Terrorists in our Homes

It is hard to believe that it has been nineteen years since 9/11 happened. I know exactly where I was on that day. You probably can remember also. In the morning of that day at work, I learned of the attacks against our country. When lunchtime came, I rushed to get to the Target store nearby. When I entered the store, I headed for the television department to watch the news on a big screen TV. I watched in horror and disbelief as two planes plowed right into the Twin Towers in New York City. How could someone do this to our country?

Fear set in as I learned that the Pentagon was struck by another plane. If that wasn’t enough, another plane was headed to do more destruction to an unknown destination. Courageous people on that plane prevented that while losing their lives. Were there other planes in the air that were on their way to fulfill another evil?

As I traveled home from work that day, there was an eerie silence in the skies. Were the major airports going to be next? Living near O’Hare airport, I watched for airplanes. Not one plane was traveling to or from the airport.

Our country was outraged by terrorists as we banded together to take a stand against the evil perpetrated on us. Later that evening, I thought about the terrorists living in our homes that cause fear and destruction to families. One in three women experience domestic violence. Why weren’t we outraged?

Instead I hear, “What did you do to provoke him?” “Don’t you know you are supposed to forgive and forget!” Why are you keeping a record of wrongs?” “He hasn’t hit you so what is the problem.” “Love covers a multitude of sins.”

Did you notice a lot of “you” statements? Where are the statements that address the sinful behaviors of the abuser? Loving someone else does not mean no accountability or consequences for behaviors that harm another.

It appears that shame and condemnation is heaped on the victim/survivor of the abuse as if she is totally responsible for the marriage to work. Aren’t there two people in a marriage relationship?

Our Christian community needs to administer justice for the captives of abuse that are being held in bondage. It is important to:

• Educate ourselves about domestic violence and learn how to appropriately respond.
• Acquire a list of resources to help the victim: DV counselors, housing and financial resources, etc.
• Listen and affirm the victim/survivor when she begins to reach out for help. It takes a great deal of courage to tell the truth of her situation.
• Support financially organizations that are equipped to minister to the victim/survivor.
• Create within our churches a safe environment for victims and their children.
• Develop a safety plan for churches if domestic violence happens within the church.

When we ban together and stand up against the evil of abuse, there is hope.

I will not be silent!!!!

Will you?