It’s the one thing I only dreamed of being able to put into words, and Kesha did it in 3 minutes and 50 seconds in her song “Praying.” A complete change from past music she has produced, she has now morphed into a warrior for the silenced, and an idol for women like me.

Almost seven years after I was raped on a cold night in February, one week into being 15; I came out. I finally opened up and told my family what happened that turned me into the woman I am now, and have mentioned it on some of my blog posts. After opening up on Facebook about it, two girls from my school reached out about being raped too… their perpetrator was the same as mine.

I’ve never been able to really describe what I felt after I had attempted to report the rape right after it had happened, only for people to take the rapists word over mine and blame me. I use to blame myself for the other women who were raped, because “I didn’t push hard enough for justice”; in reality, that was the fault of the people who refused to help me when I originally reached out.

Kesha accurately depicts what it is like to be a victim of rape, sexual assault, or sexual harassment, and never get justice. You learn that Karma will take the justice system’s place eventually, you just need to let it happen.

As she said during an interview about the song, “once you realize you are going to be OK, you want to spread love and healing. If you feel like someone has wronged you, get rid of the hate because it will only create more negativity.” Once I came to a similar conclusion to this, I started to open up more about my mental health which has helped me heal, as well as others.

Seven years after I was raped, I sat on a mountain in Colorado and called my mom to tell her about it. I had found out earlier that morning that my rapist had been shot; Karma had finally caught up to him. I was no longer ashamed of what had happened to me and I had a light at the end of the tunnel to share. I was allowing myself to finally grow from it, and it was starting with telling my parents.

Now, coming upon the 8 year anniversary of having my innocence completely torn out of my life, I can’t help but see how much stronger I have become as a person in the last year since opening up. This song has become an anthem for me; a way to empower myself. I am nowhere near being religious, but I know all too well the flames and Hell Kesha describes.

No more blaming myself, no more holding hate in my body. I became a stronger version of myself and I will use that to help empower, help, and inspire others.

So thank you Kesha for creating a beautiful blend of notes, rhythms, and lyrics that speak to my soul and remind me how far I have come, and how strong I can stand for myself and others who need the support.