Headlines: Sex Offender Faces New Abuse Charge
Documents-Suspect Played "Sex"
2 Charged with Sexual Abuse of a Girl
All three headlines just from today's local newspaper. Lives crumbling long before they even have a chance to get started. I almost hesitated making this issue the focus of my blog for one simple reason; it turns my stomach. The more disturbed I am about this topic the more I know we all need to be open and honest with ourselves about it.
The only brightspot I could find in the headlines is that maybe, just maybe, its a sign that victims feel empowered to come forward. Staring at these headlines drives home a point for me; Somtime in my future I may (will) be in a position to support some man or woman dealing with recent sexual abuse. Am I prepared? Am I creating a safe-space of trust and support for my friends. Do I emotionally set-up my friends and family to know that this would never be "their fault" of shameful? Is my faith prepared?
Step-one Faitfully prepare, being a relevant compassionate Christian in our world is to prayfully prepare ourselves to love those around during the worst situations.
Step-two- educate yourself.
Reccomended reading "Stumbling Toward Faith" Renee Alston
Step-three-Ask tough questions of yourself, God and others.
Are there issues in my past that I need to settle with God in order to support others?
Are my daily habits making me less sensitive?
What does my casual reaction to sex say to others? What type of a message do I send?
Am I holding others accountable?
Who is holding me accountable?
What is the position of my church towards sex, the sexually abused, and protecting our children, pornography etc?
Not on my watch?
A provative book but a great "starter" to the tough issues of sex & todays culture. The messages we believe about ourselves and our needs. From a woman's perspective I love; "Sex and the Soul of a Woman" by Dr. Paula Rinehart
Something to think about. . .
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