The suffering of Christ gives newmeaning to a suffering man. by Douglas Hainer as told to Marguerite Tustan My earliest memory is being struck in the head with the butt of a rifle. It was my fourth birthday. My older sister, jealous of the attention I was receiving, hit me so hard that I…
Read moreMonth: February 2015
Midst Roses and Concrete
Finding forgiveness for the deepest hurts. by Shirley A. Reynolds On a concrete bench in a mausoleum courtyard, I tried to muster courage. Shaking my fist at the foliage, I said, “I’m not leaving until I’ve emptied my heart of this anger toward my mother.” Oh Mama, I thought. Why did you use a…
Read moreLearning to Feel Again
by Beth Swain Relieved, I watched the counselor gather his papers without asking me that dreaded question. Then, as if an afterthought, he asked, “Oh, was there any sexual abuse?” There it was. “You mean with me?” I asked, attempting a casual facade. Still, my quivering voice betrayed me. “Yes, with you.” His kind…
Read moreLearning to Feel Again: First steps
Do you long to feel more of some emotions, yet fear that certain feelings will stir up too much pain? Are you struggling with painful memories? Maybe you have reached the point of saying, “I can’t take this anymore.” The good news is that you can get better. Here are some ways to get…
Read moreHonor My Mother?
A new adventure of biblical truth. by Betty Smith Sixteen-year-old Angela struggled to find the chord among the piano keys. She pressed a combination. The sound made me cringe. “It’s okay,” I assured her. As I reached for the keyboard, I felt my heart quickening. My hand trembled as it hovered over the keys….
Read moreHoly Hypocrite
Singing, serving, smiling — but looks can be deceiving. by Don Cox as told to Muriel Larson In my home, I was the king; my family members were the peasants. At least that was the way I saw things. Whenever there was the slightest resistance to my will, my violent temper could assert itself….
Read moreHoly Hypocrite: Need a Change?
You can have the kind of change Don Cox experienced by confessing the sins that often overtake you and placing your full trust in Jesus Christ for forgiveness of all your sins (Romans 10:9). Changes in your attitudes and actions can be immediate, as Don’s were. This is especially true when the Spirit has…
Read moreHelping Victims of Domestic Violence
When ignorance isn’t bliss. by Bette Nordberg When Nita moved in across the street, Susan was delighted to find that her new neighbor was also a full-time mom. Over time their friendship grew to include carpooling duties and occasional morning coffee. Though Susan had never known anyone in a violent relationship, it wasn’t long…
Read moreHelping Victims Resources
Contact by phone National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFENational Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 303-839-1852Northwest Family Life Learning & Counseling Center: 206-363-9601*Center for the Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Domestic Violence: 206-634-1903* Books Women, Abuse and the Bible. Catherine Clark Kroeger and James R. Beck, editors. Baker, 1998* (out of print; check at a library) Healing…
Read moreHealing for the Hateful Heart
A woman learns to cut loose the ties the bind. by Lynne Collins* as told to Muriel Larson I was twenty when it happened. One evening I was washing dishes in the kitchen sink. The sound of the television in the living room kept my baby content; I could hear him banging his toys….
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