(Please read to the end. The intention of this post is not self-defense). From time to time on this blog, I write posts that are written from ”God's voice" as I imagine he would speak to my heart. I've had a few people unfollow and tell me that this is apostasy, and...
Domestic Abuse
Is it Abuse? Minimizing, Denial & BLame… Part 5
When Jan finally got up enough courage to ask the church for help, John discredited everything she said. Since she had struggled with postpartum depression, he used that to convince the church she was completely unstable.
Is it Abuse? Part 4: Emotional Abuse & Isolation
It seems silly that something so small could ignite such a fury, but that’s the nature of domestic violence. Molehills become mountains on a regular basis when you live with an abuser.
Is it Abuse? Part 2: A Proven Screening Tool
Part 2 in a Series. In order to recognize the signs of domestic abuse, most experts rely on a tool called the Power and Control Wheel. This resource was created by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project of Duluth, Minnesota in 1984,[i] and is based on observation of...
Is it Really Abuse?
This is part one in a series. Step one in becoming free from the impact of living with a destructive spouse or partner is admitting the truth. Oddly enough, we find that many times victims of domestic abuse do not even recognize that they are being abused. Rather...
How Twisting Words Destroys Relationships
This twisting of words and distortion of intentions kills relationships, and those who face it have little power to change things.
Uniformed people helpers tell us that if we would just win them over with a quiet and gentle spirit or bless them enough, they’ll come around. Nothing could be further from the truth.
From Hopeless to Hope Filled: A Survivor’s Story
For every survivor, there’s usually a moment of clarity where they fully realize the abusive nightmare they’re living in is a choice he’s making. They know they need help, but those difficult steps to freedom are filled with trials of their own. Here’s one...
Faith for the Impossible
After working with victims of abuse for over twenty two years, one thing has become clear to me. Those with faith do so much better on the road to recovery than those without it.
A Look at What Called to Peace Ministries Accomplished in 2018!
I wanted to post an update on what our ministry accomplished in 2018. Be sure to check out our website and sign up for our newsletters if you aren't already subscribed. We are so grateful for those of you who have a heart to help the oppressed and abused. Blessings,...
When Anger Takes Over
Today's post is an excerpt from Chapter 12 of my book, Called to Peace: A Survivor's Guide to Finding Peace and Healing After Domestic Abuse. Whether you've been through an abusive relationship or not, life is often unfair and it's easy to find yourself overwhelmed...
“I felt so damaged & broken hearted”
Not everyone understands domestic violence. People are quick to say I would never accept that behavior, but they have never experienced the subtle mind games they play. They keep you so confused you don’t even realize what is happening until after you’ve been sucked in.
With an Abuser, Nothing is Off Limits
In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October), I asked the ladies in our online group to share their stories and the challenges and difficulties they faced while in their abusive situations. Here' the first in a series. Many thanks to this dear woman for...