The Tribune

By CARA BETHEL

cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

AFTER a bad decision nearly destroyed her life, Lauren Thompson (not her real name) hopes telling her story can encourage other young women to make responsible choices and help others learn to forgive, and in turn receive God’s forgiveness.

Ms Thompson said that she was almost 40 years old when she allowed “the devil into her life” and forged a friendship with another woman who eventually lured her into a sexual encounter which was videotaped and then posted on social media. She says it ended up being the worst experience of her life.

“This was a lady that I was acquainted with, as she had a relationship with my husband before I met him, so I knew her, but was not very friendly with her,” she said.

Ms Thompson said she even had dreams which in hindsight warned her of forging a friendship with this woman, but she did not heed the warnings.

She admits that she allowed herself to be led astray, but said that the woman managed to exert such a hold over her that she found it impossible to say no.

“I don’t have many friends who I can talk to about my problems and I don’t want to burden my mother because she is elderly. So this woman came and was the perfect friend, she listened to me, she gave me advice because me and my husband were in fact having trouble. This woman was always there, she played into every one of my vulnerabilities, she just played me. I really think she ‘fix’ me. Eventually she told me that she was a lesbian and asked if we could have sex. I was a married woman and I had never had a lesbian thought in my mind, but this woman’s hold was so strong that I gave in even though right before we had intercourse I heard alarms in my head that I would be recorded and I should run away.”

It was not until sometime after the single sexual encounter that her worst fears were confirmed.

“I noticed that my co-workers were treating me differently, laughing at me, talking behind my back and my family was equally distant.”

After confronting several family members and forcing them to tell her, she realised a sex tape featuring her and the woman had been posted online.

“This woman had blurred her face so that you could identify me and see what I was doing in the tape. I was mortified; this was my first and only time doing something like this and it was out there for the world to see. My family saw it, children have seen it, it is all over on people’s phone. I have not seen it, but I can only imagine and it is something that has ruined my life.”

Ms Thompson said that she had to quit her job because of her co-workers’ attitude and her family has distanced themselves for her.

“I have been brought low by this; people have called me nasty hurtful names. I was struggling financially and people have even said I deserved to die; the damage to my name and my reputation can never undone. It is something that will haunt me.”

Ms Thompson said that in the midst of her shame and despair she turned to God.

“I gave my life to the Lord and finally realised that it was him who was the voice in my head warning me, but I never listened to him. But once I allowed him to speak and I listened to him, I felt more peace, because I know that he has forgiven me and has a ministry for me to do,” she said.

Although it has been hard, Ms Thompson said that she has forgiven those who sought to hurt her.

“I feel that God has let me walk this road so that people can learn from my story. Learn not to be too trusting of people who do not mean you well and to refrain from sexual immorality and pornography. Remember, I slept with this woman when I was still married and I am just thankful that God placed it on my husband’s heart to forgive me. I truly believe that there is some woman out there who can benefit positively from my pain.”