Compassion For Those Who Remain Silent

by Kismet 23 Replies latest jw friends

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  Kismet

  Fellow JW-Com'ers:

  As excited as we are by the events announced by Silent Lambs and upcoming media attention, I would like to ask people to remember the many silent lambs who simply cannot speak or have not yet found their voice.

  These victims should not be made to feel as second class people for their decision to remain silent. I will not go into all the possible reasons why these victims remain silent.

  I will simply say that for many, just living day to day is all they can do to survive.

  In our comments in support to those Lambs who are roaring let us be careful not to belittle or infer that the still silent ones are lacking in some manner.

  I sincerely pray all these precious ones find their voice as they are able. I also hope that this recent activity in the courts and media will allow many more survivors to find their voice and continue their growth and personal recovery.

  Kismet - who never wants to become Society'ish by being concerned more with issues than individual people
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  peterstride

  I'm with you on that one Kis!

  Peter
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  Billygoat

  Amen!

  Billygoat
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  waiting

  Kismet - you are a fine man.

  Speaking as a victim, a mother of a victim, a sister of a victim/abuser, etc., - you're right......there are many reasons, some none of us can even fathom in our darkest moments, as to why a victim/survivor chooses, or feels they must, remain silent.

  For some victims - they become survivors because they survive life - that is the absolute best they can do, and strive to succeed. Obviously, by the suicide rate of rape/abuse victims, not all find this life a viable option in exchange for the pain of living.

  It's hard to give room to each other, as victims, family of victims and/or abusers, as survivors. We all view it differently and people view us differently.

  I think tolerance - not of the abuser and his actions - but of the other people involved is a gift to share.

  We're all different. At least in my case, I don't even wish to comment on SilentLambs post right now - more sadness than anything, just too much.

  "A time for rejoicing....a time for mourning."

  Sometimes victims/survivors get the two confused in their minds.

  Thanks, Kis - fine post going arm & arm with Bill's.

  waiting
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  Maximus

  Thank you for reminding us so eloquently, Kismet.

  The abuse umbrella needs to be large. I am often the recipient of letters from parents who now agonize over the death of a child, now seeing the very inconsistent blood policy to be just that--policy, not a teaching of the Bible.

  To call attention to that form of abuse, I am starting to use the term CBA, Child Blood Abuse. That's an abuse that kills.

  I have also been contacted by many abuse victims who barely get through the day, although events are years ago, and who feel they cannot face any aspect of their past. I would be most arrogant and condescending to say I understand, because I have never walked in those shoes.

  Our well intended compassion is too narrow if it does not include these precious ones too. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts.

  Max
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  zev

  yup....kismet...hanging my head just a little remembering my own sister cannot come foward with her own voice and tell her story, and begin her recovery.
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  Tina

  Thank you Kis. That needed to be said! And my heart goes out to those who can't speak .Maybe they can take some small comfort that we recognize this and also that the other 'lambs' are speaking (just a little bit) for them too.luv,Tina
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  Seven

  Kismet, Thank You for understanding.

  "Sometimes I hear my voice and it's been here, silent all these years."
  "Give me life, give me pain, give me myself again." -Tori Amos.

  seven
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  Kismet

  Thank you for your thoughts and expressing your support and love to all those suffering.

  Waiting: {{{{{hug}}}} As you can I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

  Seven: {{{{{{{hug}}}}} I can never fully understand but my learning curve this past year has been steep.

  I believe you will both be interested in an upcoming announcement ...hopefully over the weekend ...regarding an online resource for those suffering in this way.

  Kismet
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  Pierced Angel

  Thank you for posting that. I think there are more suffering silently than we'll ever know. It's good to understand that they may suffer more in different ways by talking and to show understanding towards them.

  "Too much of a good thing, is wonderful."

  Mae West