Huge thanks to my college roommate Connie who shared this speech by Viola Davis with me. I know this is a commitment, but please take the time to watch this beautiful video. (Trigger warning as it mentions childhood sexual abuse, but not in a graphic way). Ask...
This is a poignant guest post from Lyneta Smith who is an author and speaker. She lives with her husband near Nashville, TN. She loves spending time with her adult daughters and meeting with friends at the local coffee shop. You’ll find more of her story of healing by...
My friend Vicar Troy Cady shared this prayer on his Facebook page yesterday, and I asked his permission to share it with you. He does amazing work around the idea of play at PlayFull.org. Say HI to TROY: Every day I hear from people who are broken by the church, who...
This is a post of transformation. I posted this in March of 2017, two years ago, on my MaryDeMuth.com site. Molly’s insights into the healing journey are amazing. Molly’s Story I received this email from someone who is reading Not Marked. She is working...
I am grateful for the words of Jen Hindley today who beautifully captures what it’s like to be dismissed by church when the unthinkable happens. Her poem perfectly captures the pain many have walked through. I pray her eloquence helps you feel less alone. Jen...
(This is a reprint of an article I wrote here). “Ministries that cover up sexual abuse are not ministries at all. Their silence allows evil to thrive. They do not represent Jesus.” I posted this quote recently, and I received many positive comments. But one of the...
Dear Southern Baptist Convention, It seems strange to write a letter to a convention, when what I really want to do is sit across from a person and make a plea. It is in that type of context you could hear my heart and see my brokenness over what has been revealed...
It took me a long time to tell my story. It lived within me, in the fibers of my heart, will, and emotions. I startled easily. I ran from place to place, always fretting that there were people in the world bent on nabbing me. I lived wholly in light of that tangible...
Understanding trauma’s complexity will help your healing journey. We forget that trauma is the “gift” that keeps on giving the sexual abuse survivor. And it’s not simple or easy to heal from. Triggers, panic attacks without warning, freezing...
Two Thieves If I had known Jesus then, I would’ve repeated his nine words to the indifferent sky My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? But I was only five years old—small and broken and cracking apart And what little shout I had trickled out my throat in whimpers...
