In my first blog post, I related the idea for this project. Now I'd like to share "the why".
Our tag-line reads, "Providing support to victims, it's something we can all do." I have to be honest... I typed (and then deleted) several lengthy paragraphs explaining just how victims of abuse often don't have the financial resources to be successful in their attempt to leave horrible situations. And while that is true and speaks to the "in Action" part of our name, it doesn't really expose my own heart, my own "why" for this project. That's because every time I talk about victims of domestic abuse, I am really fighting a surrogate battle. I have made a substitution. I have replaced the abuse I can't talk about with one I can. Why? Because I thought it would be easier, more palatable, more comfortable. I thought I could share resources and make my points about (domestic) abusers in the church and those points could be extrapolated out to cover my situation. As if somehow this pseudo-voice could substitute for my own voice. Well, it's not going to work. The reality is that domestic abuse *is* a problem in the church. But the same heart that is operating in those situations does not limit itself to spouses. Our enemy is a devouring lion, remember? But if not a literal lion, then what? Perhaps a spouse, a teacher, a sibling, a pastor, a friend, a co-worker, a father, or a mother. I have no desire to make people uncomfortable, though some will be. Or angry, though some will be. Or disappointed, though some will be. My heart is to give validation to those who are in the muck and mire of covert abuse in Christian circles. Your experience is real. Your suffering is real. Your pain is real. We offer you the mercy of understanding and compassion.
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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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