We accuse Christians of passing judgment when they speak out against sin . We are supposed to be able to discern and speak the truth with love . So my condolences to his family , and my continued prayers to his victims . I wonder , has anyone thought about them . What it feels like to know your abuser is gone ?
For those who have never been sexually assaulted , it ’ s hard to understand the distaste a victim carries for their abuser . The guilt and shame that is played and replayed in their minds everyday while their abuser is hailed as a righteous man , redeemed by his admirers . The hurt , the pain and strength it took to tell a soul what happened . Or how victims who dream of the demise of the abuser are affected when it comes to fruition . The ridicule of being called a liar by church folks , or called queer , loose or even too unattractive for anyone to abuse in the first place . Or the countless victims that never ever told a soul .
Yet , church folks judge all the time when it ’ s convenient for them . Forsake the children for the favor of a man in cloth .
So I judge . But when I judge , I try not to judge un-righteously , unfairly or to be hypocritical in my judgment . “ In the same way you judge others , you will be judged , and with the measure you use , it will be measured to you .” ( Matthew 7:2 )
Yes , I spoke some hard truths here , so don ’ t even think of trying to come for me today . As a survivor , I ’ ll eat you alive .
Judge that .
Lena Sledge is a native of Detroit , Michigan and currently calls Alabama home . She shares writing advice and tips for aspiring writers on her award-winning blog , Lena Sledge ’ s Blog . She also shares marketing information for writers and authors on how to market their books through social media on her Facebook fan page . She gives several workshops throughout the year and is available for speaking engagements and book club discussions . Lena is also the publicity chair for the Alabama Writers ’ Conclave , one of the oldest writers ’ organizations in continuous existence in the United States . Visit her website at w w w . l e n a s l e d g e . c o m or through her blog at www . lenasledgeblog . com .