Our family had the privilege tonight of participating in a prayer vigil commemorating the 5 years since Lynn Messer was reported missing. As I looked around at the crowd gathered, I was looking for familiar faces...faces from back when I knew Lynn as a teen... fellow church members... people who just 5 years ago were showing such concern for her whereabouts. Wouldn't they want to be here, as we were, if for no other reason than to show support for her sons?!
Sadly, if I have learned anything from our own experience with how the local church handles abuse, I know why they are absent and silent. Cowardice. You see, showing up means taking a side. It means adding your voice in support of those harmed by wicked people. It means you might think that man/woman sitting next to you in the worship service isn't really a Christian. "But they're at church every Sunday!" Yes, and the ones they've abused are gone. If I'm stepping on your toes and you know Lynn's family, instead of making excuses, do these things: REPENT for choosing wickedness by your silence. ASK victims their story. EDUCATE yourself (Spiritualbattles.org) DONATE to support victims of abusers. (Click photo below to help the Messer family.) SHARE this post to your friends list.
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AuthorThis project is a collective effort of the entire Quinn family. Ideally, each of us will have a chance to share through this blog. But unless stated otherwise, I, Jennifer, am the author. Archives
September 2023
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