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, we are no good to anyone, we are undesirable, we are unlovable, and even God…
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 “YES” to that question also. Are we safe? Are we safe in our homes? In…
After her escape from Big Man, Little Wife filled her days with job hunting, volunteer work, apartment searching and driving her children to school and their activities, trying to keep life for the children as normal as possible, all things considered. There was so much to consider and many life details to be worked out….
“Just slip out the back, Jack. Make a new plan, Stan. Hop on the bus, Gus. Just get yourself free.” When artist Paul Simon sang those lyrics in 1975, he probably was NOT thinking about domestic abuse. No, I KNOW he wasn’t. He was thinking about something completely different than survival. Leaving the abuse can…
The very next day Little Wife called the local police station. “Hello, is this the police? Yes, my name is Little Wife and I left my abusive husband yesterday. Yes, his name is Big Man. Yes, my children and I left him yesterday with nothing but the clothes on our backs…and a little bit…
I was blessed to attend the recent Restore 2022 Conference at Judson University. The subtitle, A Conference Restoring Faith in God and the Church, hinted at the truth that our society is experiencing right now – many people have lost faith in our loving God, because of abuse in the church and in the home. …
I wonder if you know that sickening feeling when you answer the phone, and they say, “She’s gone.” After nearly a year of harsh cancer treatments, my dear sister-in-law Linda went to be with the Lord last month. She was only 59, recently retired and ready to share golden days of fishing and gardening with…
“Bride Preparing” Rose petals open gently, Gracefully, Little by little A love relationship deepens Little by little I learn more of Him While I share my deepest thoughts with Him He listens He leads He comforts, protects, provides An intense growing love A desire to never be apart A clinging to His every word….
One Sunday morning, Little Wife and Big Man went to their church. He gripped her hand tightly as they walked in and smiled brightly at the worshippers greeting them at the door. “Good morning! Good morning! Yes, isn’t it a fine spring morning! Praise the Lord for Sundays in the house of God.” Little Wife…
What does it mean to be loved by God? I mean truly loved by God. I grew up singing Jesus Loves Me. I believe it, but is it just a fact that I know to be true, or a radical truth that actually changes my life? Shouldn’t it be the latter? What impression does the…