Thursday, October 22, 2015

An open letter to those who left us behind


This letter is a difficult one to write as the betrayal and the heartache you added to our lives was unexpected causing  greater pain to overcome.

Realize, when the time came to leave, we expected nothing less than what we experienced from our abuser.  We had lived with them long enough that we understood their behavior and had an idea of the firestorm we would face.

Yes, they caught us off guard at times because no one would have ever guessed what great lengths they would take to win. However, those who rallied around them, left us speechless. For each of you, the forgiveness and feelings of anger will take longer to overcome.
 
You see, for every phone call you answered, each text message or email you replied to empowered our abuser even more. With every word you listened to, you worked to increase the control of the monster as he grew stronger and more domineering.

As you chose "not to take a side" since you “loved us both,” you only encouraged the abuse instead of standing against what was wrong.  Regardless of the gossip or the embellished truth spread, you were responsible to pursue truth and by choosing to remain neutral, you too became a part of the abuse.

Now understand, we are grown women and though we were damaged by all we endured, we can heal and eventually forgive you for the portion you played.  We have learned we are strong and tougher than we thought but we are not lacking scars from damage done. 
 
However, the abuse sustained by our children because of your "neutrality" is a different story.

And so, on behalf of our children, for those who supported the abuser, we beg of you, educate yourself.  Take the time to read, to study and to talk to those who have walked in our shoes. You will probably be surprised to hear the countless stories of those who have been left to fight alone and whose stories mimic our own.

Spend time studying God's word and understand just what scripture says in regards to oppression (Zachariah 7:10, Psalm 72:4, Psalm10:17-18) and lying (Proverbs 12:17, Proverbs 12:22, Ephesians 4:29).  Read up on words such as narcissist and abuse. Educate yourself.

For each of you, this letter serves as our way to say two simple words, become informed.  Understand the characteristics and tactics used by an abuser.  Investigate words such as gaslighting and manipulation so that you understand the way in which this game is played.  And yes, a game because for them, it becomes all about winning. 

Choose a side from a position of being well-informed which will leave you aware of what is truly happening.  Base your choice on what you knew to be true of the character of those involved and not just hearsay and gossip. And above all else, pray.  God is a God of wisdom and discernment. It is amazing the way in which He will open your eyes to the truth if you just ask. 

Maybe one day we will live in a world where a woman can find the help and support she and her children need, but until then, take time to understand the various forms and tactics of abuse.  

We have confidence in knowing God is faithful and He WILL rescue those oppressed and suffering from abuse because we have experienced it first hand. His justice will see to it that those who have caused harm answer for the wrong done.  And He most definitely will restore the lives of those who were betrayed, abandoned and crushed accomplishing it in such a way that only HE can claim the glory!

Anyone who does wrong will be paid his due because He doesn't play favorites,

Colossians 3:25

In the end, we would like to ask for your forgiveness.  Please forgive us if we are hesitant to share our lives with you. Please forgive our reluctance in trusting you with our children or our hearts. We no longer give of ourselves so freely.

Now we leave you with one simple request. God forbid, should another individual in your life ever approach you with claims of abuse as we did, do not ignore them.  Listen.  Believe. Choose a side.

Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.
Martin Luther King Jr

In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.
Martin Luther King Jr

With love,
Those you left behind


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