God came to earth in the flesh to bring us salvation, but He also came to heal the broken hearted, bind up the wounded and set the captives free (of their stinkin’ thinkin’.) Are we as a church body becoming equipped to be healing helpers? People can be saved, but deeply wounded by sexual abuse, dysfunctional family relationships, divorce, pornography addiction, etc. These are the issues I’m counseling on a daily basis nationwide by phone/Skype.
Do you know why a sexual abuse victim may be a ‘cutter’? Do you wonder why a young ‘sweet’ teen becomes rebellious and promiscuous? Do you know why a young person withdraws from everyone? These are just a few symptoms of a sexual abuse victim. Many are exposed to porn before, during or after the sexual abuse. There is always a reason behind unusual extreme acting out behavior.
Some church leaders do not expose the sexual abuse and help the perpetrator in the church blame this atrocity on the victim! In some cases, when the sexual abuse has taken place for years, the victim is told she/he needs to forgive and move on. I challenge all pastors/leaders to contact your police department of your city and learn exactly what the mandated reporting laws are in your state.
Any type of abuse and especially sexual abuse needs to be exposed. The victim needs God-based counseling. The emotional damage of sexual abuse penetrates deep into the heart/soul of the victim. Every pastor/leader and victim need to read the book: The Door of Hope by Jan Frank – a personal account of her sexual abuse growing up by her step-father and how she came to a healing process in counseling education and through God. Helping other victims heal became her life’s ministry mission.
Any type of abuse causes a deep distorted God-concept for the victim. Many perpetrators are head’s of family who may have leadership positions in the church. Can you imagine the betrayal to the child when the person who is supposed to love and protect you sexually abuses you? Let’s get educated so we can be conduits for healing instead of condemning or covering up this horrible sin.
Pastors, leaders, parents – my website: www.carolclemans.org is a resource for learning. I have over 70 articles written about the subjects that I counsel. I have teaching CD’s and DVD’s and book: God’s Design for Marriage.
I provide nationwide counseling by phone/Skype (636) 448-0121. The Word of God has the answers for spiritual, emotional and relational growth. I love teaching the anointed Word for churches and conferences. When we are emotionally wounded, it robs our joy in the Lord. Taking ownership of God’s truth sets the wounded heart free!
If you are a ministry leader and would like a free sample of my teaching, please call me (636) 448-0121 or email me your contact information: carol@carolclemans.org.
© Carol Clemans – May 2014