Category Archives: {living}

Once again, October is here and it’s time to bring awareness to the tragedy of domestic abuse. It’s a subject that most would prefer to turn away from, to pretend doesn’t exist, or at least not in their circles. But that is far from the truth. It not only is a tragedy, it is way too prevalent in our society, rich as well as poor families, churchgoing families as well as drug dealers and drunks, even homeschool families. Abuse has no demographic. Please take some time this month to learn more about what domestic abuse is, and what it effects… Continue reading →

Rejoice with me as I celebrate another accomplishment that I never thought I’d have, nor wanted to. Yesterday I graduated and received certification for training in a ministry I never in an million years thought I’d have, nor desired. It just wasn’t on my radar as something I was working toward or wanting to do. I became certified as an abuse survivor advocate. Even when I was offered a place in the course, I argued with God. I know it is a much needed ministry, “but God, it’s not MY ministry”. I obviously ended up enrolling. It was a hard… Continue reading →

Good morning and Welcome to 2020! The second decade of a new century. Seems surreal… But also nostalgic, with the connection to the “roaring 20s” of the 1900s. Today is the day when, universally, people will be making resolutions, setting goals, choosing focus words, …many of those related to weight loss and getting healthy …most of those to be forgotten in the next few weeks…or days. Yet it is an acknowledgment of the newness noted on the calendar. Some of you are thinking of all this and saying, “I just can’t. I can’t add one more “to do” to my… Continue reading →

or do you feel more, Ba Humbug. The holidays can be especially hard for survivors regardless of our situations– even for those of us that are on the other side, and creating new, wonderful lives we love.  Perhaps your difficulties are in regards to children, hurting ones unable to escape and gain liberty. Perhaps it is loneliness, the loss of family and friends, when you chose life and liberty. Perhaps it is busyness, just trying to stay ahead of the demands of life–or the bill collectors. Whatever your situation, when you look at the babe in the manger, choose to… Continue reading →

As we wind up this month’s focus on Domestic Abuse Awareness, there is obviously far, far more to be said. I’ve kept things pretty succinct this past month, out of necessity. The point was to bring awareness. To ignore this issue, to not offer support, to not bother to learn how to support victims/survivors, when this issue is so rampant only compounds the problem. Nearly 1/3 of all women have suffered domestic abuse–and sadly, for Christian women the statistics aren’t really any better. Sticking your head in the sand won’t make this problem go away. The ramifications of Domestic Abuse… Continue reading →

There is a beautiful life to find post-abuse, post-divorce.

“All throughout my marriage, I prayed for peace. I was emotionally tired from the continuous mind games, the constant deception, and trying to keep the marriage alive when it had been dead for years. “I just was so ready to surround myself with people who treated each other with care and concern, and kindness and respect, like I had experienced before I married. Divorce became the answer to those sorrowful, lonely nights lamenting to God to bring the peace back into my life… “Since my divorce, I’ve learned that I can’t change anyone but myself. But I can make the… Continue reading →