Hurricane Ian is coming ashore in Florida as I write this post. I am praying for several people, loved ones in the Ft. Myers area who are already seeing the record-breaking storm surge and hearing the nightmarish screaming winds. I …
I was reminded today that the Jewish High Holidays begin later this month. Rosh Hashanah (also known as the Jewish New Year, also known as the Birthday of the Universe, also known as the Feast of Trumpets) falls on sundown …
Have you ever been told that the things happening in your home are “figments of your imagination”? That’s not very validating, is it? Not very affirming. But that is what we hear sometimes when we actually get up the …
The Bible has much to say about our tears. The women in our support group this past Monday evening also had much to say about tears. One woman is learning to grieve and cry. After years and years of putting …
“I feel sorry for him. He had an abusive childhood.” “He said he’s sorry for hurting me and it’ll never happen again so I guess I will stay. I can forgive him one more time.” “I feel physically sick at …
At FOCUS Ministries, we often receive phone calls or emails from people who ask, “My friend (or my sister, cousin, daughter, granddaughter) is in an abusive marriage. What should I do?” Good question! We often get the same question …
Little Wife’s little knees were shaking. Her little hands were shaking. Her tiny little voice was shaking. “Ma’am, could you please speak up?” asked the judge. Little Wife looked over her shoulder to the court advocate who had helped …
One thing domestic abuse does very well is destroy our sense of value. We live day after day with an abuser who lies to us and tells us that we are worthless, we are at fault, we are to blame, …
“That was him, I know it was him,” Little Wife whispered to herself. She peeked into the rear view mirror of her rental car to catch another look at the car that had just passed her by. Big Man had …
It’s one of the first questions I ask every woman who calls FOCUS Ministries for counsel and support and help. “Are you safe?” Sometimes they think I’ve asked if they are saved! We hope and pray they can answer …