Why Share Your Story?

Why share your story? With so much at risk when revealing the truth, why should anyone take such a chance? People don’t heal in isolation. We all need the support of others. When we expose our inner selves and convey our insights, we gain the ability to peer into windows of knowledge that differ from our own. When we share our story, we open ourselves up to receiving support and direction for healing. The mere act of telling your experiences cleanses the soul. When we share, we also affirm to others who’ve gone through similar tragedies that they are not alone. They are understood. Our sharing helps one another to heal.

Often, people remain silent out of shame. After all, it is common for a victim to be told the outrageous lie that the tragic event they endured was their own fault. I want to stop and emphasize here that acts of abuse are never the victim’s fault! Here is a website link that can help teach you how to better protect yourself from falling victim to an abuser: https://howtopreventabuse.org/who-is-most-likely-to-be-abused/.

To see more Crystalisms, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/1360983917796761.

Anytime I start to doubt my value, I turn to one of my favorite scriptures, Ephesians 2:10. Soaking in the blessing this familiar scripture offers reminds me of my worth.

“For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus … for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand … so that we would walk in them. (AMP)

We are all worthy! Because God created us as such. This fact is important to remember. It strengthens us against those misguided people who attempt to strip away our self-worth. Abusive acts, such as this, have been going on since the beginning of human history. As a society, we’ve made many advances in honoring all human beings, but we still have a long way to go.

So, Why Share Your Story?

Again, I’ll ask my question. Why share your story? Sharing supports your healing. It helps you process your wounds and lets you feel heard. Sharing also helps others heal by validating that they are not alone in what they have suffered through or are still enduring.

To see more Crystalisms, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/1360983917796761.

The release of the Epstein files has received much attention in recent news. I understand the controversy surrounding the revelation of these records. Yet I cannot deny the bravery of the victims involved as they stand up against their perpetrators. The fact that these perpetrators carry influence and power makes the victims’ bravery all the more impressive.

Anytime someone declares their truth, they gain back their power. Especially when standing up against a perceived dominant figure. Watching such bravery as it is exemplified in publiclight restores power to all who have been violated. It encourages everyone who has been stripped of their value to stand up and reclaim it.

I wrote my first book, The Hidden Diamond, based on true events from my childhood. More details are found at

https://crystalmmhuntley.com/2026/02/who-truly-are-you/. My sister, CD Kreger, also writes in far more detail about our childhood event in her memoir, Face the Storm. You can find her book at https://www.amazon.com/Face-Storm-C-D-Kreger/dp/B0BZFJMJVQ, and at https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Face%20the%20Storm%20by%20cd%20kreger.

When I published The Hidden Diamond, I didn’t expect the reception that it received. Many residents of my childhood hometown expressed gratitude for what I had done. They appreciated my courage to expose the truth. I also receive gratitude for extending beyond my books and branching out to help abuse victims through my Facebook group, page, and blog site. Their response helped me realize that what I am doing is making a significant difference. Every time I receive ongoing encouragement, it refuels me to continue with this mission.

How Do You Share Your Story?

First, I’ll give an example of how not to share your story. Some years back, Pat—not her real name—and I went shopping together at a mall. We stepped into a crowded elevator when, suddenly, out of nowhere, she blurted out, “I’ve been raped!” Shock rose inside of me at Pat’s emotionally fueled outburst. She previously had told me about having been violated decades earlier as a child, and as she spoke, I did my best to support her by listening. Never did I dream that on this day she would publicly declare at such an extreme level. Now, as Pat’s words bounced off the inside walls of the elevator, I buried my head in compassion for the unsuspecting strangers trapped in confinement with Pat and me.

Use discretion when you share your story. Not everyone wants to hear it, and not everyone can or will be supportive. If you are too rash in when, where, and whom to reveal your past to, then often more harm than good will occur.

For me, knowing I’m not alone in my experiences heals. Because of this reason, such stories need to be told. Each who dares to speak up creates a space for others to heal. I’m one of those empathetic people who too easily take on someone else’s pain. This fact is one reason I choose to support others as I do through my writing. This method provides me with a safe barrier to help others without getting too close and risking damage to my own mental and emotional health.

Why I Share

As I publicly share my story, indirectly through my books Robin’s Gift and The Hidden Diamond, and directly through my blog, many people have called me brave. There is a level of bravery in opening oneself up to such an extent. And, I can’t say it doesn’t involve risks. But for me, the urge to share details of my abusive past became undeniable. The fact that I found my way out of such extreme abuse and am now living a blessed life where I am fully safe and well-loved, I see as a miracle. God led me out of the fire. As a result, I feel I now must help others do the same.

I know my books have opened eyes to truths. What each person decides to do with that truth becomes their choice. I can provide the vehicle. However, they must choose to step into the driver’s seat and take the journey. If you are one of the 81% women or 43% of men nationwide who have experienced some form of sexual violence, then you are not alone. I found these statistics at https://www.nsvrc.org/statistics/. For more help in breaking the chains of abuse, I’ve created a permanent resource/hotline page that I continue to update with new entries as I find them. Find this resource/hotline page at https://crystalmmhuntley.com/resources/.

Upcoming Posts

I invite you to join me next time to explore how abuse changes a person.

Note to My Readers

To further support your healing journey, I’ve added a direct access hotline/resource page to my website. You can view it at https://crystalmmhuntley.com/resources/.

Writing is my passion. It is also an excellent healing tool. The beauty of fiction is that it allows you to create outcomes that don’t exist in the everyday world. This is why I have chosen to write my book in this genre. I pray that all who indulge in my written creations find entertainment and enjoyment. I also pray that my writing inspires you to move forward in your healing journey. May all who indulge in my written creations find entertainment, enjoyment, and inspiration to move forth in your healing journey.

Hopefully, you have gained value from this blog post. If you have, I would like to offer you the opportunity to purchase my books. You can purchase The Hidden Diamond and Robin’s Gift at BUY THE BOOK – Crystal MM Huntley.

***Robin’s Gift*** – Lost and alone, Natalie’s biggest dream is to fulfill her desire to be loved. A tragic accident calls her home. Can she return and face her greatest fear?

***The Hidden Diamond*** – Immerse yourself in a journey that uncovers the worth of a wounded soul amongst a lifetime of sin.

Post Views: 173

This Post Has 4 Comments

Flux API March 11, 2026

The part about how sharing your story helps others feel understood really hit home for me. It’s amazing how a simple act of vulnerability can offer hope to someone who’s feeling alone.
1. Crystal MM Huntley March 11, 2026
  
  I’m this post benefitted you. Knowing we are not alone can make all the difference in the world in someone’s ability to heal.
Banana March 12, 2026

Your words resonate deeply—sharing our stories isn’t just about healing, but about creating understanding and connection. It takes immense courage to speak truthfully, especially when silence has been forced upon us, and your reminder that abuse is never the victim’s fault is so vital. Thank you for encouraging others to find their voice and support one another in the process.
1. Crystal MM Huntley March 12, 2026
  
  I’m honored to help. It’s the root base of my mission to help people break free from the chains of abuse.

Comments are closed.

So, Why Share Your Story?

How Do You Share Your Story?

Why I Share

Upcoming Posts

Note to My Readers

You Might Also Like

Speak Your Truth (part 3) – How to Claim Your Value.

How to Cleanse Your First Perception of God.

Nine Steps to Follow If You’re Being Abused.

This Post Has 4 Comments