"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.
#MeToo
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.
Tyrants Leading the Church: Seekers of Position, Role & Status
Mia's change in behavior at home and struggle with the church had its roots in her experience of sexual abuse. It was not too late for Mia, but the church and her parents were going to need to respond to her struggles in light of these horrible experiences as a child.
All Abuse Ravages Victims: How Does Emotional Abuse Devastate?
Abuse. Devastates. People. Not just the abuse that involves hitting. But abuse of all forms - emotional and spiritual.
When the Church Gets It Right: Janice’s Story
Generally, positive stories about how the church responds to abuse are far and few between. But, Janice's is different.
Isolation: You Are Not Alone
It is bad enough when men (and women) do not believe our story of abuse in the home or workplace. But, when you feel that God is not even answering your cries for help. That is isolation.
The Self-Control of the Mean
Abusers actually have a great deal of self-control. They know when to dismember and when to charm.
Pearls & Swine 