18th Century German Mirror, Metropolitan Museum of Art (Accession No. 1990.329), Author/Source https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/207941 (CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication)
In this political season, there is a great deal of emphasis on image. Candidates craft their images with care, choosing just the right setting, just the right music, just the right wording for political ads, campaign photos, and sound bites.
These carefully crafted images are not necessarily a true reflection of the candidate’s character – more like a carnival house of mirrors, with everything distorted.
What about the images abuse victims have of themselves? How accurate are those?
One crucial distinction between the images politicians design for themselves, and those abuse victims carry over from childhood, is that victims do not get to choose their images. In large part, those are crafted by the adults around them.
However, when the mirror is cracked, twisted, and deformed, so is the image reflected in it.
Children see themselves reflected in their parents’ eyes. More than that, they see themselves mirrored in the actions their parents take toward them.
A good parent will make frequent eye contact with a young child, responding to the child’s physical and emotional needs [1]. That includes applauding the child’s efforts. In this way, the foundation is laid for a strong psyche, and a positive self-image.
But children assume adults can see through to their souls.
When children are neglected, they believe themselves unworthy of attention. When children are emotionally or physically abused, they believe themselves defective. When children are sexually abused, they believe themselves unclean.
Breaking away from this early experience can be enormously difficult. And the way we see ourselves matters.
We live down to expectations as readily as up to them. We can self-sabotage or strive with every fiber to achieve our goals [2]. We can choose abusive partners who remind us of our past, or safe ones who will care for and cherish us.
Most of us know we would be foolish to take the images in political ads at face value. The same applies to the image we have of ourselves, as a legacy of abuse. The thing to do is find a better mirror.
“For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Sam. 16: 7).
—
[1] Patricia Cogen, MA, EdD – Individual and Family Therapist/Child Development Specialist, “Eye Contact between Parents and Children: A Calming Connection between Two Brains” by Patty Cogen, MA, EdD, 2000, http://www.pattycogenparenting.com/a-guide-to-articles/eye-contact-between-parents-and-children-a-calming-connection-between-two-brains/.
[2] This is not to suggest that abuse victims cause their own problems or can overcome the often devastating scars of abuse simply by deciding to do so.
Originally posted 2/21/16
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ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse 
Das Beispiel mit dem “Zerrspiegel” hast Du sehr gut gewählt, liebe Anna. Es ist extrem wichtig, ein positives Selbstbild zu entwickeln, ganz besonders für missbrauchte Kinder (und auch Erwachsene).
Ich wünsche Dir alles Liebe,
Marie
Danke für deine Ermutigung, liebe Freundin. Du bist immer so nett.
Mit Liebe,
Anna ❤
Political ads put my nerves on edge!
The lies!
The ½ truths!
The “bragimonies”!
The sliminess!
I have never understood why anyone would want to be involved in politics!
There is a great deal in what you say. Of course, Abraham Lincoln and Mahatma Gandhi were both politicians, among other things. The corruption we see in politics is due to the sin nature of mankind. Sadly, it can be found among shepherds, as well. The Catholic Church sex scandal is an illustration. We see that sin nature on display in politics because power corrupts. Good intentions are often undermined by ambition.
Excellent wow!
Thank you so much, Marilee. I can never tell which posts may strike a chord w/ readers, and very much appreciate the feedback. ❤
You always manage to say a bundle in few words, Anna, and the mirror imagery multiplied the effect.
Thank you so much, Marilee! 🙂
Ahh, sweet post, Anna. I love how you wrote, “the thing to do is find a better mirror.”
Thank you, Gabrielle. ❤
Peace and forgiveness from the instigator is a cleaner that is important.
On Sun, Oct 9, 2022, 12:03 AM ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving
Thank you for reading and commenting. If you mean by this that forgiving their abusers can help abuse survivors toward their own healing, I agree though w/ certain reservations.
Often victims must first forgive themselves for weakness and vulnerability they are likely to misperceive caused or contributed toward their abuse. Victims must, also, be allowed to express their grief and anger at the abuse, and to seek justice for it, if they so desire.
Although legal proceedings cannot erase the damage caused by abuse, the legal consequences that follow abuse (for example, trial and imprisonment of the abuser) are not inconsistent w/ forgiveness, and may prevent others from being victimized.
Peace ultimately comes from God. Many, many victims never hear their abusers apologize for the evil done.
What you write here is so true. It can take a lifetime to correct and reverse the lies we’ve picked up and believed from those closest to us.
Thankfully, God is there to help us pick up the shattered pieces, if we will let Him. It took me a very long time to realize that.
This is a good post, Anna. I love, “find a better mirror.” I draw great comfort in the fact the Lord looks on and knows the heart.
Same here, Manette. ❤
Anna, te felicito por tu publicación. Todos tus artículos dejan mucha enseñanza. Tienes mi admiración.
Ese es un enorme cumplido viniendo de ti, Santiago.
Para mí es un honor ser tu amigo y tener acceso a tus publicaciones, a tu lucha. Es como descubrir una luz, y eso, amiga querida, es extraordinario. Lo valoro mucho.
Me sacas lagrimas a los ojos, Santiago. No merezco tales elogios, querido amigo.
Amiga, quien defiende a los niños y lucha por su dignidad, respeto e integridad, merece un reconocimiento. Tú lo haces.