I’ve heard that from a couple of people, although I just received an email from you.

If anyone is having the same problem, you can use myfunnygreeklastname@gmail.com

It was the pure opinion of man, and a lofty view of CJ mixed with a dose of condemenation, by a child with 9 months of training.  It is very sad.

It really helps me to heal to read, and read and pray and read encouragement from othes…nobody knows me and no one knows where I’m at from day to day.  It is still VERY HARD. , and can be very confusing..

The first church I went to split, and the second one there was public and gross sexueal abuse that was dealt with publically and properly….I would rather be there or no where than to be at Sovereign Grace, where they hide, lie, and abuse and neglect my brothers and sisters in Christ.  It is current and it is real time NOW going on.  No accountability…fresh friendly faces in leadership all to replace those who know the truth and who stick up for what is right.   

Gracie,  Your empathy and compassion are filled with the love of Jesus.  You have helped many, I’m sure.  Good explanation to Mike on why we post here.  Hugs from your tweety friend!

Jim,  Very, very well stated on your latest post.  It is exciting to see new posters come here to find that they are not alone in their experiences.  Wish this blog had been around about 12 years ago.  It would have spared me so much confusion and suffering.  But, as with Gracie, the Lord has been faithful to heal me and guide me into His amazing grace.  Now, the Lord is using the Body to help one another.  So cool!

God is faithful.  He did not leave me in my broken state when PDI tossed me aside so cruelly.  I am not here because I need healing or because I need to rehash.  Think of it this way:  if I was raped 20 years ago, had gone through counseling and years of recovery until I was completely well, I would still never forget what had happened to me.  Like it or not, it would have shaped my life in some way.  As a result, I would be extremely compassionate and empathetic to those who also experienced that terrible act, whether it was 20 days or 20 years after my experience.  In fact, I would be much more equipped after 20 years had passed to offer real encouragement that God does heal, He does redeem and move you forward in life, and you can go on to live without fear and pain.  My life would be a living epistle to that truth. 

In my case, my involvement here is as simple as that.  I am here on this blog to say:
I hear and understand your pain.  It is real.  There are serious issues.  They’ve been going on a long time.  BUT God is good.  He is there.  He can and WILL take you through.  Stay close to Him.  Take your time and let Him heal you.  Life does go on and with the freedom and intimacy that Jesus desires we experience, it is FAR better than what PDI/SGM has to offer.         

The purpose of the site is help for those hurt by SGM and a call to reform. Given our stated purpose, I don’t think it’s time to put a fork in it.

Most of our current commenters have had pretty recent experiences, or at least have recently found us.

This place can be very healthy for some and very unhealthy for others. That’s for each individual to decide.

My reasons for considering closing the doors here mostly have to do with me. If I do discontinue the blog, I would just close comments and hope the right person comes along to take over. What’s great about refuge is that it’s fine without Carole and I. We’ve been barely visible, and a huge amount of people are still reading, which is a great way to evaluate a ministry-does it need it’s founder to move forward. Refuge clearly does not.

That’s a good thing

Mike, it certainly can only be good to examine why we’re here and what the point is  as we surely want to honor and not dishonor Christ, but it’s not all in the past. It’s twenty years ago, it’s 2 years ago, it’s 2 months ago, it’s now.  If the point is to offer a “refuge,” that purpose IS still being served. Even if the ship were somehow turned 180 today, the side effects would likely remain for years to come. The ills are deep within the culture and so there won’t be any sudden change…there will still be refugees. They (we,I) still need to know “they’re not crazy and not alone.” Who can offer that encouragement?
2Cor 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.

Mike

I’m lifting you and your family up to the Lord today.  We stand with you as you work through it all.  So glad you posted!

Oh for all the sons and daughters
Who are walking in the darkness
You are calling us to lead them back to You
We will see Your spirit rising
As the lost come out of hiding
Every heart will see this hope we have in You

From: Tear Down These Walls (Hillsong UN)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-R314tcUFw

Oh, but you are, Hope. You and your family are very very special!!!!
I’m glad you are here!

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ hugs }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

I’m not sure what your 100 reasons might be but I understand why you would be concerned. Regardless of how traumatized people are there still have to be some boundaries as to how these issues are addressed. I think the freedom to share is extremely important to those who recognize that their freedom is compromised in the authoritarian structure. Without an open forum and contrasting views being expressed it’s very confusing when you are still there. I do think it’s essential to keep on point though and encourage those who have had abusive experiences to work through it carefully and not just vent. Some may need counseling and others just need to understand and move forward. I do think a lot of people get stuck when there is no dialogue. May I ask about some of your reasons? 

Jim, don’t look at it like we don’t want to participate.  We do, well I do.  It’s just going to take time.  A lot of time.  I feel like Data from ST-TNG – Processing…Processing…Processing.   When I’m there, I’ll write it finished and email it to you. 

It’s just not going to be finished any time soon.