So the big news of today is that Hillary's Book was reviewed on Christianity Today.
Also, the 'Internet Monk' noted it and sparked a loooong discussion on a semi-related topic: the definition/parameters of the word 'abuse' as it relates to QDs and the Partiarchy movement.
The basic premise of the complainers is that the word 'abuse' is thrown around altogether too much and that its misuse detracts from the people who have really been abused and who are legitimately using it. Only those who have been 'really' abused should use it and applying it to misuse of authority, overbearing fathers, watching younger siblings, etc lowers it's value and is an abuse. (*coughpunlol)
OK: so what DOES qualify as abuse, people-who-think-they-have-the-right-to-tell-other-people-how-to-talk-and-use-words?
I jump whenever there are sudden noises.
I get scared whenever my managers call my name (even if it is just to ask me to make them a frappe)
I worry when Mrs. G get emotional that I am going to get kicked out or that she hates me.
I dont sleep until I exhaust myself because of the nightmares I encounter.
I bury and block feelings and emotion and fight getting close to any person.
All of that qualifies as PTSD.
I have trouble with religion and church attendance, always hearing my dad through the bible or the preacher or the message.
I havent read my bible or 'prayed' for months because I am afraid and angry and upset.
Can that qualify as Spiritual PTSD? Some sort of millstone-worthy ailment?
I fight voices in my head almost every moment of every day: from watching television, to what I wear or dont wear, to how I spend my time, to how I talk, to the things I think and the first thing that pops into my head.
Shame, guilt, accusation of constant sin, fear, depression, anxiety....
What else do I have to 'have' or go through to count to you people?
All I know is the pain and hurt I have gone through.
All I know is my 'normal' is what some people called abuse.
All I know is that they cared enough to speak to my wounds and to help me out of where I was.
All I know is that I am freed from that outwardly.
All I know is that the bonds around my spirit are for me to fight
All I know is that they tell me there is hope and someday I will be whole and healed and free.
All I know is that your quick once-over and dismissal of me hurts.
2 comments:
(((hugs))) friend! Those discussions were frying my brain. :P
YOU are important. Yes, you were abused. Yes, you will heal. :) You are already doing very well. :)
I am navigating over to imonk and see what's up now. But this I know, from all I read here, you are entitled to use the word "abuse" when talking about how you were raised.
The truth is that people who don't want you to use that word probably just don't want to admit that it makes them ABUSERS. After all, they are just trying to follow God and do what's right (though actually they are following religious men and doing what is contrary to common sense). Their intentions are, in their unrepentant minds, entirely honorable and good. How can that qualify as abuse?
Sort of like medieval justifications for the Inquisitions....
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