She grew up ashamed of her parents because of her father’s actions, especially because his sick obsession had extended from her to other girls. Joyce was scared for any female to enter her home, for fear she may become his next victim.
Her dad would even force her to look at porn, and she would have to act like she enjoyed it.
“For me to have to pretend that I liked something that I despised, I think that was one of the most damaging things,” said Joyce.
The main reason she is being so transparent in her testimony now is because she’s grateful that God’s grace and freedom have released her from the “pretending game” she had to play for so much of her life.
Though the pain and suffering ran deep for many years, Joyce has now been able to find healing through the love of God, who has shown her what a true father’s heart looks like. She even fell in love with her adoring husband, Dave, who reaffirmed that a man’s hands can be gentle, respectful and kind.
“How can that have happened to me, and me be standing here today, if God is not alive and well?” she said. “I want people to know how good God is, and that your struggle is worth it, your journey is worth it. Don’t give up.”
Joyce now loves her life as a mother, grandmother and worldwide Christian speaker, and she hopes that in sharing her story, others may find healing.
