Today’s Reflection
As we develop plans to better care for victims and survivors of domestic violence, we can turn to experts for guidance. We can educate ourselves about intimate partner violence and ask our pastors to address the subject from the pulpit and in other church communications. We can identify safe places, service providers, and other relevant resources in our local communities. However, real change requires introspection. If our congregations want to support people who are experiencing domestic violence, I believe we need to take some time to explore our theological convictions and how they shape the way we respond to victims and survivors of abuse.
—Elizabeth Hagan, Brave Church: Tackling Tough Topics Together (Upper Room Books, 2021)
Today’s Question
How does your faith community respond to victims and survivors of abuse? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
when it is in your power to do it.
—Proverbs 3:27 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
Lord, grant me the patience and grace to listen, the courage and wisdom to question and speak, and the bravery to create safe space for tough topics.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
The Upper Room is committed to a ministry that is increasingly global, antiracist, and ecumenical. This is the work of discipleship and spiritual formation.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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3 Comments
It doesn’t. It only is capable of responding to the sick ar bereaved.
My ex MIL condition was upgraded yesterday to 50% chance of survival. I am sure her sons see this as a mixed blessing. Now they must grapple with what to do after discharge with someone who should not live alone but hates any type of intervention. She had to be restrained in the hospital because of her refusal of all treatments. She was heavily sedated for her own and staff’s safety.
Prayers for Ally and David as they embark on an exercise program to improve their health. Prayers for Larry and Jill’s safe travels and Jill’ss patience. Prayers for Lou and her children for safe travels and a good visit.Prayers for Marcy’s health and finances. Prayers for Robert and his family as they continue to work on their relationships.
Thank you for your prayers.
A nitty-gritty question that most certainly needs, deserves attention. If Jesus is our example what should, must we do? My current church works with another church to help the homeless, I expect there are some who are homeless because of domestic violence. I know the program is expanding and hopefully there will be a shelter where people can actually stay. At the moment food, temporary shelter (tents), clothes washing, showers, clothing, the ability to use a phone, and similar services are available. There are many who believe there are no homeless, but that is far from reality. Low income housing, even average housing is at a premium here. For some people the homes they own here are their second homes, while local people struggle to put a roof over their head. Worked at a family shelter in Bergen County, outside NYC, NJ. It was the only such shelter in the whole county and run, financed by a group of churches, synagogues, and mosques.
Prayers for Julie’s safety, progress with legal proceedings, the safety of her ex-MIL and her family, Marcy’s health and finances, Ally’s job search, and the exercise program she and David are starting, safe travels for Jill and Larry, Lou and her children. Thankful for your prayers, the hot weather has subsided and no AC needed, just open windows. The car is getting the last of the needed repairs so t will pass inspection and registration can be renewed. Despite some progress with the stripes on the Brill car, I decided it was better to clean off all the paint and TRY AGAIN. Paint has been removed, the area cleaned, and new primer is on and drying. My Bible read through continues along with learning more about prayer. Thankful for the resources that make life possible. Blessings to all of you.
Our church is justice and community minded, giving time and resources to victims of domestic abuse. Our community does not have a women’s shelter and church members have housed women and children who needed a safe place. We help support a ministry or women who leave with no clothes or home goods so they can have necessities. This ministry also has a clothes closet for women re-entering the workforce and need wear to work clothes.
I finally heard about the contract job. They lost their grant, so I’m starting over with my search. It is a blessing in disguise, as the company is involved in an ongoing investigation into irregularities regarding how they used the grant money. I am ready to go back to work, but find the prospect of searching and going through the interview process a daunting task.I tend to put off unpleasant and tedious tasks. I also worry about my stamina. I’m asking God for guidance and clarity. Julie, prayers continue for your ex MIL and her children. May God guide their decisions. Prayers for you and your divorce process. Prayers for Jill and Larry as they travel and that they enjoy their time away. Praying for Lou and her family for traveling graces and lifting up Marcy, praying for health and finances. Robert, thankful to hear the hot weather has broken. Glad you have AC if it returns. Prayers continue for healing of your relationship with your children. I pray for our churches, that they will bravely tackle these tough topics. Praying all have a blessed rest of the day.
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