We see our oppressors (as the Bible calls them) winning the battle. But that is only in the short-term. The LORD is my refuge.
churchtoo
It’s Not an Affair: Clergy-Perpetrated Sexual Abuse of Adults
Jada said she "felt like a prisoner set free" when she left her sexually and spiritually abusive pastor.
Silencing Victims in the Church: Kayla and Amber’s Story
Amber, a young adult, was committed to church. She loved the fellowship and teaching. Then something happened.
Touch Not the Lord’s Anointed: Respect and Accountability
Is a church leader, by nature of the office he holds, the "Lord's anointed" as David calls King Saul in 2 Samuel 1:14?
Consider It Joy [In Time]! Weeping With Those Who Weep
"Consider it joy! It will make you stronger." Yes, the Bible tells me so. But it so often seems so callous for someone to remind me of it. Rather, Weep.
Advocating: Our Necessary Compassion
To be silent is sin. When you know there is oppression, compassion requires advocacy.
My Close Friends Have Forgotten Me: Isolating Victims
One particular result (and technique) of abuse is isolation. It is deeply hurtful. And it is almost always, in my experience, a result of or intentional tool in the abusive individual's kit.
I Loathe My Life: Listening to Victims
Those who are honored to hear an abuse victim's story need to hear Job's story. They need to hear his words . . . and they need to hear his friends' words.
Mia’s Story: A Bruised Reed He Will Not Break
Mia suffered under a leadership that was more concerned about following their church rules than the love of Christ. Their spiritual abuse was worse than her experiences of sexual abuses.
Emily’s Hell: All the Evil Under the Sun
Emily's church leadership not only turned a blind eye to her rapist, but told her she was shut out from the kingdom of heaven. Rather than be reminded of her "worth in Christ," she has been crushed by God's shepherds.