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
Scripture Truths for Helpers
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
Differing Weights
We understand partiality, especially when we’re the recipients. Partiality is the use of double-standards, holding people to a capricious set of standards. Jesus used even weights—or the same standard—for everyone: Pharisees, tax-collectors, prostitutes, lepers. He applied mercy and truth in equal measures. The difference in His response was their heart.
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.
Oh Be Careful, Little Feet, Where You Go…
One of the underlying causes of sin and oppression is a misunderstanding and misuse of authority. We are dependent beings. But when dependence is used and exploited for the benefit of some created beings at the expense of another, it is sinful and wrong.
When Trusting the Lord Isn’t
Trust is one of many biblical principles that, misused, puts individuals in harm's way and severely limits their God-given ability. How could trusting God be wrong?
Unbiblical Stereotypes vs Truth
Do you ever wonder why some people think the way they do? If you are in an unbiblical church setting (oxymoron), a church that has "high standards" and manages people with other people's expectations, you might find the following interesting. If you are in a biblical church and you just don't get it--where did those oppressive ideas come from?--the following may help you as well.
Seeking Sanctuary 