@verily It's confusing to me as to why you are being so judgemental of my post. You are accusing me of "Accusing people you don't know of "unChristlike behavior". No, I don't know the people on this forum that are being hateful. I don't equate their behavior with Christ's righteous anger in the temple either. Nor am I saying that I don't understand how hate is formed in light of all the atrocities that have taken place but regardless, it's still not Christlike.
I'm also not sure what "christian jargon" I've "spouted" that in your words is "meaningless & demeaning & takes away the legitimacy of the pain experienced." PLEASE!? Are you serious? Did you actually read my post?! I did none of what you are accusing me of & I wrote it exactly for the type of post you responded with!
We have gotten so far off track from what this forum was supposed to be about! People who were hurt by people, having a safe place to come forward & find others who were also hurt & to find people who would listen & support them & help them grieve & process & move forward. This is supposed to be a place of healing. It doesn't seem like that's what it is anymore.
I was born while my parents were just beginning their training & went to the field when I was 2. I lived my whole life there. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I had a wonderful experience, even DESPITE the physical & emotional abuse I PERSONALLY suffered at the hands of my dorm parents. One of my siblings was also sexually abused and she is still with the mission today because it's not about her abuser & the organization that he was a part of or that we were a part of, it's about what God is capable of doing through people who are willing to be used.
You've even gone so far as to accuse me of implying that those who would try to hold NTM accountable are helping Satan?!! What? Again, this type of response is exactly what I was referring to in my original post. I said nothing of the sort. You are reading into my post & judging me... putting words in my mouth & then attacking me for things I never said, things I do NOT think & things that are not even true! I completely understand how the victims would be looking for someone to blame... as hurt-n-hopeful said... blame is part of the healing process. As is anger. I understand it, but it doesn't make it right for us to jump on the bandwagon & begin contributing to a giant hate-fest! In my opinion, when we join into that process we only prolong the healing on the part of the victims. In my personal walk with God I have learned that only forgiveness frees me from the binds to my abusers. The more people encourage me to be angry, the more angry I feel and the more justified I feel in being that way. BUT, the more people encourage me to talk it out, to trust God & YES, to FORGIVE, the more I move away from being filled with hatred that consumes me from within & only binds me more to the past & the people who have hurt me the most deeply. And yes, Satan DOES love discord & dissension, as I said before. He will use any & every measure, like a sheep in wolf's clothing, to divide & conquer. If he can get us sidetracked & filled with rage then we are of no use to each other or to God. We are consumed. I don't think this is really what any of us wants?!
Lastly, I also do not agree with your implication that my post encourages people to "shut up, don't make waves or you'll be ruining God's work." I absolutely do NOT think that in any way. Nor did I say that. Again, you are totally twisting my words. I do think people should be speaking out, just not in the way that many have been. The "mob mentality" easily takes over when people are passionate about something & things can get very off track from where they started. I think the idea of this forum started as a place of sharing & healing & encouragement & my observation is simply that it doesn't feel that way any more. That's not to say that there isn't a lot of very encouraging posts but the majority seem to be shifting in another direction.
One final note, you also assumed that I am in NTM training with your statement "Apparently what they are teaching you guys in NTM training hasn't changed a bit." When in fact, I have never been apart of the mission aside from my 18 years under my parent's roof.
So, the next time someone posts something you don't agree with, maybe take a step back first & evaluate whether what you have to say is necessary or true before you reply. Then you won't be judging while you are accusing them of being judgmental.
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