I just want to say, as an abuse survivor, how important and wonderful it is to me to see Sam say "no" to lucifers face. And now we get to see him deal with the after effects and PTSD. I picked such a good favorite character.
Thank you for sharing this and I completely agree with you.
Saying “no” is a powerful step for abuse survivors because for so long they were taught that if they say “no” that they wouldn’t be loved, so victims feel they have no choice but to accept the abuse hurled at them.
But each of use is born with the power to stand up for ourselves, to say “no”, to believe that one has the worth just because you are you. Often in real life when people agree to face their past abusers, they choose neutral settings with their team present to support them, and protect them if necessary. Sam had none of this and his abuser had the upper hand. But even though he knew it means he may never escape, Sam said “no” over and over again, and argued with Lucifer until it was he who was cornered and his vulnerabilities exposed. Lucifer then did what every abuser out there does, he goes on the offensive and savagely beats Sam down into submission.
Even after Sam stood up to Lucifer and escaped the cage, he was deeply effected by the experience that brought back old wounds and doubts. Sam is strong but he is also achingly human. Abuse survivors have long journey in their healing process. Along the way there will breakthroughs and setbacks but that’s all okay as long as you never stop, never give up, and keep moving.
