Don and Karen have been involved with an abuse recovery program for a number of year in their local church. In this episode they share the knowledge that they have gathered to encourage and strengthen our listeners. The path of healing is not a quick or easy journey but it is part of the redemption that Christ wants to do in your life. Join us as we learn more about healing and how that can play in our lives.

What is abuse?
- Abuse is all about power & control
- Abuse can be anything where the victim doesn't have a say in what is happening
- Physical abuse (Punching, Hitting, Slapping)
- Physiological & Emotional Abuse (Words used to degrade a persons heart, soul, and mind
- Spiritual Abuse (God's word is taken our of context for the purpose of control)
- Sexual Abuse (Undesired touching or any form of sexual act)

Abuse is not the survivor's fault
- It is the choice of the abuser and the abuser alone
- It is not your fault

Abuse is a thief that steals, kills, and destroys
- Loss of identity
- Loss of the truth of who God is
- Loss of personal worth and value

Abuse sets up roadblocks to healthy relationships and intimacy including, but not limited to:
- Immorality/promiscuity
- Emotional dependency (relational idolatry)
- Same sex attraction

Resources:
- Biblical Counseling
- Wounded heart - Dan Lender
- Jeremiah, Psalms, Job - Bible