MK forum

Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment (G.R.A.C.E.)

"Anger without action communicates that the one harmed is of little value. Tragically, this is what is often communicated in our churches...."

Thank you for that reminder, dbarney.
Was your name "ornery barnery" at one time?
Oh, no, that was someone else.
btw, I agree with the GRACE statement.

I was listening to this song again this weekend, and it's encouraging me to get more involved:

Cause we are a family whose hearts are blazing
So let's raise our candles and light up the sky
Praying to our Father, in the name of Jesus
Make us a beacon in darkest times

So carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the helpless, deceived and poor
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world

Speaking of getting involved, this is an excellent website.

http://www.hermanlaw.com/

Meanwhile I'm still poking around with my little candle down here. It's still burning brightly, despite some pretty big angry winds trying to blow it out

Or as Elton would sing

While those around you crawled
They crawled out of the woodwork
And they whispered into your brain
They set you on the treadmill
And they made you change your name

And it seems to me you lived your life
Like a candle in the wind . . .

Here is a quote from the website above. hermanlaw.com

Message To Adult Survivors Of Childhood Sexual AbuseYou may still have a legal claim.
The shame and embarrassment that you might feel are not your burdens to bear, nor should they keep you from living the life you deserve to be living. You do not need to suffer alone and in silence. We often represent victims even when their sexual abuse or rape occurred decades ago. It may not be too late for you to pursue legal action. Let us help you take back your power and start to heal.

Lance Armstrong: Amazing cyclist, won the tour de france many times. Now stripped of those titles, because of a problem with the use of illegal substances to attain his wins. Still denies he did anything wrong. Will be remembered for the wrong reasons.

Bemused: Not an amazing cyclist, will never win the tour de france (won't even make it to the start line). But will always pass a drugs test (and that is about the only thing he will pass). Doesn't have to deny any wrong doing. Will be remembered by only a handful of people.

Leo the Dog: A cute dog who rides on the back of a bike. Watches out for dive bombing magpies and scares them away. Does not use performance enhancing drugs. Barks at sheep and will be remembered by many as a unique hound who rode on the back of a bike.

NTM: More like Lance Armstrong, should have been more like Leo the Dog who will be affectionately remembered for all the right reasons.

Very good!
LIKE

It is a strange and interesting process of putting the issue of child abuse in front of people and organisations.
There would be very few people who would be crazy enough to say they support any form of child abuse, but there are an embarrassingly high number of groups or individuals who are of the opinion that they don't need to make a stand on the issue.

However on the positive side are those who take the time to listen to the concerns of those of us who attempt to put the issue on the public agenda.
It is only fair to thank these people for taking the time to listen. Especially the one who no doubt has a very busy life and is running for re election this week. Mr President, your reply was much appreciated and will be framed, alas I won't be able to vote, but I wish you well.

There are so many kinds of gifts going on here on the forums.
The gift of gabbing on paper.
The gift of analysis.
The gift of caring and compassion.
Of reaching out to others.
Of encouragement.
Of thinking up creative ways to "DO."
Of keeping on
And on
And on
When it gets so aggravating/ depressing/ horrifying/ nonsensical
ETC!

WE WILL NOT GIVE UP
AND THE GIFTS GO ON.........