Do you struggle with feeling shame? Many of us do. Sometimes we are taught to feel shame by our parents, or at a childhood church. But often, our abusers plant a feeling of shame in our hearts. How is this possible? The following is taken from my book, A Journey to...
Living Life WITH God – What Would That Be Like?
Last week I shared insights from the book With: Reimagining the Way You Relate to God.* In that blog I talked about the positions most of us take when we relate to God. In living under God, we try to do everything "right" and then hope/expect him to give us a good...
What Does the Bible Say About Domestic Violence?
There is much confusion about what the Bible says about domestic violence, marriage and divorce. The Bible was not meant to be read out of context. Many abused spouses are told that "God hates divorce" and that "the only biblical grounds for divorce are infidelity and...
What Lies Do You Believe?
Many of us unconsciously believe lies about ourselves, others, and God. Being abused can mess with your mind. We begin believing the negative (untrue) things our abusers say about us. Then, without realizing it, we act on the lies we believe. An example of this is...
Where Was God During Your Tragedy?
Last week, I asked the question, "If God is loving, why is the world so evil?" For those of us who have suffered greatly, we may be asking God more personal questions, such as: “Why did you allow this to happen to me?” and “Where were you when I experienced this?”...
Finding the Courage to Ask for Change
Something is wrong with your relationship. You know it. Could it be emotional abuse? Maybe. Here is a blog that can help you decide this. If it is emotional abuse, what now? You could just walk out the door. Some people do that, but most make an effort to improve the...
The Lion of Judah
If you have been following me for very long, you know that I often share contemporary songs in my blogs that have meaning to me. Today, I would like to share "The Lion and the Lamb" by Big Daddy Weave.* The chorus of this song has been stuck in my mind for days: Our...
Why Do People Often Take the Side of the Abuser?
I can't tell you how many abuse victims I've spoken to where this happens. The victim's family, friends or church take the side of the abuser in a separation, rather than standing by the victim. This doesn't make logical sense. Why would a person's own family turn...
A Garment of Praise
Last year I shared a new method I learned of studying the Bible. I read a chapter of the Bible and write down everything that speaks to me. Then, I look at what I've written and discern what I think God is saying to me that day. Sometimes I write the verses back to...
What Does the Bible Say about Abuse?
I am continuing my intensive course. This week, my friend Rose Saad, author of A Path to Hope, was kind enough to write a guest blog for me. Many of us have tried to seek wisdom about domestic violence from our churches and/or the bible. Often, our churches have...