Relationships

Even though it is rarely discussed, men can be abused by women verbally, physically, psychologically and/or sexually. Here is extensive information to help you identify and deal with this situation.

I felt lost, and I desperately wanted God to show up. Instead, people appeared and gradually helped me toward the light. Only later did I realize that was how God shows up.

How can you help someone who needs you?

I've been working on a presentation for folks who are working in difficult areas of ministries. Since I'm a wheelchair user, I'm supposed to offer a seated perspective of things people have done that have been helpful and some that haven't.

Here's my list so far. Hopefully you'll help me with something I've missed.

It is a challenge to become an active listener until you understand how years of denial, manipulating others, chemical use and other negative consequences have become the foundation of your distorted listening. You have become deaf to the reality of what you hear. Your addiction has become a filter that prevents you from hearing the truth. People talk about what you have become. You do not make sense when you talk so nobody listens to you.

My boyfriend has been violent towards me in the past. If he promises to change, is it okay if I still marry him?

God has a very specific plan for your life. Before you do anything, you need to seek His will. Marriage is a difficult and serious decision, even when all circumstances seem to be perfect.When you add an issue like violence to the situation, the decision becomes much more difficult.

My husband and I are both Christians, but he gets angry sometimes and has hit me before. What can I do?

God's plan for every marriage, especially a Christian one, is peace and love. He intends for the husband to love his wife as Christ loves the Church (see Ephesians 5). God has called every husband to spiritual leadership in the family and He has called every wife to submission to that leadership. When this model is not practiced, family members are robbed of the joy that the Lord has planned for them in their Christian home.