By River Grace Outlaw It happens…a lot. Domestic violence rates are substantially higher in military couples. Let me preface this story with my awareness that my story is just one experience out of many, and every story is different. I was a starstruck bride as we...
By: Joy Forrest This has been one of the hardest years of my life, and that’s saying a lot, because I have suffered greatly in my time on this earth. Yet, in all my trials and tribulations, I have learned that suffering can be a beautiful opportunity to connect to...
As told by Catherine, written by Lauren Rose Catherine connected with Priscilla, a Called to Peace Ministries advocate, to help a friend. But as she began talking with Priscilla, her own story spilled out. Physical abuse was heavy at the beginning of our marriage, but...
By: Joy Forrest Perhaps in recent years you’ve noticed that a mean spirit has become pervasive in our culture. It’s most apparent on social media where anybody, and everybody, can express their opinions loudly and publicly without regard for others. It has not only...
Part Two: as told by “Christine,” written by Lauren Rose Remember Part One: "Christine" whose church introduced her to love after abuse? In the first part of her previous story, she asked her pastoral care pastor, "How can someone understand covenant love when the...
As told by Elise; written and introduction by Lauren Rose Elsie grew up in a violent home. She has seen first-hand, the far-reaching impacts of domestic abuse on multiple generations. It doesn’t just affect one family, but it trickles into each subsequent generation’s...
As told by “Katie,” written by Lauren Rose The year before my marriage, God brought me to a place of self-examination where I realized I wasn't as Christian as I thought. I surrendered my life fully to Christ, and my life changed tremendously. There is much more to my...
Told by “Eveyln,” written by Lauren Rose I escaped what I now understand was a 28-year abusive marriage to a man that my sister unknowingly introduced me to as a "really good guy." He was seven years older than me and owned the business he had started when he was 21....
As told by Junia and "Hannah,” written by Lauren Rose Both Junia and "Hannah" found themselves in authoritarian organizations (Sovereign Grace Ministries “SGM” and Institute in Basic Life Principles “IBLP”) that used their desire to honor God as a tool to groom them...
Told by “Chiral,” written by Lauren Rose As a single mom of two toddlers, I thought my kids needed a dad, and I desired to be a stay-at-home mom. I believed God answered my prayers when I reconnected with my high school boyfriend when he returned from the Army, and we...
This blog post was originally published Nov. 2016, since that time things have improved significantly in our churches. However, there is not a week that goes by in our ministry when we don’t hear a story of someone who is still struggling to get their church to...
As told by "Christine," and written by Lauren Rose I separated from my husband three times because of the abuse, but I was blessed that God placed me in churches that rallied around my children and me at each of those times. This is still amazing to me, considering...