Today starts a new day; I realize that I have been abused by religion. It took me through Day 8, 9 before I realized this, but I am glad I did. You can go back to see my comments on Day 8 and 9 to see what I am speaking of. I am taking the time to do the exercises as outlined in the book; Recovering From Religious Abuse, 11 Steps to Spiritual Freedom written by: Jack Watts. While I know that hurt and abuse as described and presented in the book are two different things, I have come to the understanding that in regards to taking advantage of me I have in fact been abused. I will admit, one of my greatest concerns is I may have at times abused religion. I don’t think I have but this journey will help me understand where I am at and in the process help others as I journal each day with the steps outlined in the book.Today’s journal entry requests that I write about the pain and difficulty of dealing with my own difficulties of dealing with my abuses, the wrongs I have done and so forth. I did this some time ago but think it is worthwhile to affirm the steps requested in the book, especially Step 7.
As I was writing my book The Keystone Kid and dealing with my past there were many transgressions on my part. I found myself not only dealing with the pain of my past as I was in many ways reliving it, I found myself doing some pretty stupid and damaging things to myself. I have spoken about those things but I don’t know if I have ever written about them. There were times as I was going through the process of dealing with the pains of my past that I honestly didn’t know if my marriage would survive. We even spoke about the likelihood of divorce. I regressed in my behavior and actions which I have greatly regretted. On one occasion, I had a friend holding my head as I threw up from drinking too much, I had other issues I dealt with, none of which were good regarding how I thought of my self, or how I behaved around others.
In many ways, this process was the most painful, difficult time of my Christian walk. I rebelled against God and was so far from being like Jesus it was ridiculous. One Easter Sunday after arguing with my wife where I spent more time away from home than at home it was on the drive to work I heard a story of Yolanda Adams on the radio. Her story had me reflect on my grandmother and the prayers she had said for me as I was growing up. I was reminded that I shouldn’t ‘throw away my grandmas prayers.’ It was then I decided to surrender to God and get my life back in order.
Over the years, I have thought, was it worth it to go through the pain? Looking back on it, I honestly don’t know how to answer the question. What I can say is I am at a better place now having dealt with the issues of my past head on. If being in a better place makes it worth it, it was worth it. It doesn’t negate the difficulty of what I went through. Things could have turned out worse than they did, thankfully they didn’t and for that, I am grateful.
Today, I know people are reading this that is dealing with this type of conflict and they know how much it hurts, and how difficult it is to deal with the issues regarding their abuse and subsequent actions. To accept the monsters we have become is not easy, but recovery, healing, and becoming whole is a better place to be. I still need healing, but I know God will continue to forgive and help me. I suspect, if he has, and will continue that for me, he will for you.
Father, thank you for forgiving me of the things I have done wrong. Thank you for being constant through the healing process in my life. I ask that you would give confidence to those who need to go through the same process for their lives. I pray they will have wisdom, and stay on the path that leads to joy and ultimately the light you can provide in their lives.
I tell you, her sins – and they are many – have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only a little love. – Luke 7:47
Make sure to check the blog archive to follow this journal through its entirety, plus an interview with author Jack Watts and the review of the book.
To see the video posted below click on the video. If the video isn’t at full scale or doesn’t show up, click on the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-snU6_zv24
Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid
Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter
Mike Furches on Faceboook.
The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards
Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.
Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.
Click to subscribe to my blog
Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.
Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information
The Virtual Pew
6441 N. Hydraulic
Park City Kansas, 67219
Email: mike@furches.org
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
Donations to The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew Blog
Personal Furches Web Site
Mary Jane Furches MySpace Page
Mike Furches MySpace Page
Mike Furches MySpace Blog
Hollywood Jesus
Reviews With Mike
The Virtual Pew Sermons
The Virtual Pew News
MySpace Hollywood Jesus Group
MySpace The Virtual Pew Group
The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page
To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed
No comments:
Post a Comment