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…
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What You Should Know about Child Abuse and Neglect
What can we do about this modern crisis? by Jill Davis Remember the H1N1 flu virus that President Barack Obama called a national emergency in the fall of 2009? Once 1,000 people died from the disease, the World Health Organization warned of a worldwide pandemic. Our health care system quickly mobilized as the public…
Read moreThe Ugly Truth About Child Abuse
Understanding past and present influencesto find freedom for the future. by Muriel Larson My dedicated Christian friend, Melissa*, told me, “The memory of that awful experience when I was four has been indelibly seared into my mind; I have relived it again and again. It has profoundly affected my whole life. It is the…
Read moreThe Ugly Truth: Recommended reading and resources
I often recommend the Web sites of my articles: “Feelings, Forgiveness, and Peace” and “Moving On From the Past”: www.christianwomentoday.com/parenting/feelings.html www.christianwomentoday.com/closet/movingpast.html Accept Jesus Christ as Savior:http://www.journeyofjoy.com Gainvictory over a bad temper: www.christianwomentoday.com/spiritfilledlife.html “Dr. Muriel” Web site:http://www.christianwomentoday.com/advice/advice_qa.html Other recommendations Child Help USA for persons who were abused sexually as children: 1-800-422-4453 Children’s Center child abuse…
Read moreThe Power of Pain
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 moreMidst 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 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…
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