(slow guitar music)

- For a long time, I triedto hide what happened to me,

the scars were far deeper than my skin

and started long before theflames ripped around me,

long before he set me on fire.

When I was a child, I dreamtof having my own home,

a husband and kids.

When all these dreams came true,

I couldn't be happier butthen everything changed.

My husband became violent.

For the first two years, I was very happy.

I loved my husband very much

but one morning he gotvery angry and he hit me

in front of my childrenand I got a blue eye

but I let it pass for mymarriage sake, I forgave him.

I was scared of him butI loved him very much.

There were times that I wanted to leave.

I stayed because he provided for us.

There was so many momentsthat he got angry and hit me.

(dramatic music)

Early one morning, he camehome after being out all night.

He wanted to sleep with me,when I refused he dragged me

out of the bed, opened thefront door and pushed me out.

I fled to a friend's housebut before I got there,

he came after me witha knife and stabbed me.

My friend took me to the hospital

and the doctor asked me ifI'm going to make a case,

I said no, I will be okay.

And he pleaded for forgiveness.

He was so sincere, so I believed him

that he wouldn't do it again.

One day me and my husband had an argument

and he almost hit me with a hammer.

There and then I decidedit's time to leave.

(dramatic music)

He started to threaten me and call me,

I got a restraining orderbut that didn't stop him.

There was a knock at the door,my eldest opened the door.

She didn't come back in, she ran away.

He came in, opened the drawers

and he was looking for a knife.

I ran out to a minivan to get away.

(dramatic music)

Just before the driver tookoff, he threw a paraffin heater

through the window.

It fell on me and it set me on fire.

The driver got out andwrapped me in a blanket

to stop the flames but thedamage had already been done.

(dramatic music)

I was in a coma for more than two weeks.

I remember a voice saying tome that you're not gonna die

until you have to die.

I woke up in hospital, thedoctor say that I fought

for my life and because ofthat they did everything

to save my life.

I had second to third degree burns.

The more my skin healed, the more it hurt.

I got burns on my head, myface, my hands, my stomach

and my thighs.

The pain was unbearable.

(dramatic music)

After three months my daughterseen me for the first time.

They were crying.

Every morning when Iwoke up and I see myself

in the mirror I cried, I cried

and I was angry with my husband

for doing such terrible thing to me.

I lost so much weight I was anorexic.

I didn't have ears, Ididn't feel like a woman.

It's like everythingwas taken away from me.

I felt that no one would ever love me.

When I spoke to God I wasalways asking questions,

why Lord me?

I really felt lost at that time.

I didn't want to see anyone

or I didn't want them to see me.

My turning point was whenI gave everything to God.

It was at a women conference,

and that moment I said Lord here I am,

I realize that God is thereason I am alive today.

So, he was not the person Iwas supposed to be angry with.

In that moment God gaveme the joy and the love

that I always longed for.

I could see myself through God's eyes.

The feeling was overwhelming.

I felt like a new person.

I didn't even expect to feel like that.

I asked my daughters for forgiveness

for what I put them through

because I didn't stand up for myself.

I was supposed to protectthem and I didn't.

I've learned not to be quiet.

After what happened he was sent to prison.

I made a decision to visit him at prison.

When I sat in front ofhim I said I want peace

and I forgive you.

I felt like a burden waslifted off my shoulders.

It's been almost 14years since it happened.

My family stood by me all the time.

There was times that I was down

and they will always giveme word out of the Bible

especially my aunt.

I remember she told methat one day I will be okay

and I can see it now.

In Genesis 50 verse 20,Joseph told his brothers,

you meant evil against mebut God meant it for good

to save many people.

(laughs)

Now I love myself who I am.

My worth is rooted in Christ.

I'm a living testimonythat his love never fails.

(inspirational music)

I almost lost my life becauseI didn't love myself enough

to say no, I was ashamed and worried

about what people would say.

If you are in an abusive relationship,

my prayers that you willrealize you deserve better.

So many women have livedthrough some of the struggles.

Today I stand with you.

We all stand with you.

Do not isolate yourself,there is always a way out.

Reach out for help.

I pray that God will giveyou the courage to do so.

Allow him to show youwhat love looks like.

His name is Jesus and healready paid the price

for your freedom.

His arms are open, ready to receive you.

(tranquil music)