

This blog has been created because you are completely(!) worthy of love and respect. Emotional abuse can wipe that truth from your memory. No more.

It’s time for a new chapter of remembering and healing for us all.

Welcome. :)


 
 
  • We are not therapists, a help line, or crisis intervention counselors. If you would like to talk with someone, here are some options to consider:

    (United States) National Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7 voice: 800-799-7233 text: “START” to 88788

    National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: call 1(800)273-8255 or text START to 741-741.

    RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), anti-sexual violence organization: call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

    National Child Abuse Hotline: call 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-2253)

  • Though I’m writing to AAPI women of faith, others may also find they relate. If that’s you, welcome! The views expressed here are my own thoughts and opinions, based on my personal experiences.

Never miss a post!

 
 
 
Wendy Lew Wendy Lew

Courage

It takes courage to walk where you are walking. To even stand. Well done.

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poetry Wendy Lew poetry Wendy Lew

Become

So much good invites your “yes”. This is a poem to bless your release into it.

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Wendy Lew Toda Wendy Lew Toda

Matilda, the Mascot

It’s time for Soul Shelter to have a mascot: Matilda (whose Germanic name means “warrior”)! She’s all nicked up, but that doesn’t stop her from swimming toward a better future, determined not to give up hope.

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Wendy Lew Toda Wendy Lew Toda

Sanctuary

Where do you find rest when life feels hard?

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Wendy Lew Wendy Lew

With You

Perhaps your dear heart finds itself facing both the vast emptiness of what may never be, and the stark reality of what actually is.

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Wendy Lew Toda Wendy Lew Toda

Where does grief find you?

As I walk around in the slowness of my grief, doing the heart work as it arises, I trust that the One who loves me will bring healing in its time. I trust that this will be true for you too.

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Wendy Lew Toda Wendy Lew Toda

Emotional Dust

The dust does not define you. You are God's beloved child, worthy of love and respect. Always.

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Wendy Lew Wendy Lew

A Wonder

Such a moment can shake the dust off of our hearts and help us see a little more clearly. Pain can make it easy to miss.

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Wendy Lew Toda Wendy Lew Toda

Rain

I thought of you, and of the ways your tears gather themselves together in your heart, comforting each other.

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Wendy Lew Toda Wendy Lew Toda

Thank You

Its dynamic movement arcs toward hope, inviting us to welcome what is, and to dream of all that can be.

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Wendy Lew Toda Wendy Lew Toda

Love

“I Am Charcoal”, a poem inspired by loss, love, how tree charcoal is made, and drawing with charcoal itself.

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Wendy Lew Toda Wendy Lew Toda

Joy

Joy comes unbidden, whispering your belovedness to you again and again.

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Wendy Lew Toda Wendy Lew Toda

Peace

I wish you real peace, anchored deep in your spirit, where it will always be yours.

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Wendy Lew Toda Wendy Lew Toda

Hope

It is into the particular darkness of emotional abuse that Hope comes, stretching itself out over our quiet grief, covering us, bracing and embracing us.

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