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Amarie

Member
Joined
Jun 10, 2010
Messages
3
I need help in figuring out the lesson I am to learn here? I was molested as a child, married for 20yrs to an emotional controlling, verbal abusive man, as well as beaten at age 18. I was raped at 40, and then met the man who I thought was going to be different. Low and behold to only find out he seems to get his kicks out of teasing, physically hurting me, choking me, and degrading me with his words. I am told by him that a wife is nothing more than a woman who lays on her back and bares children. Through the 44 years of my life trying to cope with the pain I have become a cutter and even went so far as to try and end my life. I have been through therapy, talked to God, but yet nothing changes. So, my husband told me today after I asked why am I not able to be freed from men who delight in causing pain, as well as is it so wrong to long for a man who doesn’t put me through those things. He stated, when we continue to go through these things God is trying to teach us a lesson. I am confused, hurt and not sure how to remove being hard and callused, as he so eloquently put it. He also, doesn’t understand why I can’t be intimate all the time. I feel *I wonder why*, but is that not being selfish on my part, and how do I overcome that when it’s in your face every day. I know God tells us to love unconditionally, and be patient, but I am struggling with being patient. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Here is an article my husband sent me today about a Victims Mentality:

This planet primarily attracts two types of beings–those with a victim mentality and those with an oppressor mentality. In order to be a victim, you must have oppressors. In order to be an oppressor, you must have victims. Together, this creates balance in God-Mind.

This planet is designed as a place where beings with a victim mentality can learn to overcome it. Therefore, any "higher level" being will not become involved because it is necessary for those here to have the opportunity to work through their victim mentalities. To become involved would mean interfering or taking away the lessons of those with victim mentalities. Higher level beings will be objective observers who will guide and instruct you through your victim mentality once you reach them, but that is all. They are not here to "save" you or this planet.

Any being who says that they are here to "save" you is interfering in your soul growth. Only you can "save" yourself from a victim mentality. Only you and the lessons you self-design will teach you about victim mentality. Only you can move through these lessons that will allow you to make a final release of your victim mentality. No one is waiting to help you–do not be fooled by any being making such promises.

When you learn to move through your victim mentality, your mind-pattern will no longer attract oppressors. The more stubborn you are in your determination to hang onto your victim mentality ways, the more intense the lessons that you attract to get you to release those ways. This means, metaphorically speaking, a bigger, meaner, stronger, stick until you finally "get it."

You have to get hurt, belittled, and finally, angry enough to stand up for yourself and declare that you will no longer be a victim to anyone, anywhere, any more! Perhaps when you finally have had enough, you release your victim mentality by saying, "I just don't give a damn anymore what anybody thinks! I am speaking my mind regardless! I am taking care of myself, regardless!"

Sometimes, people are beaten up so much that instead of releasing the victim mentality, they decide to become the oppressor when the opportunity presents itself. This is why cycles repeat themselves. People who were oppressed find other victims, because this gives them a sense of control. In doing so, they relive their earlier experiences when they felt like they had no control. They become the perpetrator, just so they can be the "winner" for a change. Of course, this is another imbalance, or extreme flip–from victim to oppressor.

The ideal is to find a happy medium, or balance, between victim and oppressor. Victim and oppressor are opposite sides of the same coin in the Mind of God. In this case, two individual soul-personalities are needed to maintain equilibrium in God-Mind. One carries the weight of a victim; one carries the weight of an oppressor. What you need to do is find the balance within yourself, so that equilibrium within the Mind of God is maintained within one soul-personality instead of two.
Yes, you must learn to speak your mind and not allow anyone to walk on you. Yes, you must sometimes be harsh and cruel with words, and sometimes even actions. But when this must happen, it must be done in an objective manner–what is best for everyone involved to get the point across while causing the least amount of pain. Boundaries must be set.

What are your boundaries? Who crosses them and how? Who is a belligerent person in your life that you try to avoid because of their bullish, pushy ways? Why do you avoid this person? Why not practice letting go of your victim mentality and speak your mind to him/her? So what if your heart races and palpitates, and your palms grow sweaty? So what if your knees shake so hard that you think you will fall down, and your voice is shaky, squeaky, or barely audible? Somewhere along the way, you must stop your victim mentality before it stops you. Learn to be proactive instead of reactive.

When you allow others to push you around, you become angry, sullen, and introverted. Then, you lash out at the undeserving with misdirected frustration and anger. Sometimes your body becomes ill because of all that you suppress, or you insulate your body, or perhaps stop eating. One way or the other, you suffer.



But, there is a part of you that feels that you deserve to suffer. There is a part of you that enjoys this pain and self-punishment. It feels good to some part of yourself, or you would not do it. Some people create others to give them pain, sometimes physical, sometimes emotional, sometimes both. Some people do it for themselves–a self-contained, fully functional, victim mentality unit. Some people are extremely successful at this.

Why do you feel so bad about yourself that you feel like you are meant to suffer, to be alone, to feel guilty, to have ill health, to be overweight or underweight? Did it start in this lifetime, or did it start before? Follow those feelings, and allow yourself to release it. This physical reality is your chance to overcome it. The more you ignore this situation, the harder and more intense lesson you will attract to beat it out of yourself. You came here to learn–now do it. Quit whining, moaning, and complaining–because there is a part of you that enjoys that too.

Aches and pains can create a lot of entertainment. You can run from doctor to doctor, trying to find a cure for something that will never be cured as long as you maintain your current mind-pattern.

"Bad luck" can attract a lot of attention and sympathy from others. Dire circumstances will force someone to pay attention to you. Never getting a raise or a promotion is an excuse not to climb higher in your career or company. You can moan all you want about being alone, with a partner who does not understand you, or without one at all. But this self-imposed isolation also gives you time to selfishly take care of yourself without any interference. The same for saying you want children but are unable to have them. A part of you does not want a spouse, or a caring spouse, or children, because if of ALL of you wanted this and it was truly in your mind-pattern, you would have it!

Victim, victim, victim! Let us count the ways...refuse to be a victim. Find a new source of entertainment. Release yourself from this mind-pattern so that you can move into new vistas of growth–ones so vast that you cannot even imagine or comprehend them. You must let go of the old to make room for the new. No one can do it for you. No one can "save" you from yourself. No one is waiting to help this planet. Only you can make a difference. Only you can save this planet. Do it!
Janet Diane Mourglia-Swerdlow

Now, I have tried the things in this article, but they don’t work, he breaks them down every time. Example: I don’t like my neck touched, I have told him this over and over, but he will continually put his hands on my neck and he says woman love their neck touched, so I should love it as well. I told him I have tried to do the things in the article, and his response was I can’t take my eye of him to understand how to change myself.
Thanks,

Amarie
 
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The ideal is to find a happy medium, or balance, between victim and oppressor. Victim and oppressor are opposite sides of the same coin in the Mind of God.

I think the ideal for you right now is to seek help from a women's crisis center and file for divorce ASAP. Put space between yourself and him.

Victim, victim, victim! Let us count the ways...refuse to be a victim. Find a new source of entertainment. Release yourself from this mind-pattern so that you can move into new vistas of growth

I believe that it will take depending on a Christian psychologist to give you expert guidance on what to do to free yourself from this trap. Self-help books won't do it.

Spirit Led Ed (SLE)
 
SpiritLedEd,

Thank you for taking the time to read and respond to my post. I am not sure that heading to the crisis center and filing for divorce is the step I need to rush into at this point. However, talking to a Christian Counselor from the Church would be a good place to start. My husbands physical hurt are things that no one will see on the outside, such as pulling of the hair, grabbing the back of my neck hard and pushing my head down, taking my arm while laying in bed and pulling it back harshly and holding it there, poking my side, etc. When we were first together, he held a pillow over my face hands on my throat choking me and stated *I want to breath life into you as God does*. I know these show no physical sign of abuse, but I have to question if it is abuse anymore, because I talked to him about it yesterday. He stated that if I told anyone those things they would laugh and think I was being ridiculous. I have never been one to express my feelings, but rather anesthetize myself, so I can't feel the pain which has led to cutting or burning to release the pain. I don't blame him for this, as I was already a cutter before I met him. I love this man with every ounce of life in me, and I want to exhaust every avenue before I give up. He does have many good qualities in him, but it is so hard to stay focused on those when your in a whirlwind of hurt. There is so much to say and explain, so as we go along I will share more details, and maybe through this I will learn through peoples opinions and Gods help to be able to feel emotions and through faith conquer the negative things my husband does and one day we can look back on this and say we overcame so much with Gods help. However, only time and prayer will see were this path leads either in a divorce or Gods will to see that my husband wake up and see what he is doing is not of God.

Amarie
 
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He does have many good qualities in him, but it is so hard to stay focused on those when your in a whirlwind of hurt.

Amarie, Your "whirlwind of hurt" is the issue here. Separation doesn't have to be permanent. However, in staying in the relationship now you are enabling his behavior and volunteering for more abuse. He won't get help for his issues as long as you continue to feed his sick ego this way. You must put space between you and him. Without that, he's never going to be prodded into examining his behavior.

SLE
 
Now, I have tried the things in this article, but they don’t work, he breaks them down every time. Example: I don’t like my neck touched, I have told him this over and over, but he will continually put his hands on my neck and he says woman love their neck touched, so I should love it as well. I told him I have tried to do the things in the article, and his response was I can’t take my eye of him to understand how to change myself. Thanks, Amarie


That is new age teaching and of little real value. Please consider getting out of that abusive situation and seeking Pastoral counseling. Jesus gives new life, inner healing and is our true hope.
you are in my prayers Amarie.
 
I think the ideal for you right now is to seek help from a women's crisis center and file for divorce ASAP. Put space between yourself and him.



I believe that it will take depending on a Christian psychologist to give you expert guidance on what to do to free yourself from this trap. Self-help books won't do it.

Spirit Led Ed (SLE)

SpiritLedEd, if you knew the whole story brother you would not say such things. I do not believe this is a crisis issue as I have not physically harmed her since I laid my hands on her neck 4 years ago. "Touching" her neck passionately is different than choking her yet I agree that's a boundary she does not want passed through and so I have been working though that childish urge to get on her nerves by "touching" her neck with 1 or 2 fingers.

You must understand, this post was written after an argument we had over her still having a victims mentality and not seeking help to fix it or even trying to fix it with the Lords help. So this post is nothing but brute emotions and nothing else. I will admit to my faults when we were first together, yet if you knew us and were around us on a daily basis, you would not give such a hasty reply to this post. My childish picking at her needs to stop and maybe some separation for a few years would help, I pray for this every day, maybe you should pm her and ask her why I feel she has a victims mentality and why she pulls the abuser card every single argument we have bvefore passing JUDGEMENT on someone else without having the whole story :wink:

to kim,


I agree, leave, go find a crisis center and talk to a CHRISTIAN Psychologist, I challenge you to do that. I am fed up with the victims mentality that comes from your mind and honestly I want you to get out, I want the separation, I do not need this in my Christian walk. God forbid we tell the truth here, lets tell little white lies and not tell the whole story here so you can feel sympathy from these people here. Victims mentality........this post proves my theory.......I may be wrong for posting this here but honestly im so frustrated right now and prayer has not been helping.

I dunno, like I said, im done, your free to go, I wish you the best for you and your life and I genuinely pray that your walk with God grows to an overflowing cup of blessings and wisdom in our Heavenly Father.
 
I need help in figuring out the lesson I am to learn here? I was molested as a child, married for 20yrs to an emotional controlling, verbal abusive man, as well as beaten at age 18. I was raped at 40, and then met the man who I thought was going to be different. Low and behold to only find out he seems to get his kicks out of teasing, physically hurting me, choking me, and degrading me with his words. I am told by him that a wife is nothing more than a woman who lays on her back and bares children. Through the 44 years of my life trying to cope with the pain I have become a cutter and even went so far as to try and end my life. I have been through therapy, talked to God, but yet nothing changes. So, my husband told me today after I asked why am I not able to be freed from men who delight in causing pain, as well as is it so wrong to long for a man who doesn’t put me through those things. He stated, when we continue to go through these things God is trying to teach us a lesson. I am confused, hurt and not sure how to remove being hard and callused, as he so eloquently put it. He also, doesn’t understand why I can’t be intimate all the time. I feel *I wonder why*, but is that not being selfish on my part, and how do I overcome that when it’s in your face every day. I know God tells us to love unconditionally, and be patient, but I am struggling with being patient. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Here is an article my husband sent me today about a Victims Mentality:

This planet primarily attracts two types of beings–those with a victim mentality and those with an oppressor mentality. In order to be a victim, you must have oppressors. In order to be an oppressor, you must have victims. Together, this creates balance in God-Mind.

This planet is designed as a place where beings with a victim mentality can learn to overcome it. Therefore, any "higher level" being will not become involved because it is necessary for those here to have the opportunity to work through their victim mentalities. To become involved would mean interfering or taking away the lessons of those with victim mentalities. Higher level beings will be objective observers who will guide and instruct you through your victim mentality once you reach them, but that is all. They are not here to "save" you or this planet.

Any being who says that they are here to "save" you is interfering in your soul growth. Only you can "save" yourself from a victim mentality. Only you and the lessons you self-design will teach you about victim mentality. Only you can move through these lessons that will allow you to make a final release of your victim mentality. No one is waiting to help you–do not be fooled by any being making such promises.

When you learn to move through your victim mentality, your mind-pattern will no longer attract oppressors. The more stubborn you are in your determination to hang onto your victim mentality ways, the more intense the lessons that you attract to get you to release those ways. This means, metaphorically speaking, a bigger, meaner, stronger, stick until you finally "get it."

You have to get hurt, belittled, and finally, angry enough to stand up for yourself and declare that you will no longer be a victim to anyone, anywhere, any more! Perhaps when you finally have had enough, you release your victim mentality by saying, "I just don't give a damn anymore what anybody thinks! I am speaking my mind regardless! I am taking care of myself, regardless!"

Sometimes, people are beaten up so much that instead of releasing the victim mentality, they decide to become the oppressor when the opportunity presents itself. This is why cycles repeat themselves. People who were oppressed find other victims, because this gives them a sense of control. In doing so, they relive their earlier experiences when they felt like they had no control. They become the perpetrator, just so they can be the "winner" for a change. Of course, this is another imbalance, or extreme flip–from victim to oppressor.

The ideal is to find a happy medium, or balance, between victim and oppressor. Victim and oppressor are opposite sides of the same coin in the Mind of God. In this case, two individual soul-personalities are needed to maintain equilibrium in God-Mind. One carries the weight of a victim; one carries the weight of an oppressor. What you need to do is find the balance within yourself, so that equilibrium within the Mind of God is maintained within one soul-personality instead of two.
Yes, you must learn to speak your mind and not allow anyone to walk on you. Yes, you must sometimes be harsh and cruel with words, and sometimes even actions. But when this must happen, it must be done in an objective manner–what is best for everyone involved to get the point across while causing the least amount of pain. Boundaries must be set.

What are your boundaries? Who crosses them and how? Who is a belligerent person in your life that you try to avoid because of their bullish, pushy ways? Why do you avoid this person? Why not practice letting go of your victim mentality and speak your mind to him/her? So what if your heart races and palpitates, and your palms grow sweaty? So what if your knees shake so hard that you think you will fall down, and your voice is shaky, squeaky, or barely audible? Somewhere along the way, you must stop your victim mentality before it stops you. Learn to be proactive instead of reactive.

When you allow others to push you around, you become angry, sullen, and introverted. Then, you lash out at the undeserving with misdirected frustration and anger. Sometimes your body becomes ill because of all that you suppress, or you insulate your body, or perhaps stop eating. One way or the other, you suffer.



But, there is a part of you that feels that you deserve to suffer. There is a part of you that enjoys this pain and self-punishment. It feels good to some part of yourself, or you would not do it. Some people create others to give them pain, sometimes physical, sometimes emotional, sometimes both. Some people do it for themselves–a self-contained, fully functional, victim mentality unit. Some people are extremely successful at this.

Why do you feel so bad about yourself that you feel like you are meant to suffer, to be alone, to feel guilty, to have ill health, to be overweight or underweight? Did it start in this lifetime, or did it start before? Follow those feelings, and allow yourself to release it. This physical reality is your chance to overcome it. The more you ignore this situation, the harder and more intense lesson you will attract to beat it out of yourself. You came here to learn–now do it. Quit whining, moaning, and complaining–because there is a part of you that enjoys that too.

Aches and pains can create a lot of entertainment. You can run from doctor to doctor, trying to find a cure for something that will never be cured as long as you maintain your current mind-pattern.

"Bad luck" can attract a lot of attention and sympathy from others. Dire circumstances will force someone to pay attention to you. Never getting a raise or a promotion is an excuse not to climb higher in your career or company. You can moan all you want about being alone, with a partner who does not understand you, or without one at all. But this self-imposed isolation also gives you time to selfishly take care of yourself without any interference. The same for saying you want children but are unable to have them. A part of you does not want a spouse, or a caring spouse, or children, because if of ALL of you wanted this and it was truly in your mind-pattern, you would have it!

Victim, victim, victim! Let us count the ways...refuse to be a victim. Find a new source of entertainment. Release yourself from this mind-pattern so that you can move into new vistas of growth–ones so vast that you cannot even imagine or comprehend them. You must let go of the old to make room for the new. No one can do it for you. No one can "save" you from yourself. No one is waiting to help this planet. Only you can make a difference. Only you can save this planet. Do it!
Janet Diane Mourglia-Swerdlow

Now, I have tried the things in this article, but they don’t work, he breaks them down every time. Example: I don’t like my neck touched, I have told him this over and over, but he will continually put his hands on my neck and he says woman love their neck touched, so I should love it as well. I told him I have tried to do the things in the article, and his response was I can’t take my eye of him to understand how to change myself.
Thanks,

Amarie

Amarie,

You both need family/pastoral counselling, ASAP!

You actually both need to stick to what they advise you to do and possible BOTH stop making excuses and perpetuating this situation.

Either stay or go, but stop this cycle of behaviour; your life is about more than this.
 
My heart feels for the pain you are going through as a couple. My wife was molested when she was young. Those scars stay with the victim. In the 18 years that we have been together I have tried many things to help her. Most of the time I royally screwed up. Most of the time we ended up fighting. Then we joined a church that helped with the fighting and helped us to grow. I found an article online that really helped me to understand what I could do to help my wife.

"Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits." Romans 12:15-16
Being of the same mind takes some real digging and effort. It does not come to us naturally, yet it is so needful if we are to be effective in winning souls for the Kingdom of God. We must not be not wise in our own understanding; and we must diligently seek the mind and leading of God's Holy Spirit.
Every soul is so unique in its make up. The gospel will encompass every need. Yet, consider the training the apostles were given by being with the LORD Jesus Christ. As you study the first four gospels of the life of Christ, think about how varied his responses were to each situation and how much love and compassion he demonstrated for souls.
People who have suffered severe abuse at the hands of ones that were supposed to love and nurture them are often weeping inside and you don’t see it. They have broken hearts. Predominantly these ones were not allowed to express their feelings without exposing themselves to further abuse. Consequently, they hide what is really going on inside of them, sometimes even from themselves. We want to help them, but without becoming therapists. How can we recognize when we need to take extra consideration and comfort them?
There are patterns of behavior in ones that have come from abusive backgrounds. It is good to be aware of them, otherwise, we might misjudge them not knowing the things they have been through. Let us consider some of the things that individuals who have been abused as children may now be struggling with as adults:
•They may have trouble being in touch with their own feelings even to such a degree that they may not even realize when they are hungry or tired.
•They may have a hate for their own body, and may not take good care of their health.
•They may use alcohol, drugs, food or cigarettes to numb their emotional pain.
•They may have trouble forming relationships with others. Because they had no one to bring their problems to as a child, they are now trying to figure it out as an adult. They may be afraid of people, mistrust authority figures, and have deep seeded fears that they are being used or will be abandoned.
•They may have trouble saying no to sexual advances or knowing how boundaries work.
•They may be suffering from depression, anxiety and other mood disorders.
Think about how it is hard to overcome these issues. Think about how many foundational principles were not there when they grew up. What would that mean for those who come to church in survival mode? When they were little, they learned a type of street smart. It became so ingrained in them that it has been pulled over into their adulthood. They may come in to one of our Church services and scan the audience to see if they are safe. They are not likely to move up in the building and sit closer to the front. They might be leery about being close to anyone. Often a friendly greeting can be misinterpreted. They have senses that are sharper than the average person. They pick up on insincerity and manipulation before it ever has a chance to work. This is their life: survival.
Child abuse is often brought with overtones of religious bondage to keep a child in fear. They may be told that this happened to them because they are evil or that God is angry with them. It gives them an impression of themselves as evil or of God as harsh. It is hard for us to imagine what that is like. A child raised like that internalizes that. It is who they become. It is who God becomes. When they hear a message in a church service, they are hearing the strength of God’s judgment. When they walk out of the service, we believe it is because they can not take the strength of the truth, when what may be happening in their mind is a retraumatization of past abuse. Consequently we cannot assume why people leave. We need God's help to find out why.
For the average person who was brought up in a somewhat stable environment, life was about choices and having fun being a child. As we grew up, it was about looking forward to the future; We were thinking about a career or what we want to do with our lives. These thoughts are almost virtually absent from these ones as children. Their whole upbringing is about survival and how to avoid pain. It is about seeking for the love and attention that is so necessary for survival. Their whole mindset is different than ours, and people tend to shy away from what they don't understand or cannot relate to. But it must not be so in the Church of God. We must labor to bridge the gap if we are going to reach souls that are in the depths of sin and despair. We are going to need to open up and become uncomfortable and vulnerable ourselves in order to be able to help them.
In order to help people, it will take an effort from everyone in the congregation. We must make them feel welcome. Someone has to break the ice and become friends with them. The leaders may not always be the ones to do that. They may be looked upon in too much of a position of authority for trust to be established right away. This is especially a time when the members of the body of Christ become so vitally important. Sisters, if it is a female that has a need that way, it is hard for a brother in the congregation to help with that need. When a lady gets saved, it often takes a sister to become friends with them. It would really make a difference. Many times people think that it is the pastors or leaders place to help. God can use people in a lot of ways without them being in some named title. If you pray and busy yourself about these things, you will find doors opening. God can open up a door and you may be surprised what God will open up next.

For 18 years I tried to get her into counseling finally she agreed to it. She has always had serious trust issues. Most of our lives together it was just me and her. No one else we didn't socialize much. Had a few friends outside, some of them we can't see anymore because of bad influences. One of the lady's at our church became my wife's therapist that. In 3 appointments more was accomplished than in the previous 18 years. Trained Therapy is needed.

We are hopefully going to be taking soon a Fireproof your marriage class. I have heard wonderful things about this marriage lessons. Watch the movie it gives a lot to think about. Stay together you belong with her and she with you.
 
Takes A Lot To Admit First

Many of us know being a victim or oppressor. I’ve been on both sides. When I was young something happened in my family. I forgive him though.

Most of my high school relationships did not last long. I had an affair with a guy a nineteen even knowing this was wrong. But soon after leaving him I was now with a woman in her 40s. I have been with women since then except on a couple of occasions of one night stands. The women I have been with forgive me for this it was my past.

My girlfriend, Barbara could outtalk me. I felt kind of like I did not know what to say at times. I felt she had more control. She would tease me about her liking other men. But at the end of 1994 I began to learn the Bible. A lot of things had taken place. God was helping me to learn things I did not know before I don’t find myself to be a victim.

But I need to watch out being an oppressor my past girl friend Lynn listened to me. I got used to it.

My ex- girlfriend, A. M., I was kind of an oppressor to. I would tell her look my past girlfriends like to do this. Why not you? I’m different she says. I tried to change her the way I wanted her to be. I got on her case on these things. But I am leaving her alone now. We remain to be good friends I don’t mean to do this. I guess I just thought most every woman would be the same in certain ways. My experience with A.M is proving she is very different. Though we got along and had things in common some things about us were as different as night as day.
 
If you think another 'christian' won't destroy your life because they believe in God, you're wrong. Very, very wrong.
 
Now, I have tried the things in this article, but they don’t work, he breaks them down every time. Example: I don’t like my neck touched, I have told him this over and over, but he will continually put his hands on my neck and he says woman love their neck touched, so I should love it as well. I told him I have tried to do the things in the article, and his response was I can’t take my eye of him to understand how to change myself.
Thanks,

Amarie

First, this article has nothing what so ever to do with God or His mind OR what HE wants in a person’s life.

And second, it is written like a true victim who has decided to now be the oppressor in harming others. Nothing learned only continued.

As far as the statement : “No one is waiting to help you – do not be fooled by any being making such promises.” This is riddled with lies with a smidgen of truth. No one CAN help you unless you are WILLING for help. Then there can and IS growth and healing.

Finding the balance is not found ‘within’ anyone but IN Christ. The statement : “Some people create others to give them pain, sometimes physical, sometimes emotional, sometimes both.” is only an excuse for the oppressor to refuse responsibility for their own actions, words and reactions by placing blame on their victims.

The abuser has it in writing that they are free to blame their victim. It’s a wonder oppressors, predators, offenders, control freaks ever get the notion to heal and correct their horrendous behavior with things like this for them to use for their gain and ignorance.

Reading through Janet and Stewart Swerdlow’s sight, I found nothing what so ever that pertained to God’s mercy, grace, forgiveness and healing power. In fact, this sight is the farthest thing from God’s word that you can get. With comments like:

“Janet’s Reply: All people who participated in the WTC event had to have something in his/her mind-pattern to allow this situation to occur.”

And :

“Janet’s Reply: We write about “victims” because this is our audience. They want to know how to remove the victim-mentality so that they do not attract oppressors.
Most people do not think of children as victims, but each person here upon this Earth is attracted to EArth for a reason privy only unto the soul-personality. Just as Stewart and I can perhaps help mitigate our readers’ plights by sharing our own struggles, sometimes we, as a species, can mitigate the struggles of the more “helpless,” and sometimes we cannot. Each person receives what he/she needs.
As you learn to objectively observe and access the Oversoul level, then you have greater understanding of why the pain and suffering is allowed. It is not up to us to judge it as “good” or “bad”, only to observe and understand it.”
[Victims Mentality | Expansions.com ]

I think you get the drift. “MOST people do not think of CHILDREN as VICTIMS!?!?!” Total rubbish. I can see where an abuser feels they can gain lots of control with these tidbits of advice that takes away their responsibility and places it directly on their victim. Trouble is, THEY still have NO control until THEY change THEIR OWN behavior.

Your husband is correct on a little aspect when you state : “…..his response was I can’t take my eye off him to understand how to change myself.” It’s true, course then when you are being pummeled into the ground it’s a bit hard TO take your eyes off such a monster. When you are being told you are nothing, it’s a bit hard to even hear anything that says you don’t deserve such treatment.

Though I don’t advise divorce, I, if it were me still in this situation, I would suggest separation for a time. This way he might be able to work on himself to make corrections since, I assume, he claims to be a Christian with the statement “….. God is trying to teach us a lesson”. Chances are high that he was abused as a child/teen and has now become the abuser in order to appear in control. He just doesn’t understand yet that abusing others shows he is OUT of control not IN control. Something he will have to see for himself, no one can do that for him.

If by chance he goes straight for a divorce when or if you separate, that is up to him, he is free to go. That doesn't mean you can stop praying for him to see God's truth or to wish him well. You can continue with this, even if he chooses to never return.

Unfortunately he doesn’t yet understand that stopping the abuse all together to anyone and everyone INCLUDING his WIFE……. PROVES control rather than lack thereof. Once he sees this, there will be change as he repents of his horrendous behavior and turns from it to become more Christ-like. Just as unfortunate is that he may continue to see you as the problem that “makes” him do as he does.

The trouble with this behavior is that is proves weakness. To blame someone for one’s own actions renders the blamer helpless to control ANYTHING, rendering them weakened, not empowered. Most who blame everyone for what they do, cringe at the thought of being considered weak, but it’s true.

You are not off the hook either as a victim. You CAN become a survivor. What has happened is a part of who you are today but it doesn’t have to control you so much that you continue attracting abusers. Facing it all head on, walking through it all with Christ, and then learning to fully forgive each offender, predator, abuser and praying for their salvation will help tremendously to open your eyes to Christ, a strong relationship with Him and knowing what He has for you.

Forgiving these people does NOT mean what they did to you means nothing or doesn’t count for anything, because it is unspeakable acts against you. What forgiveness is for, is for you to heal…… it does nothing for the offender. (Unless, of course, they come to you in sorrow begging forgiveness and more times than not……. They won’t. )

Forgiveness brings YOU into obedience with God, and also places what the abuser did to you DIRECTLY in front of God to deal with. You no longer have to. The offender will then be faced with God’s retaliation, mercy, grace or forgiveness depending on repentance or rejection.
 
SpiritLedEd,

Thank you for taking the time to read and respond to my post. I am not sure that heading to the crisis center and filing for divorce is the step I need to rush into at this point. However, talking to a Christian Counselor from the Church would be a good place to start. My husbands physical hurt are things that no one will see on the outside, such as pulling of the hair, grabbing the back of my neck hard and pushing my head down, taking my arm while laying in bed and pulling it back harshly and holding it there, poking my side, etc. When we were first together, he held a pillow over my face hands on my throat choking me and stated *I want to breath life into you as God does*. I know these show no physical sign of abuse, but I have to question if it is abuse anymore, because I talked to him about it yesterday. He stated that if I told anyone those things they would laugh and think I was being ridiculous. I have never been one to express my feelings, but rather anesthetize myself, so I can't feel the pain which has led to cutting or burning to release the pain. I don't blame him for this, as I was already a cutter before I met him. I love this man with every ounce of life in me, and I want to exhaust every avenue before I give up. He does have many good qualities in him, but it is so hard to stay focused on those when your in a whirlwind of hurt. There is so much to say and explain, so as we go along I will share more details, and maybe through this I will learn through peoples opinions and Gods help to be able to feel emotions and through faith conquer the negative things my husband does and one day we can look back on this and say we overcame so much with Gods help. However, only time and prayer will see were this path leads either in a divorce or Gods will to see that my husband wake up and see what he is doing is not of God.

Amarie


Many abusers DO have good qualities, however, these, for the most part, go unseen because of the abuse the victim suffers.

The statement he makes : “He stated that if I told anyone those things they would laugh and think I was being ridiculous.” is just a manipulative ploy of his to keep his abuse secret. His hope is that you won’t tell anyone so he can continue. I can’t think of anyone who would laugh, unless of course, you go straight to another abuser much like your husband.

The cutting and burning is another form of addiction so that the REAL pain can’t be felt or faced. It seems a bit easier to feel the pain of cutting or burning rather than to have to deal with the pain inflicted by someone who is SUPPOSE to only love you, which includes those in your past while you were growing up. The ‘protectors’ who were not there or not available.

You haven’t mentioned if you two have children or not? Should the abuse continue with children, there will be a continued cycle for the next generation unless THEY decide to stop it.

Though I believe it is best to get TRUE Christian’s help in this area of counseling, I would be careful not to go to the one who believes Proverbs 23:13-15 gives the sanction to beat a child or anyone within an inch of their life. Not all that says “Christian” is a true follower of Christ. I also believe God will be leading in the way you should be going.

There are also others out there willing to help, and though they don’t have a church or religious affiliation, there are believers here also.

RAINN.org at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Also The National Domestic Violence Hotline
online at Help in Your Area « National Domestic Violence Hotline
or their 800 number 1800-799-SAFE (7233)

I hope this helps, and I also pray your husband gets the help he so desperately needs.
 
SpiritLedEd, if you knew the whole story brother you would not say such things. I do not believe this is a crisis issue as I have not physically harmed her since I laid my hands on her neck 4 years ago. "Touching" her neck passionately is different than choking her yet I agree that's a boundary she does not want passed through and so I have been working though that childish urge to get on her nerves by "touching" her neck with 1 or 2 fingers.

You must understand, this post was written after an argument we had over her still having a victims mentality and not seeking help to fix it or even trying to fix it with the Lords help. So this post is nothing but brute emotions and nothing else. I will admit to my faults when we were first together, yet if you knew us and were around us on a daily basis, you would not give such a hasty reply to this post. My childish picking at her needs to stop and maybe some separation for a few years would help, I pray for this every day, maybe you should pm her and ask her why I feel she has a victims mentality and why she pulls the abuser card every single argument we have bvefore passing JUDGEMENT on someone else without having the whole story :wink:

to kim,


I agree, leave, go find a crisis center and talk to a CHRISTIAN Psychologist, I challenge you to do that. I am fed up with the victims mentality that comes from your mind and honestly I want you to get out, I want the separation, I do not need this in my Christian walk. God forbid we tell the truth here, lets tell little white lies and not tell the whole story here so you can feel sympathy from these people here. Victims mentality........this post proves my theory.......I may be wrong for posting this here but honestly im so frustrated right now and prayer has not been helping.

I dunno, like I said, im done, your free to go, I wish you the best for you and your life and I genuinely pray that your walk with God grows to an overflowing cup of blessings and wisdom in our Heavenly Father.

I disagree, I think this is just the right place to post this. You state that ‘prayer has not been helping’. These three sites below that are from here on Talk Jesus are about prayer. If I were you I would also get as far away from sites like the one on Victims mentality by Janet and her hubby Stew. There is nothing there pertaining to God’s way of dealing with people or correctly with one’s self.

Someone once said (not sure who) You can not change what you do not acknowledge.

Acknowledging that you hurt someone physically, mentally, emotionally and even spiritually does bring about change if the person is willing to work at it.

Most times, I’ve found in the abusers I’ve talked with that there was abuse in their lives to where some had no clue what they said or did caused pain to even those they claimed to love the most. This was mainly because they had refused to recognize the pain they suffered at the hands of others.

In facing their own pain, sorrow, and even sometimes missed childhood, they were then able to see what their own actions were doing to others. This might be your case as well? Some questions to ask yourself anyway. Not to gain excuses for your actions, words and reactions but to accept what you could not control then and NOW make changes in your own life for the better.

Getting your own heart right with God, admitting your faults and asking Him for forgiveness will begin to open your eyes. There may also be people in your past whom you may need to forgive and pray for in order to be in obedience to God’s will and His plan for your life. Staying in His word and praying for understanding will bring a peace you never knew before.

Just some things to start thinking about……. If you are willing to change and keep your marriage together. IT won’t be easy, but God never promised easy either.

http://www.talkjesus.com/prayer-request/8165-unanswered-prayers-most-common-reasons-why.html

http://www.talkjesus.com/prayer-request/31433-unanswered-prayer-why.html

http://www.talkjesus.com/church-sermons/25079-answered-prayer.html
 
Amarie, Actually we have the same situation. The difference only is that your husband is more brutal than mine as I've read your testimonies. I am also a battered wife and I do understand being in that kind of situation where we, women, are degraded by our rights. Many times I have tried to seek help from my relatives and they would always suggest that we must part ways. Yet all this time, I am sticking to our marriage because of our children and I think also because of my love for him. However, in your case I can see that it's not you who has the problem or the marriage itself, it's your husband who is having the major problem of himself. Your husband needs psychiatric help. With regards to you and your children (if you have), I suggest that you stay miles away from him temporarily for both of you to find your own selves. If you already have children, the MUST that you separate from him at the moment. Don't ever let your children see what their father is doing to their mother. it will cause a trauma and would affect their way of living as they grow up.
Think about it Amarie.. The decision is yours to make.
 
It takes a lot for a male to admit they are wrong. In marriage if it is all one way then it is of two things. 1) A domineering partner, or 2) The partner has forfeited their equal say and is co-dependent.

If my wife were to tell me I was hurting her in some way I would go all out to change my behaviour and rectify the problem permanently. Being male does not give you the right to do what you want. If you believe that, then you are sadly mistaken.

[1 Cor 13:11] When I was a child, I used to talk as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I put aside childish things.

Many victims of abuse have a sixth sense when their personal space is being invaded. Don’t deny your gut feelings. Speaking up is of vital importance. It makes you a stronger person and gives you back dignity. If you are denied that right then see #1 of first sentence. If you don’t speak up see #2 of first sentence.

I would encourage all victims of abuse to Speak Up. Oppressors want you to be quiet to keep control. Trust that God will be right next to you as you do. Jesus is our role model, He spoke up against His oppressors and gave us the right to do so ourselves. [Phil 4:6] Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. [7] Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

[Mat 6:33] But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you .

You will find peace in your suffering. You are no longer a victim in Christ Jesus. [Rom 8:37] No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us.[38] For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers,[39] nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

That includes you too. :-)
 
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