“I didn’t mean to get hooked on pornography,” explained Tonya. “I just stumbled across a television show one night while I was up late by myself. The show was pretty explicit, but it captured my attention.”

“Unfortunately your story is not uncommon,” Joyce assured Tonya. “Did you find that the images stayed in your mind long past that evening?”

“Yes,” admitted Tonya, relieved to find someone who understood her dilemma. “Since then I’ve stayed up late a few nights by myself just so I can watch more. It’s so embarrassing to tell you this, but I need help.”

Joyce said, “We’re going to pray about this right now, and then I’m going to find you the help you need. You’re not alone in this struggle.”

Some sins, especially sexual ones, seem to have more sticking power than others. Satan knows this and uses them to ensnare us in feelings of hopelessness. Pornography, because it is a visual stimulant, is one such highly addictive temptation. According to one research center, approximately 17 percent of all women struggle with an addiction to pornography. You or a close friend could be one of them.

Addictions are strongholds that require more than just wishful thinking to overcome. Thankfully resources are available to women who are willing to be open about their struggle with pornography. The most important step, as with any stronghold, is to tell someone so the grip can be loosened.