The thoughts of domestic violence sufferers has been so heavy on me lately. I’ve never been the victim of domestic violence so I don’t know what it feels like. I’ve never had to be afraid to speak my mind to my spouse or been made to feel scared in my own home. I’ve never had to hide scars and bruises, been fearful of my spouse acting out in public places or in front of family and friends. I’ve never been in the shoes of a victim. But this isn’t what has been heavy. What I’ve been toiling with is those, who like me, have never been a victim yet they speak so freely on those who have. “She’s stupid for staying.” “Why don’t they just leave?” “It couldn’t be me.” SHUT UP! If it were easy to leave, do you not think they would? Have you ever stopped to think that maybe they don’t need your opinions but they desire your prayers? Have you stopped, even for a second, to think just maybe they are victims of abuse because they witnessed it in their home? In other words, they are repeating the vicious cycle because it is all they’ve ever known. And when people say, “Hurt people, hurt people;” it’s true. Joe Jr. is only mimicking what he saw Joe Sr. do to his mom. Sue thought the hits she received was love because it’s what she saw daddy do to momma.
This is why, when a victim of abuse comes to you, they don’t need you rubbing in the fact they’ve gone back time and time again; they simply need to know you’ll be there until they finally leave for good. Pray for them, cover them and intercede for their strength. You don’t have to join in the physical fight but are you willing to join in the spiritual war? Bible says in Proverbs 22:10, “Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out, and quarreling and abuse will cease.” And Psalm 11:5, “The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked, And the one who loves violence His soul hates.” You may not have noticed but domestic violence starts long before adult years. There are young ladies, in high school, being abused right now yet all the guidance counselor and principal see is her acting out. Yes, every fight is blown out of proportion because those are the ones she can handle but she can’t win against the star of the basketball team. According to loveisrespect.org, nearly 1.5 million high school students experience abuse in a single year while one in ten have been purposely been hit by a boyfriend or girlfriend. Are you praying or are you opinionated? Are you interceding or instigating?
Dear God, I pray today for every victim of abuse. I ask God for you to surround them with some spiritual warriors who are willing to pray until a shift happens in their life. Send someone who may not even know their name but can sense their pain. Give a voice to somebody who is willing to intercede on their behalf, praying until the one who so easily gives abuse can be run out of their dwelling. And God, shut up the naysayers and the judgmental for we need those who can and will help, not hinder. In your name, amen.
Lakisha, the Author 