8 ~ Blindsided

By Kay Heitsch

(Warning! This may not be comfortable for everyone.

I was feeling pretty comfortable at this new religious boarding school. The people here didn't major in minors. I dressed and wore my hair the way I wanted. I was allowed to put on some makeup. I was still my friendly self, and people didn't seem to take it the wrong way.

In the first religious school, I had experienced bullying. I had been propositioned by a faculty member and received nasty letters from some male classmates.

Being cute and friendly was taken way out of line! I treated everyone equally. Interesting how that can be taken wrong when you're friendly with the wrong people.

A guy friend told me he was warned to stay away from me because he was too good to be associated with someone like me. He thought it was weird because he said these people didn't even know me. I put up with a lot!

I didn't know what to expect when a group of ministerial guys from the religious university came to put on a program at the second religious school.

At one of their meetings, they passed out some questionnaires. I filled mine out based on my personal beliefs about social issues.

Of course, my beliefs didn't go along with their religious beliefs. Going to the show, dancing, no jewelry or wedding rings, eating meat, caffeine, even chocolate, etc., etc., were against their rules. I didn't think there was anything wrong with any of these.

One of these youth ministers took an interest in me. He sent me letters and the like after the group was gone. I was thinking he might be able to show me what I'm missing with this religious group.

My mom was thrilled that this guy was writing and taking a genuine interest in me.

To make a long story short, the senior class went to this university for a tour. Wouldn't you know, this so-called minister asked to meet me while I was there.

I was excited and agreed to meet him. He tried to rape me! When I got away, he yelled, You don't live up to your reputation!

I was blindsided for sure! I wasn't expecting this, but I knew this guy had nothing I wanted. If this were religion, I wanted nothing to do with it!

I never told my mom what happened. Maybe I should have, but she was really into this religious group. I knew it was not for me!

As I look back, I can see God was showing me what I needed to see, and He was also giving me strength to endure.

"Write down for the coming generation what the Lord has done, so that people not yet born will praise Him." Psalm 102:18