Healing from Abandonment: Finding Strength After a Painful Past

Being abandoned whether by a parent, a caregiver, or someone you trusted leaves deep emotional wounds. For many young people in Kenya, especially those leaving children’s homes or growing up without family support, that feeling of being unwanted can echo through every part of life.

But here’s the truth: abandonment does not define you. Your future is not ruined because someone walked away. You are not broken beyond repair.

The Invisible Wound of Abandonment

Abandonment doesn’t always come with scars people can see but it changes how we see ourselves. You may:

• Struggle with feelings of worthlessness
• Constantly fear being rejected again
• Overcompensate to feel accepted
• Push people away before they can leave

These are silent battles that many young people fight alone. Especially in a society that doesn’t always talk about emotional pain, it’s easy to bury the hurt and pretend everything is okay.

But healing begins when we stop pretending.

“Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.” – Psalm 27:10

You Are Not Alone: God Sees and Heals

God knows abandonment deeply. He watched His own Son be rejected, betrayed, and left to die. He understands your pain. And He offers you something no one else can: unconditional, unwavering love.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3

The people who failed you do not get the final say in your story. God does. And His plan for you is one of healing, hope, and purpose—even if you’ve had a painful start.

Practical Steps to Start Healing

✅ 1. Acknowledge the Pain

Don’t dismiss what happened. It’s okay to admit that being abandoned hurt. Whether it happened in childhood or recently, give yourself permission to grieve.

✅ 2. Speak Life Over Yourself

Replace lies like “I’m not good enough” or “I’m always the one left behind” with truth:

• “I am loved.”
• “I matter.”
• “My past does not define me.”
  Write these truths down. Say them out loud daily.

✅️ 3. Build a Support System

Healing rarely happens in isolation. Join a safe community a church group, a mentorship program, or a supportive friend group. At Daraja La Amani, we believe every young person deserves someone who walks with them, not just talks at them.

✅ 4. Let God Rebuild Your Identity

Through prayer, scripture, and honest reflection, invite God to rewrite your story. He knows the rejection you’ve faced and still calls you His beloved.

“You are precious and honored in my sight, and… I love you.” – Isaiah 43:4

Real Talk: You’re Still Standing

You’ve been through a lot and you’re still here. That’s strength. That’s resilience. And that means your story isn’t over.

You may feel like you’ve been thrown away, but God is in the business of restoring what others disregard. The wounds of abandonment may take time to heal, but with the right support, truth, and faith, you will rise again.

Final Word: You Are Wanted

Let these words sink in: You are not a mistake. You are not forgotten. You are deeply wanted. No matter what your past holds, you have the power to build a new future.

And at Daraja La Amani, you don’t have to do it alone.