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What stuck in my head were the words, “No one in the family knew...”. I immediately said aloud to the other people in the room who were watching this with me: “That’s a lie, someone did know.”
I once spent 18 months working at an emergency children’s shelter. These children came with many stories and traumas. Yet I saw firsthand the transformative power of love and care...
I understand our penchant to protect and cover favorable people. Even in our churches this happens with well-loved leaders and personable congregants. Does this outweigh protecting the flock?
How has this culture of rape, disrespect, and devaluing others entered into our lives and into our congregations?
I was telling a church member that I would not be able to attend the retreat because I didn't have the $40.00. I then told one of the leaders I couldn't go this year. Without hesitation, she said...
Yet, there was a question burning in my heart, as my eyes searched Bella’s face hoping to glean more insight. It was a question I wanted to ask but never could: “How did you know to fight back?”
"The God I serve is a God of presence, not a God of protection."
I am not advocating for us to raise unruly, disrespectful children. Yet, there must be a bridge in which we can disciple our children to be Christ-like AND have a voice.
Are our churches willing to put aside our own opinions and views about the people who report sexual harassment in order to help them and to follow proper reporting procedures?
He felt covered with such shame and guilt that he only wanted to hide from the presence of God. Instead, Philip said that he heard the voice of God saying, “Now, come worship Me”.
There are ways to illustrate the horror and the impact of rape in the storyline, without explicitly showing the rape. What are your thoughts on this?
Statistics have shown that people, even once they are out of abusive situations, often return to the abusive relationship. How are congregations equipped for the task of building up and walking alongside others?
A report from the American Psychological Association states that childhood psychological abuse not only is just as harmful as sexual and/or physical abuse, but can have “long-lasting impact”.
In our very broken world, training up a child is not an easy task. How could our church communities be more helpful to parents?
What language and labels are we using in our churches? By our words, do we extend grace and mercy to all people? Or do we label them by what they have done?
They wouldn’t want anyone treating one of their kids like a forgettable piece of furniture!
Most people think only of physical abuse when they consider domestic violence, yet financial abuse happens in 98% of all cases of domestic violence.
Is our church body doing enough to advocate for our elderly, when they no longer have their voice and have become the “least among us”?
In July, a news story hit the web about four male students who developed a fingernail polish that indicates the presence of date rape drugs by changing color after being dipped in the drink. While many applauded this invention, some saw negative implications.
The church, as a living, breathing organism, can be left in ashes and its membership spiritually wounded, if a report of sexual abuse is not handled properly.
While questions remain about the NFL’s handling of domestic violence among players, further questions arise regarding how our culture, our church, views domestic abuse.
I was sexually assaulted by a professor from my Christian undergraduate university. After reporting it to the university, I sought out my church family and other Christian friends for guidance and comfort. What I often received, though, were pointed questions and veiled accusations...
Becoming a proactive community that prevents abuse is part of being disciples of Christ!
In the last year or so, I have observed a disturbing trend: the introduction and acceptance of a mindset into our culture.