This is my story only on a smaller scale. My 2 daughters were molested by their stepfather at ages 11 and 14. My daughters and I had a close enough relationship that they came to me and told me. I sent my husband to our pastor at the time and he agreed to counsel him. It was hidden from everyone. I was so ignorant and afraid. My 11 year was the one who turned him in. She went to her school counselor and told him. He was charged and did jail time and 2 years of counseling which was not enough because he was verbally and emotionally abusive to me my son and three other daughters. I can’t begin to tell you how much it has destroyed my children. This happened in 1989. I have been in therapy for almost 2 years and will continue as long as I need to. I only told a small part of my story. I can so relate to Diana’s and my heart goes out her and her children.
Oh Bonnie. I'm so very sorry ... for you and also for your daughters. "I can't begin to tell you how much it has destroyed my children." I get it... and I grieve for this. I think so many people vastly underestimate the impact. My heart goes out to you ... and I hope you'll take good care and be gentle with yourself.
I want to mark this a "like" but it addresses such a dreadful situation I feel it wrong just like it without a pledge to support the justice it requires. I used to live around Liberty University and felt awkward toward its operation and marketing. There were rumors of "unapproved behaviors" in the mid 1980s but nothing every openly talked about.
Victims need to speak out and speak up and always report.
Most of the abuse cases get not reported. There's a rule of precedent that cannot be ignored and in time if more cases get reported the data will show the real picture and ... (being hopeful here) the laws can change to give the so much needed protection to the victims and probably decrease the number of cases
What Christa is doing is so much needed and healing to the victims
I agree that they need to report. The problem is the psychological pressure not to out of fear. This is where the rest of us come in to use our voices on their behalf, encouraging them to do so and standing with them when they do.
My heart goes out to Diana, her daughters and son who have had their lives turned inside out and upside down. I read the linked article. I am appalled at the obstacles to healing they have endured, especially the belief from the church that forgiveness = forgive and forget, in other words, get on with life as if the abuse never happened. Which is impossible and cruel. Witness the devastation in each of the five family members. Even our Saviour bears the marks of the crucifixion in His resurrected body.
Forgiveness cannot be demanded where there is no repentence from the offender. Forgiveness does not mean not prosecuting abusers, does not mean not divorcing, it allows for boundaries to be put in place. It does mean not seeking revenge, leaving that up to God Who knows best how to avenge His lambs.
This is heartbreaking and infuriating. The devastation to victims and families is incalculable. And yes, the same patterns play out, on endless repeat it seems. The SBC shows over and over that they. do. not. care. and have conditioned congregants to be the perfect enablers. Renee was so courageous to speak up and was failed but adults who should have protected her and her siblings. So much respect for Diana breaking the pattern.
I feel the same way about “liking” these posts about horrific people & their horrific behavior. EVERYONE in the Southern Baptist Convention & EVERYONE in any capacity in THE church, Baptist or otherwise will be held accountable when they stand before the Lord. Matthew 18:6 is very clear about this!
This is my story only on a smaller scale. My 2 daughters were molested by their stepfather at ages 11 and 14. My daughters and I had a close enough relationship that they came to me and told me. I sent my husband to our pastor at the time and he agreed to counsel him. It was hidden from everyone. I was so ignorant and afraid. My 11 year was the one who turned him in. She went to her school counselor and told him. He was charged and did jail time and 2 years of counseling which was not enough because he was verbally and emotionally abusive to me my son and three other daughters. I can’t begin to tell you how much it has destroyed my children. This happened in 1989. I have been in therapy for almost 2 years and will continue as long as I need to. I only told a small part of my story. I can so relate to Diana’s and my heart goes out her and her children.
Oh Bonnie. I'm so very sorry ... for you and also for your daughters. "I can't begin to tell you how much it has destroyed my children." I get it... and I grieve for this. I think so many people vastly underestimate the impact. My heart goes out to you ... and I hope you'll take good care and be gentle with yourself.
Thank you so much Christa for taking the time to commit. I continue with my therapist and it has help so much in my healing.
I want to mark this a "like" but it addresses such a dreadful situation I feel it wrong just like it without a pledge to support the justice it requires. I used to live around Liberty University and felt awkward toward its operation and marketing. There were rumors of "unapproved behaviors" in the mid 1980s but nothing every openly talked about.
Victims need to speak out and speak up and always report.
Most of the abuse cases get not reported. There's a rule of precedent that cannot be ignored and in time if more cases get reported the data will show the real picture and ... (being hopeful here) the laws can change to give the so much needed protection to the victims and probably decrease the number of cases
What Christa is doing is so much needed and healing to the victims
Justice served is the ultimate reward 🙏💝
I agree that they need to report. The problem is the psychological pressure not to out of fear. This is where the rest of us come in to use our voices on their behalf, encouraging them to do so and standing with them when they do.
May they NOT BE ALONE!
My heart goes out to Diana, her daughters and son who have had their lives turned inside out and upside down. I read the linked article. I am appalled at the obstacles to healing they have endured, especially the belief from the church that forgiveness = forgive and forget, in other words, get on with life as if the abuse never happened. Which is impossible and cruel. Witness the devastation in each of the five family members. Even our Saviour bears the marks of the crucifixion in His resurrected body.
Forgiveness cannot be demanded where there is no repentence from the offender. Forgiveness does not mean not prosecuting abusers, does not mean not divorcing, it allows for boundaries to be put in place. It does mean not seeking revenge, leaving that up to God Who knows best how to avenge His lambs.
May our Shepherd bring each hurting lamb home.
This is heartbreaking and infuriating. The devastation to victims and families is incalculable. And yes, the same patterns play out, on endless repeat it seems. The SBC shows over and over that they. do. not. care. and have conditioned congregants to be the perfect enablers. Renee was so courageous to speak up and was failed but adults who should have protected her and her siblings. So much respect for Diana breaking the pattern.
I feel the same way about “liking” these posts about horrific people & their horrific behavior. EVERYONE in the Southern Baptist Convention & EVERYONE in any capacity in THE church, Baptist or otherwise will be held accountable when they stand before the Lord. Matthew 18:6 is very clear about this!