Author Donna Wayles
Speaker, author, and domestic abuse subject expert God has given a happier ever after.
01/12/2023
TLDR: I watched "Let Us Prey: A Ministry of Scandals" with my husband and share my thoughts.
For me, the documentary provoked memories of the times I was taught that women were servers, not leaders in the church (except for children's ministries) under the authority of their father and the pastor until they marry, and then must blindly obey their husbands--with the blessing of the pastor, of course
My husband, never IFB, couldn't believe the control and manipulation of women. When the clip of the minister saying that women shouldn't vote came up, he couldn't believe what he had heard. --We had to replay the clip-- Then the "purity culture" segment... He was in shock.
I appreciate the women who shared their experiences in this piece. It was thought-provoking and resonated deeply with me as an IFB and domestic abuse survivor.
I hope those who watch this documentary find freedom in God's love and are inspired to help others, too.
Let Us Prey: A Ministry of Scandals | ID Featuring first-hand accounts from survivors, church defectors and activists, offers crucial insight into the troubling culture within the IFB and...
15/09/2023
Tonight’s sunset is so gorgeous. The calm before the storm.
17/05/2023
Recently finished this book. I love the perspective of baking as therapy. Conversations around cooking, baking, and the kitchen table are some of my favorite memories.
16/04/2023
Sunday afternoon thoughts as Spring Break comes to an end:
Some people went sightseeing , college visits, gardening, beaches, and they all looked like fun.
What did I do? I had carpal tunnel surgery and got COVID. At least I am getting lots of rest and care from Skittles the cat.
04/04/2023
After a rather difficult day, I came home to find God gave me flowers.
Reminds me of Matthew 6:30, “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” (ESV)
07/03/2023
Yesterday’s temperatures were in the 50s, today we’re supposed to be in the mid 30s, and possibly snow and freezing rain this weekend. March seems confused.
I’m experimenting with different coffee flavors as a part of relaxing at the end of day after our evening meal. This French vanilla cappuccino with extra French vanilla creamer, and whipped cream on top (because, why not?) was a winner. I hope it looks as good on the outside as it tasted.
Although some of the coffee drinks tasted awful even though they looked delicious. It reminds me that God wants us to be good on the inside not just the outside.
05/02/2023
I’m fascinated with the sunrise. Every morning God paints the sky with light.
21/01/2023
“The heavens declare the glory of God.” Psalm 19:1
The sunrise before the storm almost makes getting up this early worthwhile.
Check out my latest podcast.
Today I’m talking with Author Donna Wayles, an author,mother, and abuse survivor who shares her story of escaping domestic abuse with God’s love and grace. She’s the author of “I'll Pray for You: A Christian Woman's Guide to Surviving Domestic Violence” and a self-described domestic violence subject expert. Today, she is here to speak loud about being a thriver after domestic abuse and finding life and hope after abuse.
Donna met her abuser through a church picnic when she was in her early 20s. She describes that the pressure from the church encouraged her to get married early and young, within 7 months of meeting her then-husband. Though she had been sensitive to the physical abuse he began to demonstrate, she interpreted his controlling behaviors as ‘protectiveness’ and being a sign of how much he loved her.
As the abuse escalated, however, Donna began reaching out to different avenues for support. Another wife from church dismissed her concerns about her husband’s possessiveness and talking with her pastor only put her in more danger after the pastor talked with Donna’s husband privately. One night after a conference, Donna was calling a friend for help when her abuser physically threw her out of the house with her 16-month-old daughter and the clothes on her back.
Donna, at the time, struggled to understand what she had done wrong, having followed the teachings of her family and her faith. The first line in her book, “How did my life get to be like this?” reflected this. However, she had to eventually learn—through counseling and other modalities—that the abuse she had undergone was not a reflection of herself but of her abuser. Realizing this was the beginning of her healing journey.
One night, while pondering what to make for dinner, Donna realized that she could eat whatever she wanted. She could wear and do whatever she wanted as an individual without worrying about what he wanted. She felt like a second life had just dawned on her and she was determined to live that life. She is now remarried and her daughter, 18, is thriving in school studying graphic art.
Donna’s book, “I’ll Pray For You,” was inspired by her domestic violence victim advocate who told her, “The best revenge to your abuser is living well.” Donna published her own story as a way to be her best self and also do for others what wasn’t done for her. She describes her process with forgiveness as not a one-time decision, but a journey. She’s learned that bitterness won’t serve her and has found peace in using her experience to help others.
“Resilience is stubbornness, persistence, tenacity,” Donna says. Being determined to live her own life helped pull her out of those dark times. As someone raised to help others, she wishes she could have told her past self to be patient and to put herself first before trying to give herself away to others. She hopes readers of her book and listeners know that leaving an abusive situation is not the end and, in fact, there is something much better on the other side.
Listen in to learn more about what modalities Donna used in her healing journey, what makes her feel empowered, and her experience with self-esteem and abuse.
30/12/2022
Dinner in a rooftop igloo. Good food and good company. Happy new year. We have so much to be thankful for!
Thanks for helping me get this Content Creator badge. Stay with me to see more.
24/12/2022
Homemade brined corned beef Reubens with broccoli slaw. Soooo good!! Merry Christmas Eve!
20/12/2022
So grateful, especially at Christmas, for God's love and this amazing man.
20/11/2022
“Let your light so shine before men, that others may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
*faux fireplace in my dining room looks amazingly thanks to Travis Christie’s centerpiece.
04/11/2022
09/10/2022
Playing the CluedUpp Geogame Alice in Wonderland. Solved in 1 hour 45 minutes thanks to Travis & Michelle our teammates.
01/10/2022
On our way to the Connecticut Book Festival. Hope to see you at the West Hartford Conference Center from 10 to 3 today. It’ll be a lot of fun!
01/10/2022
Sunset walk at the beach with my favorite man. Gorgeous colors!
29/09/2022
A last minute invitation to the Connecticut Book Festival. I’ll be there on Saturday, October 1
22/09/2022
Excited to be a guest author at the 4th Annual Hartford Book Festival on Saturday, Sept. 24.
09/09/2022
Listen to my latest podcast
07/09/2022
Thanks, Crime Over Cocktails Cocktails, for a great discussion about domestic abuse's "crime" side. Plus, my Blue Hawaiian Mocktail was delicious. Listen on Apple Podcasts.
10/08/2022
Great discussion tonight about seeing and showing God's grace with Diana Winkler, coming soon to The Wounds of the Faithful podcast. I appreciate her allowing me to share my story.
22/07/2022
Even from my hospital bed, God reminds me of His loving care by showing a gorgeous sunrise.
06/07/2022
Another snack, please? Ignore the mess I made with my pellets.
💕 Storm
01/01/2022
I'm so excited to be speaking at the Best You 2022 Conference, January 13-15, 2022. Best of all, it's FREE and all virtual.
Hope to see you there!
30/11/2021
14/04/2021
Honored to be with Pastor Benny on WGGS TV.
Pastor Benny Littlejohn welcomes Author Donna Wayles as she shares her story of surviving domestic abuse. Donna’s memoir, I’ll Pray For You: A Christian Woman’s Guide to Surviving Domestic Violence, chronicles the cycle of physical abuse she experienced as well as the steps she took to escape it. Sherry Anne sings tonight on Nite Line.
Listen as I talk with Dr. Mike on Dr. Mike Live with Transforming Word Ministries.
08/03/2021
Can't wait!
Domestic abuse survivor shares hope Domestic abuse survivor shares hope Profile Profile Photos Map Comments Donna Wayles, author, speaker and technology educator, will be speaking about her recently published book at her book talk on Saturday, March 13 from 10 a.m. to noon at Calvary Baptist Church, 5 Bradley St. in Trumansburg. She w...
I love the positive perspective of this wise statement by my favorite chaplain as we were discussing our childhood and upbringing...
26/02/2021
Absolutely True!
💯
Focusing on the small positives, even in the rough times. Because I know God has a plan to give me hope and a future.
Encouragement from Elijah
Can't wait to use this in my classroom!
07/01/2021
May God help us
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