Shedding the Weight: Embracing Truth Over Myths

Sep 13, 2025

Dear Survivor,

As we move through the month of September—still reflecting on Labor Day and the rights we all deserve—let’s take a moment to talk about the myths that often surround sexual assault, and the weight survivors can carry because of them. These myths are like burdens that don’t belong to us, but too often, we still carry them.

One of the most damaging myths is the idea that “I could have done something to stop it” or “I should have known better.” Survivors sometimes carry the shame of believing they are somehow responsible for the assault. Or they may feel like they deserve the pain, or that the trauma is something to hide and carry in silence.

But these myths aren’t true. They never were.

Survivor, let us remind you today: You are not to blame for what was done to you. You did nothing wrong. You didn’t ask for it, and you didn’t deserve it.

But here’s the truth: Shame is one of the heaviest burdens we can carry. And often, we don’t even know that the weight is not ours to bear.

“Jesus, Take the Wheel”: A Song of Surrender and Healing

In Carrie Underwood’s song, “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” she sings about a moment when someone is overwhelmed and has to let go, surrendering the weight of the situation to someone greater. The song speaks to the realization that we can’t control everything and that there’s peace in surrendering our struggles.

"Jesus, take the wheel

Take it from my hands

Cause I can’t do this on my own"

This song resonates deeply with the survivor’s journey. Sometimes, the weight we carry—shame, fear, anger, guilt—is so heavy, we can’t walk through the day without feeling like we're drowning under it. The myths we believe—about our worth, our role in the assault, or our future—become shackles that hold us in place.

But in the same way that the song calls for surrender, we can also surrender the myths and the weight of shame that doesn’t belong to us. We don’t have to carry it anymore.

Reflection and Encouragement

As survivors, it’s crucial to recognize when we are holding onto things that don’t belong to us, just like the weight of myths. In these moments, it's helpful to:

1. Identify the Myths: Reflect on the misconceptions or lies you've believed about yourself after your assault. Some of these might be about your actions, your worth, or how others see you. Write them down and say, “This is not my truth.”

2. Surrender the Shame: Imagine handing over the burden of shame or guilt to someone who can handle it. In faith, we know that God, or a higher power, is there to carry these burdens for us, just as the song's lyrics invite us to give control over to something greater than ourselves.

3. Replace the Myths with Truth: Remind yourself of the truth. You are worthy of love, respect, and care. You did nothing wrong. This was not your fault. The truth is that you are valuable, and your worth is not determined by what someone else did to you. You deserve peace and healing, just as much as anyone else.

A Prayer of Release:

"Lord, take this weight from me.

Take the shame, take the guilt, take the lies.

I surrender all that I’ve been carrying—

the myths, the false beliefs, and the burdens of my past.

I trust You to lead me through this healing journey,

and I know that You will carry me when I cannot carry myself.

Help me to embrace the truth of who I am—

a survivor, a warrior, and someone worthy of peace. Amen."

Self-Reflection Prompts for Survivors:

1. What myths about sexual assault have I internalized that are weighing me down? How can I start to release those today?

2. When have I felt the burden of shame or guilt in my life? Can I imagine handing that burden over, allowing it to be carried by someone greater than me?

3. How can I embrace the truth of my worth and dignity, regardless of the trauma I’ve experienced?

4. Is there a moment today when I can let go and trust that I don’t have to carry everything alone?

Closing Thought:

As we reflect on our rights and freedom during this Labor Day month, remember this: You have the right to your healing. You have the right to let go of what doesn’t belong to you—whether it’s shame, guilt, or the weight of false beliefs about yourself. You don’t have to carry it alone. There’s peace in surrender, and it’s okay to let go of the myths that have been weighing you down. You have the right to embrace truth—and that truth is that you are worthy, valued, and lo

ved, no matter what.

Kathe'rine, Founder of Sparrows of Hope