Lydia’s story
Posted by Jenni James on 11 November 2025
I left my ex and my home in 2020.
For a long time I was very depressed and isolated, with terrible self esteem. Due to experiencing significant spiritual abuse, I also felt that God had a really poor opinion of me too – my ex told me that I would certainly “be weeping on judgement day”.
The Restored Survivors Network has been a lifeline to me, so when I saw there was going to be a retreat I immediately knew that I needed to go. Arriving that day I was nervous, anxious but also just thrilled to be there! Everyone was so friendly and welcoming at the check in point, then I was shown to my own room. It was so lovely! It felt luxurious and special.
Then I saw a gift bag on the bed… Oh my goodness! It was full of beautiful things: hand cream, note books, pens, books – all sorts of gifts!! This blew me away.
I opened the card. I can’t begin to explain to you just how much it meant to me. It was hand-written directly to me by name. Firstly, the Bible verse on it was the one God had most frequently spoken to me over the difficult times. “The joy of the Lord is my strength”. That was just the start- the letter inside the card was telling me what the Lord really thought of me. I still read it frequently now and it’s always on display.
The whole weekend was beautiful, healing, soothing to my soul. The worship with other survivors was unbelievably powerful and I still listen every day to one particular song – “Yet not I but through Christ in me“.
There was so much that was just so good about the whole time away, The amount of healing and restoration that occurred in such a short time still blows me away! As we all know, recovery is very much an ongoing process with setbacks, but I genuinely believe the Lord used the retreat in very powerful ways. This Christmas, wouldn’t it be amazing if we could give this gift to other women who needs it?
This Christmas, you can help another survivor like me experience a weekend of peace and joy at the Restored Retreat. A donation of just £12 could provide a gift bag just like the one that Lydia received, helping someone to feel loved and welcome when they arrive.
Give nowLydia’s name has been changed to protect anonymity, and photos feature an actor.