By Thy Words

[ABC 123]

And some are still there.

The majority of the time people in those settings don't know they are being abused. I think that is why so many of us "transplants" don't survive in those settings. Don't know how to explain it....

Yep. True for me.

[steve-in-kville]

And some are still there.

The majority of the time people in those settings don't know they are being abused. I think that is why so many of us "transplants" don't survive in those settings. Don't know how to explain it....

Yep. True for me.

Really? Wouldn't have known that about you.

[ABC 123]

The majority of the time people in those settings don't know they are being abused. I think that is why so many of us "transplants" don't survive in those settings. Don't know how to explain it....

Yep. True for me.

Really? Wouldn't have known that about you.

The story of my life reads like satire. And people like Grace would think it prudent not to share that.

[Grace]

I do get your point, Grace.

However how do you address these issues of spiritual abuse. You came out the other side apparently unscathed. Some are not so fortunate. And some are still there.

To say something bothers people, so we just let it keep happening?

You have valid points. I know there are many who have been traumatized by spiritual abuse and my heart goes out to them.

However how does anyone stop it from continuing? We have relatives and friends still in very conservative churches, whom we love dearly. I have no doubt the people we know in Conservative churches are saved and love the Lord, even with all the added rules and guidlines. And what is more important? Is it up to us to attempt to change these churches or is it up to the Lord to work in the hearts and minds of the people. Will a Facebook page change anything? I highly doubt it.

Over the years I have seen some of the proud leaders of some of these church brought down in a mighty way, and it wasn't done by anonymous Facebook pages, or blogs. We live in Lancaster County and I remember when the Charity Churches were taking the Conservative Mennonite culture here by storm. Charity was the "it" church and we saw many people sucked in. But where are the leaders now? Where are people like Rick and Helen Liebee's family, Denny Kenaston's family, Mose Stoltzfus family ? I know Denny and Mose are no longer living, but I think in the later years they saw their cultish practices diminish.

[Grace]

Yep. True for me.

Really? Wouldn't have known that about you.

The story of my life reads like satire. And people like Grace would think it prudent not to share that.

Each to their own. There is a place for satire. But when it is at the expense of other people, I question the motive.

[ABC 123]

Really? Wouldn't have known that about you.

The story of my life reads like satire. And people like Grace would think it prudent not to share that.

Each to their own. There is a place for satire. But when it is at the expense of other people, I question the motive.

Out of politeness for people who have shown no love for me, I do not tell the stories that I could. But it is a rip off because I have worked through the repercussions alone.

To see other people have had the same experience and it really was as ridiculous as I thought it was is in some way cathartic. I am not alone.

[steve-in-kville]

My wife and I have basically kept quiet (unfortunately) about what happened there at the end. Most people wouldn't believe us anyway, or refuse to believe such nasty things could come out of a conservative church.

[ABC 123]

My wife and I have basically kept quiet (unfortunately) about what happened there at the end. Most people wouldn't believe us anyway, or refuse to believe such nasty things could come out of a conservative church.

Understand. Completely.

[Grace]

The story of my life reads like satire. And people like Grace would think it prudent not to share that.

Each to their own. There is a place for satire. But when it is at the expense of other people, I question the motive.

Out of politeness for people who have shown no love for me, I do not tell the stories that I could. But it is a rip off because I have worked through the repercussions alone.

To see other people have had the same experience and it really was as ridiculous as I thought it was is in some way cathartic. I am not alone.

I am sorry you have suffered so much. And if "By Thy Words" helps some people, than I suppose it has some redeeming value.

[ragpicker]

The person stated they didn't want to reveal their identity because they figured people would find a way to discount what they are saying.

A not entirely unjustified concern, considering some of the company he has very publicly associated himself with.