Elder Richard G. Scott gave a talk today regarding abuse victims and giving counsel on how to respond to and heal from abuse, advising parents how to watch for signs of it, as well as addressing abusers to some degree.
I was really glad to hear the issue so directly addressed. I almost skipped his talk (watched Conference on Tivo--what will I do without Tivo when my beloved roomie takes it with him when he moves?) but I decided to listen to part to see what it was about. I'm glad I did. I'm so glad we are seeing some difficult but very real-world matters being addressed in General Conferences and other church forums.
I'm curious how those who have been abused feel about this talk. Was it helpful? Did you feel like he understood where you're coming from? Was he obviously sensitive and aware? Was it hard to trust him? Did you feel like he understood what it's like to be in your shoes? To me, the talk was sensitive and helpful, but since I've never been sexually or physically abused, I don't have a first-person perspective on it, so I don't know how I'd respond if I had been.
Any input?
6 comments:
I was sexually abused by my father when I was a small child. It has, at times, torn me apart. I am now in my 50's and have finally felt a great healing come about. This talk was a milestone speech by the general authorities, and a real shift in how the Brethren treat those who have been abused and those who abuse. I sincerely hope the message makes its way all the way down to local leaders. If I had heard this talk decades ago, it would have saved me a great deal of pain.
It was a good and sensitive talk, except the concept of healing was still nebulous. Sometimes, especially for those that were sexually abused at a young age, it is extremely difficult to see the effects of the abuse as an adult. I think he could've done more to explicitly outline what healing from abuse means.
I was raped four years ago at 20 by my ex bf and his tenant. I have not been open about it and have been suffering tremendously. I have since become less active and am so embarrassed to go back to church because of what has happened.
I felt compelled to watch this conference on the internet in my own home and this talk has really impacted me. He urged us to seek help and do not fear for fear is the tool of satan.
"The Lord will help you, but you must reach out for that help".
"Kneel and ask Him to give you the capacity to trust him and feel his love for you".
These are some of the parts that have had a profound impact on me. I am so scared, but this talk has given me renewed faith that I can finally overcome this. I just need to do as Elder Scott says and reach out for that help. That is the hardest part.
Sorry for long post.
Don't worry about posting a comment that's too long. If you read any of my blog, you'll know I have a fair tolerance for long-windedness. ;-)
Thanks so much for the input from all of you. I'm glad to hear it was helpful for those people more personally affected by the topic.
I work for the Church and Conference weekend is (frustratingly) the busiest of the year. This usually means I get to listen to almost none of the talks during any of the sessions. This year, however, we had an unexpected lull just before Elder Scott's talk, and the whole office got to watch. One of my co-workers is also an adoption agent, and she was completely flabbergasted (in a very good way). By the time he finished she was practically glowing - she sees the effects of abuse regularly with many of the expectant mothers she works with, and she was thrilled to hear such a loving, straightforward message on such a difficult topic. I'm quite certain that this talk will have a major ripple effect, and that even more compassion, support, understanding, and education will follow!
It's good to hear that there were positive responses to the address, I was so angry when I heard it that I had to leave the room.
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