Unbreakable - Michelle Colbert

BY MICHELLE COLBERT

Michelle Colbert’s life has been a remarkable journey of triumph over domestic violence, a survivor who found her strength in the face of unimaginable adversity. The story of her relationship spans over a decade, filled with cherished moments of companionship. However, on November 26, 2021, her life took a drastic turn. Michelle became the victim of brutal abuse—enduring beatings, strangulation, and degradation at the hands of someone she once believed was her life partner. From this abyss of darkness and pain emerged an unexpected and resilient spirit.

She awoke to the sound of loud footsteps echoing down the sidewalk outside her home. She had just been to a dinner party with her family and had just left in an Uber. The night took a horrific turn when her highly intoxicated ex-husband, consumed by anger and confusion, lashed out at her. The violence was sudden and brutal, leaving

her in a fight for survival at the hands of the man she had spent over a decade with.

Unable to defend herself, she endured a vicious assault that included kicking, hair-pulling, strangulation, and even being thrown down a flight of stairs, naked and vulnerable. Desperate and terrified, she pleaded for clothing as her assailant threatened her life. The barrage of 911 calls drew a swarm of police officers and even a police helicopter to her aid. Her attacker fled, but justice swiftly caught up with him.

Her trauma was overwhelming, with physical injuries, emotional scars, and the haunting specter of near-blindness due to the pressure in her eye. In the hospital, she could only recall being inside a terrifying machine, fearing the worst. Thanks to the timely intervention of a dedicated eye surgeon, her vision was spared.

The path to recovery was long and grueling. Therapy became her lifeline as she battled post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, fear, and sleepless nights, all while grappling with the grief of what she had endured. A stark contrast to the joyful marriage she had envisioned just six months earlier. Both emotionally and physically scarred, she persisted, meticulously navigating the legal process to ensure her abuser faced justice. This perseverance resulted in a sentence of seven years and three years on a separate charge.

God’s grace shone upon Michelle's life as a supportive community rallied around her. With their encouragement, she embraced the healing process through counseling, prayer, baptism, and a deep connection with the Holy Spirit. Overcoming life's most formidable challenges, Michelle not only survived but thrived. Her unwavering determination drives her to extend a helping hand to others facing similar harrowing circumstances.

In her newfound connection with God, she discovered the beginnings of deliverance from the weight of her traumatic past. No longer bound by fear and pain, she made it her mission to share her story whenever possible, determined to help others find their way out of the darkest moments in life.

In her journey, she learned that miracles are real, and her survival stands as a testament to the unyielding love of God.

Michelle's journey goes beyond survival; she has become a beacon of hope and resilience. Engaging actively with domestic violence organizations, she tirelessly works to create a meaningful impact. Her ambitions stretch further—she plans to write a book and establish a nonprofit dedicated to supporting survivors and raising awareness. Michelle's gratitude for her second chance at life is matched only by her acknowledgment of the miracles that have shaped her path. In becoming a source of inspiration, she embodies the miraculous transformation she underwent.