More of Iris's Story. From Abuse Survivor to Jesus Follower
- Kelly Kirstein
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 1
⚠️ Content Warning: for 16+
This blog post contains real and sensitive details from Iris’s story, including references to sexual abuse, human trafficking, addiction, and trauma. While her journey is ultimately one of hope, healing, and redemption through Jesus, we recognize that some content may be triggering for readers.
Please read with care, and know it’s okay to pause or step away at any point. If you're currently navigating trauma or need support, we encourage you to seek help from a trusted counselor, ministry leader, or support organization.
Iris shares her story not to glorify pain, but to testify to the healing power of Jesus and to remind anyone who’s hurting: you are not alone.
Iris’s Testimony: Jesus Never Gave Up on Me
Alone at 12, Betrayed at 14
I started going to church by myself when I was 12. I remember clinging onto Jesus as a child because for the most part, I was alone. I’m a first-generation American, with both parents working hard to raise four girls.
My walk with Jesus didn’t last long. At 14, I left the church after my youth pastor started sexting me. I showed the messages to his fiancée. They had just gotten engaged. She told me she’d handle it and not to talk about it on church grounds.
Nothing ever happened. No one protected me.
From Running to Rock Bottom
After that betrayal, I spiraled.
I was sexually assaulted by friends, a family member, and strangers when I ran away from home. Including human trafficking.
In April 2024, I sat in a hospital bed waiting for a rape kit after yet another assault. I had relapsed on cocaine after being clean for a year. And in that moment, I thought:
“What am I even still doing here?” I was done with life. All I wanted was for the images to stop. For their touch to stop.
A Whisper in Rehab: He Was Still There
While I was in rehab, I noticed something. A lot of the women there were leaning on Jesus during their sobriety journey. Their faith stirred something in me.
In the middle of all the darkness, I realized:
Jesus was still chasing me. Through people. Through kindness. Through every ounce of love I hadn’t noticed before.
He always had been.
Still in Progress, Still Choosing Jesus
I’m still very much a work in progress—but I’m proud to say:I’m 8 months clean from cocaine.
People ask me all the time, “How do you still wake up every day?” And the truth is simple:
It’s Jesus. It’s not what you’re suffering from, but it’s who you’re suffering with.
His Word fuels me. His worship strengthens me. Even when it’s hard, I know He will never forsake me.
My Voice Is No Longer Gated
Some days still feel heavy. But the support system around me lifts me up. When we’re in the darkness and it feels like we’re sinking. When you decide to save yourself, to fight for yourself, and grab onto Jesus, there will be no returning to darkness.
Since then, I’ve been able to:
Speak to law students about how to better support survivors
Attend a survivor training conference
Share my voice, loud and unashamed
For a long time, my trauma made me feel like my voice was gated.
But now, I feel free to speak.
After everything I went through, the Lord has shown me the other side of it.
Learn How Iris and I Met
To the Girl Reading This…
Message from Kelly Kirstein:
If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in pain…If you’ve ever wondered why you’re still here…
Please hear this: you’re not alone. Jesus never stopped wanting a relationship with Iris. He wants one with you, too.
Your story is not too broken. You are not too far gone.
God is not finished with you yet.
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