SNAP: Stories for Living

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SNAP 2007 STORY #12 – HOW TO CLOSE THE WOUND?

     With the phone call came the shock of my brothers death, with his suicide came the revelation of his abuse, with the knowledge of his abuse came the horrific details and from there, came a church exposed.  And finally, from there came a crisis of belief which is where, unfortunately, most of us victims remain.  

   "How to close the wound?"  This is, for me, the question of the century.  Aside from the torment and memories of physical victimization, the fact that the church leaders flaunted sin in sacred places of divine trust is still an issue of extreme distress.  Their actions have separated themselves from their Defender and have caused countless people through the years to fall away from the Catholic Church. 

      My fall, however, began an ascent to His grace.  Through it all His voice seemed to constantly remind me not to confuse the difference between Him and this church.  So I spent the year following my brother's death searching other churches for the one that I felt best taught God's Word, in a language I could understand, and where my children would be safe.  In the end, because I stayed committed to Him, He divinely assisted me, and restored me.

      Here on earth, He has placed a group of angels who have never let me stand or feel alone.  I have been truly inspired and encouraged by the unwavering efforts of SNAP officials, our heroes,  across the nation for their unshakable commitment to justice, their courage in confronting the enemy, and for their determination to remain in the face of adversity.  I will be forever grateful to them. 

           Though their work is necessary for the safety of others, and their efforts are grand,  the only true hope for healing, however, that I have found is in a promise from God, Himself, in Jeremiah 6:13-15: "From the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain, prophets and priests alike, all practice deceit.  They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious.  'Peace, Peace,' they say when there is no peace.  Are they ashamed of their loathesome conduct?  No, they have no shame at all, they do not even know how to blush.  So, they will fall among the fallen; they will be brought down when I punish them," says the Lord.  I believe Him! 

      Though the pain never truly goes way, it has been greatly dulled by God's promise.  He alone is The Great Physician.

Note: this story is from 2007. View other 2007 stories and 2007 voting results. View current stories.

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