Illusionists! The abusers we have not seen
Some illusionists fool us to amuse us. Abusers and abusive systems fool us to control us. Freedom and life hinge on seeing the illusionists we have not seen.
Nat Arnett / freeimages.com
Beware the illusion of refuge: Abuse in the church
Any number of motives can prompt leaders in our church systems to create an illusion that refuge for the abused exists, where it does not. “They say, ‘All is well, all is well,’ when it is not.” So how can we know?
#EstherToo
Thousands of years ago, a little book that lies near the center of the Old Testament broke the silence. Esther the book speaks openly of sexual, racial and domestic abuse. Esther the woman experienced all three. Still today, Esther is speaking out to show us how one abused woman faced down what threatened to swallow her up, and how we can do the same.
Shhh. Closeup of woman's index finger raised to her mouth in silencing gesture.
#SilenceIsNotSpiritual – except when it is
I believe in breaking the silence of secrecy that abusers impose. I also believe that, for a survivor, silence is sometimes the most spiritual choice.