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Inspired Mistakes?
I recall a time several years ago when I was seeking to “hold on” in church activity due to some pretty intense leadership mistreatments that had occurred. I seemed stuck with no options to address it or heal from it. As I was so struggling with the complexity of the situation, my mind caught hold of a foreign thought: Perhaps sometimes mistakes are inspired. As I pondered on this strange thought, I began awing over what a blessing one particular “church mistake” had become in my life. I wondered: Could it have been an inspired mistake? Our initial response to such a question is probably, “No!” In fact, my last post…
- Courage to Speak Up, Danna Hartline's articles, Dissonance, Examples of Courage, Mental Illness, Mormon Culture
Are Happiness and Dissonance in Opposition?
Recently, I saw a meme on Facebook that said in essence, “The longer I live, the more I want to stay away from drama, conflict, or stress and just live a happy life, surrounded by friends, eating good food in my cozy house.” Doesn’t that sound appealing and even right? It received lots of likes and affirmative comments. But I couldn’t help but ask myself, “What about those who do not feel that kind of life is available to them? What about those who feel thrown into a life that is filled with conflict and drama, a life they didn’t ‘ask for?’ What about facing wrongs that need a voice?” …
- Abuser Loyalty, Courage to Speak Up, Danna Hartline's articles, Dissociation, Dissonance, Mormon Culture, Trauma vs. Offense
The Deep and Unspoken Church Ache
I often sit in church meetings that teach about church growth and fellowship. In general, they are uplifting, pat-yourself-on-the-back lessons—very encouraging and good. But for some reason I cannot ever fully buy into what I am hearing. I want to—and I do to a point because I do see so much good that is happening in the Church. But in the same breath, it seems a little off to think that all is well in Zion and that everyone is as happy and thriving as well as seems to be claimed. I know there are success stories of conversion going on and I am so grateful that those people are being reached and are finding such a…
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Am I on the Right Path?
Don’t we all ask that question at least once in our lives? (Hopefully it’s a fairly regular self-reflection.) We want to know where we stand with the Lord. We want an honest inventory. Today was Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday. Perhaps consequently, perhaps not, I recalled a story of him during a quiet moment today. It was during a moment when I was struggling with wondering where I stood with the Lord. I had received some intense pushback in this vision I have. I was hurting pretty badly because, due to the experiences I have faced, rejection is something that is particularly triggering and can be hard for me to handle well. I have the head knowledge to handle it…
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Do You Have Post Traumatic Church Syndrome?
Do You Have Post Traumatic Church Syndrome/ Is church a hard place for you? Do you struggle to get there every week? Then maybe you have post traumatic church syndrome. If you have confusion of what that even is, this article is a great place to start. It draws awareness to something many want to scoff at and deny. It’s hard to admit that church can be a place that actually hurts more than it helps. I think the word “Christian” in this article can easily be switched to “Mormon.” I’d love to hear your thoughts. Also to learn more about my mission, be sure to read the FAQ page. …
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Labels Hurt
I once taught an amazing girl in fifth grade named Brittany Finch. Sadly, she had received a bad reputation. Her last two teachers made a point to warn me about her; her school counselor warned me as well. I was told that she was uncontrollable, had a history of suspensions, had no respect for authority, and would make this year of teaching pure hell. I was astonished by what the teachers told me. I’m kind of a stubborn person so maybe that’s why I wouldn’t buy into what I heard. But as I listened to their reports, I couldn’t help but think, “Give me a break! This girl is ten! …
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Mary Hurren of the Willie Handcart Company
Although this is not related to church trauma, I am posting it as a pilot run! 🙂 (I want to make sure I know what I’m doing!) Plus, it’s a great story of faith and courage! 🙂 First podcast (in a YouTube format) coming soon!
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ADAM Conference
Learn about how you can overcome church trauma or how to help those who have been hurt. The conference is an all-day event you don’t want to miss! I will be speaking for 45 minutes on this subject. Plus, there are many more great speakers! For more information and to order tickets, click here: http://www.mentalillnessmatters.com/events/adam/speakers/ For a taste of the subject I’ll touch on, read this: The Deep and Unspoken Church Ache
