I am not thankful for all the abuse I have endured in my life….. I don’t thank abusers for the harm they inflict. I don’t do all that shallow rationalising that I somehow ‘needed’ to be abused, to help others.
But, I am glad I am someone able to use all the trauma I have endured, to help others – through an understanding of lived experience.
Spiritual abuse is something I have endured. Grooming from a pastor, narcissistic abuse from him, his wife, the senior pastor and most of the flock, who sided with the abusers, as often happens.
Toxic churches handle abuse really badly. They re-traumatise the victims over and over. Too many toxic churches and toxic church people victim blame, victim shame, and protect the abusers. It goes on a lot in the more conservative, fundamentalist churches.
I know the pain and suffering this causes.
I have such compassion for people who have endured spiritual abuse, which is also emotional and psychological abuse.
Spiritual abuse is severe abuse and greatly impacts people’s lives. Continue reading
