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When I was a young mom teaching a ladies Sunday school class I was exposed to some difficult circumstances the women in my class were experiencing. One woman lived in an abusive marriage and finally had the courage to leave, asking if I’d help her move a few things out of her house while her husband was at work. She’d called the local women’s shelter to see if they had room and thankfully, they did. I remember her being scared he might return home early and hurriedly packed some a few suitcases and piled them in my car so I could take her to the shelter.
That was probably 25 years ago, and I haven’t heard from her in almost as many years. I pray she’s still alive and well and was able to break free from her husband’s abuse.
What does it take to break free from a lifetime of pain and abuse? Ruth Valor’s story is a powerful Christian testimony of how God can heal even the deepest wounds.
From the time she was just three years old, Ruth endured sexual abuse, physical abuse, and emotional neglect. Her father battled alcoholism and carried his own scars from an abusive childhood, leaving Ruth desperate for love and acceptance. That search often led her into destructive relationships—what she now calls having a “broken picker.”
But God had a greater plan for Ruth. At her lowest point, she encountered Jesus and began a journey of healing from abuse and breaking the cycle that had defined her life for so long. Today, Ruth leads Journey of Hope, a ministry dedicated to helping both survivors of abuse and those who have caused harm find freedom in Christ.
In this powerful conversation, you’ll discover:
– How generational trauma and “daddy issues” affect our choices
– Why abuse survivors often repeat destructive patterns—and how to break free
– The moment Ruth found hope and began her healing journey with Jesus
– How faith in Christ brings lasting freedom from abuse and brokenness
If you’ve experienced abuse or know someone who has, this episode offers encouragement and practical hope. Ruth’s story is proof that no matter how broken the past, Jesus can restore, redeem, and lead us into the abundant life He promises.
You can find out more about Ruth’s ministry at JourneyofHope.net. You can also email avasmith@journeyofhope.net to contact Ruth personally.
Listen to Breaking the Cycle of Abuse: A Story of Healing and Hope with Ruth Valor
Watch on YouTube Breaking the Cycle of Abuse: A Story of Healing and Hope with Ruth Valor