Category Archives: Abuse in Families

To the Young Woman with Bruises

Posted on September 22, 2015 by virginiaknowles

To the Young Woman with Bruises I had not intended to be 120 miles from home Late on a Sunday night in an unfamiliar city Sitting in my van with a Monster drink in my hand Trying to wake up … Continue reading →

Posted in Abuse in Families, Do Justice ~ Love Mercy, Domestic Violence, http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post | 2 Comments

War Room: Hope or Hype?

Posted on September 18, 2015 by virginiaknowles

Dear friends,So the War Room movie hit #1 status in the box offices, and that’s pretty amazing for an overtly Christian film. Immediately, my Facebook feed filled with glowing endorsements from my friends. “This movie is awesome! You must go … Continue reading →

Posted in Abuse in Families, Authentic Life, Bible~Theology, Do Justice ~ Love Mercy, Domestic Violence, http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, Peacemaking~Forgiveness, Reviews, Spiritual Warfare, Web Links | 4 Comments

Guest Post by Susan Moore: Top 20 Very Best Things to Say to Someone Who is Struggling

Posted on July 11, 2015 by virginiaknowles

Dear friends, I’m thankful for the privilege of hosting this guest post by Susan Moore. As the mother of a large family myself, I’ve always loved her old blog, Joyful Mom of Many.  Now I’m delighted to present the most recent post … Continue reading →

Posted in Abuse in Families, Do Justice ~ Love Mercy, Domestic Violence, Gender ~ Authority, http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, Legalism ~ Spiritual Abuse, Problems in Patriarchy, Stress~Weariness | 3 Comments

The Duggar Story: Thoughts and Links

Posted on May 25, 2015 by virginiaknowles

The Duggar Story: Thoughts and Links [Note: This was written even before Josh Duggar was implicated in the Ashley Madison scandal. I don’t have the emotional energy to even touch that right now, but enough has already been said by … Continue reading →

Posted in Abuse in Families, Do Justice ~ Love Mercy, Gender ~ Authority, http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, Legalism ~ Spiritual Abuse, Problems in Patriarchy, Sexuality | 3 Comments

My Essays on Abuse in Families and Churches

Posted on May 17, 2015 by virginiaknowles

Dear friends, I have been writing about abuse in families and churches for the past several years. It’s not exactly pleasant or easy, but I feel like it is making a difference. I want my words to be a bridge to … Continue reading →

Posted in Abuse in Families, Child Discipline, Communication, Domestic Violence, Gender ~ Authority, http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, Legalism ~ Spiritual Abuse, Marriage, Problems in Patriarchy | Leave a comment

Banging the Buttons

Posted on May 11, 2015 by virginiaknowles

With a malevolent yet gleeful grin, a young man strode up and rapidly banged the button on the right: VERY POOR. Like ten times. Huh? What’s with that? Our local Walmart has this new electronic stand near their exit doors … Continue reading →

Posted in Abuse in Families, Communication, Domestic Violence, Gender ~ Authority, http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, Marriage, Parenting, Peacemaking~Forgiveness | 1 Comment

What to Do About Toxic Power in Marriage

Posted on May 3, 2015 by virginiaknowles

Dear friends, What can a woman do if she realizes that she is in a controlling, manipulative, intimidating, verbally aggressive, and/or physically violent marriage? Two months ago I wrote a post called Recognizing Pervasive, Poisonous Power in Marriage which gave an analysis of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Abuse in Families, Domestic Violence, Gender ~ Authority, http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, Marriage, Parenting | 2 Comments

When Abuse Leads to Cynicism

Posted on March 22, 2015 by virginiaknowles

Dear friends, Do you know anyone whose faith has been turned upside down into cynicism because of hypocrisy or abuse within a church or a family? I do. I’ve lost count of those I know personally, and I have read about … Continue reading →

Posted in Abuse in Families, Child Discipline, Do Justice ~ Love Mercy, Domestic Violence, http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, Legalism ~ Spiritual Abuse, Peacemaking~Forgiveness, Problems in Patriarchy, Sexuality | 4 Comments

Recognizing Pervasive, Poisonous Power in Marriage

Posted on March 4, 2015 by virginiaknowles

“There are two kinds of power. One kills the spirit. The other nourishes the spirit. The first is Power Over. The other is Personal Power. Power Over shows up as control and dominance. Personal Power shows up as mutuality and … Continue reading →

Posted in Abuse in Families, Domestic Violence, Gender ~ Authority, http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, Marriage, Peacemaking~Forgiveness, Problems in Patriarchy | 3 Comments

Mara’s Story: Anger After Abuse (DV Story #4)

Posted on February 3, 2015 by virginiaknowles

Last year, I featured a three part series of interviews with domestic violence survivors, in hopes of helping abused women find healing and educating others in how to respond with wisdom and compassion. You can find those interviews here: Abigail’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Abuse in Families, Do Justice ~ Love Mercy, Domestic Violence, Gender ~ Authority, Grace, http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, Marriage, Parenting, Peacemaking~Forgiveness | 1 Comment