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NASB | Jeremiah 5:31 The prophets prophesy falsely, And the priests rule on their own authority; And My people love it so! But what will you do at the end of it? |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Jeremiah 5:31 The prophets prophesy falsely, And the priests rule on their own authority; And My people love [to have] it so! But what will you do when the end comes? |
Subject: How does the church respond to abuse? |
Bible Note: In response to mommapbs, I was nearly in tears as I read your answer. It is very affirming to know that there is someone out there who won't sidestep the issue but will deal with it with real answers. I will definitely get the book you recommended. You also gave me more insight as I hadn't thought much, although I had read some in doing research on domestic violence, about spiritual abuse. There isn't much reading material out there concerning domestic violence in communities of faith. I am looking forward to reading your recommmendation. As to your question of whether I see the wounding or the healing - yesterday I lay on the floor relaxing and talking with a friend of mine. We were listening to Yolanda Adams singing "While Riding Through The Storm". In my former life, I was a praise dancer. As I listened to the song, I remembered a dance that I had "performed" to that piece. I smiled, though, when I remembered the storm of secretly stealing away from my home, where God brought my children and I, and how we are doing now. That song is so much more real to me. Today we have no electricity, I don't know how I'm going to pay the rent, and I am currently unemployed. In spite of all of this, I have joy and peace because I have seen God work so many miracles. I see the healing in my 7 year old son who, when I brought him here, was very violent. He is now a distinguished honor roll student entering a special program for gifted children. He wants to be a pastor when he grows up. My 11 year old has been an ambassador and conflict mediator for two schools this year. My 8 year old is less afraid and more loving than ever. My 17 year old, though still very troubled, is learning to take baby steps in the direction of her goals. My 18 year old son, now a man who lives outside of the home, is recognizing his need of God. Before we left, he believed he needed a gun. I do not really know how my 13 year old stepson is doing, but, if nothing else, I hope I have taught him by my leaving that abuse of any kind is not acceptable. In regards to protection from the law, there was none for me. I was told that if I took my children out of state, my husband could legally come and get them because he is their father. I was also told that I must sit down and mediate with him (while I was still living with him) concerning custody. You cannot mediate with a madman. I left against the counsel of the church and the law. God protected us legally, physically and spiritually. Much later, my husband and I mediated the custody of the children. It is my determined purpose to serve as many women and children as possible that live or have lived in the same situations. I have finished a book and am working on a series of books to aide those involved in domestic violence and to teach churches how to recognize and effectively counter domestic violence. I am also working with community organizations to increase awareness of the long term effects of verbal and psychological abuse. Again, thank you for your response. |