Domestic violence can kill.
Yes, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. However, it is also the month to raise awareness regarding Domestic Violence. This is a serious topic that not only steals happiness; but, it also steals life. Most victims are either in denial or too afraid to leave because they are trapped.
Did you know...
1. "Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the United States, more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.
2. One woman is beaten by her husband or partner every 15 seconds in the United States. (Uniform Crime Reports, Federal Bureau of Investigation, 1991).
3. One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.
4. Battering occurs among people of all races, ages, socio-economic classes, religious affiliations, occupations, and educational backgrounds.
5. Domestic violence does not end immediately with separation. Over 70% of the women injured in domestic violence cases are injured after separation."
So, why do we stay? Why make an excuse for someone who clearly shows you by their actions, in the very beginning of the courtship, who they are? Why not walk away? Why do we think we can do something to change them? Why do we think they will change? Why? Why? Why? The list of questions are numerous. And the reality is, it really doesn't matter: the question or the excuse. What matters is your right to live a peaceful life filled with love and happiness. You are the only You that will ever exist. Love You enough to live and not die! This is not a game. You cannot change a person who doesn't want help.
Courtship
It is important to use wisdom in all things. A person can only hide their true self for a limited period. We must take the time to learn the person's character and beliefs. This requires an intentional effort and the time to get to know the individual. Consider their behavior in all situations? Remember,22 the fruit of the Spirit is love,joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23
Galatians also lists characteristics that are in direct conflict with the fruit.19 "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." Galatians 5:19-21
Our goal is to live in the spirit which is explained by Paul by the following: "Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." Romans 8:5
The purpose of this article is to appeal to all. Now, there are existing laws that specifically address this issue. Unfortunately, they do not guarantee safety. Abuse occurs every day. But wait, that is not all. Abuse can lead to loss of life. Click the following link and learn more regarding reaching safety. Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Marriages
What does scripture say about the relationships of married couples?
"Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing[a] her by the washing with water through the word,27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church—30 for we are members of his body.31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”[b]32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." Ephesians 5:22-33
It is past time for the questions, which we cannot answer, to disappear and actions replace the words. It is time to stop the abuse and implement a change which is based on the biblical prescription of LOVE. Again, the purpose of this writing is to draw attention to an issue that kills. This can happen to anyone at any time. Recently, I learned that this is also an issue for Christian Churches. The wives of Pastors also may have at some point in their lives lived or currently are trapped in this situation. I also learned of a support group known as Focus Ministries Inc that was established to provide assistance.
Finally, we must all become proactive in our efforts to share resources of education and shelter. We must also stop making excuses and covering up for anyone who needs help. And take heed in the instructions of 1 Peter 3:7 AMP: "7 In the same way you husbands live with your wives in an understanding way [with great gentleness and tact, and with an intelligent regard for the marriage relationship], as with [a]someone physically weaker, since she is a woman. Show her honor and respect as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered orineffective."
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