Don Hennessy on systemic abuse in Ireland

This post is about social workers and the justice system taking children of protective mothers. While it focuses on Ireland, we can all learn from it because the Irish Republic is not the only country where the system is set up to favour abusers. The Alliance of Birth Mothers Campaigning for Justice (ABC) is an… Continue reading Don Hennessy on systemic abuse in Ireland

Family – is blood thicker than water?

"Blood is thicker than water" is often used to coerce victims of abuse to comply with the sinful beliefs and behaviour patterns within a family system. It is used to intimidate and extract loyalty from a member of the family whose conscience is more active and biblically guided than the rest of the family –… Continue reading Family – is blood thicker than water?

When kids have to spend time with an abusive parent, how can they apply ‘heap burning coals upon his head’?

A reader says: I am a post-divorce survivor of domestic violence. My family have grown and changed a lot along with me through this process....from being unwitting allies of my X, to now maintaining no contact and helping me escape from my abuser. My kids have to have regular visitation with their Dad by court… Continue reading When kids have to spend time with an abusive parent, how can they apply ‘heap burning coals upon his head’?

When it’s not safe to spend Christmas with family

Some survivors of abuse make the decision that it is not wise to spend Christmas with family. Others predetermine strict boundaries about how and where they will participate in family gatherings. And for some people it is simply impossible to spend Christmas with family or friends. (John 7:1-13  NMB) After that, Jesus went about in… Continue reading When it’s not safe to spend Christmas with family

I would love to reconcile with my dad. But I need to see repentance.

I grew up in a Christian home. I should clarify, my mother’s faith was always an inspiration to me, but all I saw with my father’s so-called faith was hypocrisy and using the Bible as a weapon against others. Then one day, my mother came to me weeping over my father’s actions towards her. She… Continue reading I would love to reconcile with my dad. But I need to see repentance.

Sexual violation of children is epidemic. And it’s probably increasing.

In her sentencing remarks to Larry Nassar, Judge Aquilina quoted statistics about child sexual assault from US Dept of Justice. Before their 18th birthday– 1 in 10 kids in the USA will be sexually assaulted 1 in 7 girls will be sexually assaulted 1 in 25 boys will be sexually assaulted There is no reason… Continue reading Sexual violation of children is epidemic. And it’s probably increasing.

I’m Fine — a daughter’s poem

This poem (I'm Fine [Internet Archive link]) was sent to us by the woman who set up the David's Slingshot She has sent a complaint to one of the Presbyteries of the OPC regarding her former pastor and leadership. The Presbytery appointed a special committee to investigate the pastor in October of 2017, and was… Continue reading I’m Fine — a daughter’s poem