Compassionate Love: Displaying compassion for those who struggle with mental illness    (c)2015  Nancy Virden

 

 

 

 

Despite high-pressure media coverage, Joshua Duggar is not the only one dealing with the consequences of his decision to molest young girls including his sisters when he was about 13 years old.

Yes, he was  young. Yes, he says he regrets his actions. That doesn’t change the fact there are surviving victims.

As a survivor of sexual abuse by a family member myself, I can’t believe that the molestation of his sisters is being labeled as a mistake. Sexual interaction is a choice! … The effects of sexual abuse last a lifetime. There is no fixing that damage… Sexual abuse is a criminal offence, and time doesn’t change that.

Certainly, some who read this blog are thinking we should forgive Josh. God forgives us, does he not? Who are we to throw the first stone?

 A black heart is a leaky one. It spills its poison. Just enough of it spreads out among those who should care to make them not care. It glues mouths shut, ties tongues, hides evidence, and dares to live in a glass house while throwing rocks. Black hearts are common within hypocritical circles. No one wants their secrets or compromised values exposed.

 Duggar was the face of the political activist group named The Family Research Coucil. He spoke adamantly agaisnt sexual conduct outside of a marriage between one man and one woman. His victims watched from a distance.

I don’t know Duggar, his sisters and other victims, or his precise belief system. Without a doubt I believe in redemption.

Still there is fallout.  Who should be asked to pay the price for Duggar’s crime? While we are so busy forgiving him, it escapes our notice that he is a practiced liar. His victims have been forced to live with, play with, give Christmas gifts to, and congratulate the one who stole their innocence and trust. When does their punishment end? 

Everything that is hidden will be made known. This is a guarantee. 

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NOTE: I am not a doctor or mental health professional. I speak only from personal experiences with and observations of mental illness. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental health care.

If you are struggling emotionally today or feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Hope and help is yours.

 – pictures from qualitystockphotos.com

*Bekah Luna