We all love a good make-over. If you're like me, you skip the middle of the reel and rush to the result. When the book, Sanctuary: Hope and Help for Victims of Domestic Abuse was written, it was written quickly. The work and research happened over a length of time, but there was little time … Continue reading Make-Over for Sanctuary: Introduction
Safety
Mercy and Grace
It is not uncommon for those who have been unjustly mistreated and oppressed to be told they need to offer the offender grace. After all, they reason, God is gracious to them, so they ought to be gracious to others. This may be an oversimplification, but I read this verse differently today and it gave … Continue reading Mercy and Grace
Forests and Trees; Wolves and Sheep
It's easy to get caught up in an immediate crisis or situation and fail to understand how it relates to the landscape of the relationship. If we are not aware, we will think we're looking at a sheep, when, in fact, we're face to face with a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Fear
I was asked about fear recently. The Bible says do not fear, but certain people and situations are fearful. Many church leaders and biblical counselors say fear is sinful and we should never be afraid. This is when I say, "Show me the money."
It’s Not Anxiety
Woman after woman is accused of--or describes herself as--suffering from anxiety. Making decisions, moving through the day, talking to individuals, caring for children, going to bed. All are riddled with a sense of dread, fear, panic, unease. The words, "If only..." precede every other thought. The Bible speaks to anxiety. Pastors and Bible study leaders … Continue reading It’s Not Anxiety
The Cleaner
So when we clean or cover up another's sin and remove consequences and the opportunity/need for repentance, we are not serving them. We may be serving ourselves without realizing it. We are not working with God, but against Him.
Good and Angry
If grief is the normal response to abuse, anger follows honesty or candor. "How could I keep going back?" "Why didn't I ____?" "Who does he think he is?" Because anger is a response to moral failure, it reveals what we perceive to be right and wrong. In the case of abuse, anger is not … Continue reading Good and Angry
A House of Cards
It's normal and good to help individuals who are struggling. We all want relief and an end to conflict. The problem is, if we don't understand the dynamics of abuse and of any given relationship, we can easily work against those who are hurting. We will find ourselves working against God. For years a wise … Continue reading A House of Cards
Differing Weights
"To show partiality in judgement is not good. He who says to the wicked, 'You are righteous,' peoples will curse him, nations will abhor him; But to those who rebuke the wicked will be delight, and a good blessing will come upon them. He kisses the lips who gives a right answer." (Proverbs 24:23-26) Today … Continue reading Differing Weights
How Can We Help?
Sanctuary's vision is to bring women to the God of all comfort, the God of protection and provision, the God of goodness and grace. The title offers help and hope knowing that only God, through Jesus Christ, offers true healing for suffering, pain and loss. The picture that best captures biblical counseling for me is … Continue reading How Can We Help?
Seeking Sanctuary 