Stories of Hurt & Healing

"Thank you for your courage."  That was a comment made and echoed by many of the 30 participants at the recent "Stories of Hurt & Healing" workshop held at our church.  

Two years ago a women's abuse support group was started in our church following a presentation by guest speaker Elsie Goerzen who leads MCC's provincial "End Abuse" program.  Several of those participants now shared their stories, shattering many of the "myths of abuse" and illustrating the many benefits (physical, emotional, social, spiritual) they experienced through the group and church's support.  

The stories gave us windows into how long and hard many of the women had worked to try and save their relationships and "how difficult the choice to leave the abusive relationship was".  "I wanted the abuse to end, not the relationship".  One described the choice to leave "like having to cut off a leg with gangarine" facing the reality that it will kill you if you don't but knowing that the loss will be permanent.  

"Going to the group, I found out I wasn't crazy" was one of the initial bennefts another woman shared as the patterns of abuse came into focus during the support group sessions. "Having other strong women to support you" and "finding new networks" were other lasting benefits.  As they got into "the habit of meeting together" (Hebrews 10:24) they found themselves "mutually encouraged by one another's faith" (Romans 1:12).

The resource list provided at the meeting is posted here.  For further information or to find a support group in the area go to http://www.whenlovehurts.ca/