You have to find the strength in you to overcome the hurtful comments of people in your past. Find even the smallest grain of strength and work from there.

For me, it took breaking away from the person who told me I couldn't live without him, would never be worth anything, would never find anyone again who loved me like he did.....I'm sure you get the idea. I don't need to say more.

But, from what I understand, your religious convictions prevent you from leaving a bad situation even it means possibly saving yourself in the process, so any advice I could offer from my own experience would be pointless.

Rhapsody, for your own sake, I hope you can find the strength to do whatever it takes. You have to put your own needs before others sometimes, even if you think you don't deserve it because of past lies that have been imbedded in your mind.