Category Archives: Peacemaking~Forgiveness

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

Peace Be With You

Posted on July 11, 2015 by virginiaknowles

Peace be with you, the peace of Jesus… Peace with God: a communion and a transformation paid by his sacrifice. Peace with others: authentic fellowship, forgiveness, and compassion. Peace within you: Shalom healing and affirmation deep in the soul. Peace … Continue reading →

Posted in Authentic Life, Bible~Theology, http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, Jesus, Peacemaking~Forgiveness | 1 Comment

Disentangle (A Poem)

Posted on July 7, 2015 by virginiaknowles

“Disentangle” by Virginia Knowles When I was a girl of 10 or so I would sit long with a fat skein of vibrant yarn Tangled by carelessness or cat And I would focus my child eyes and With supple hand, … Continue reading →

Posted in Authentic Life, http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, Legalism ~ Spiritual Abuse, Life Transitions, My Parents ~ My Childhood, Peacemaking~Forgiveness, Pilgrimage and Jubilee, Poetry | 6 Comments

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

An Odd Palm and an Odd Parable for Palm Sunday

Posted on March 30, 2015 by virginiaknowles

This morning, we heard the familiar Palm Sunday passage, and the children paraded around the church sanctuary waving their palm fronds. The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible~Theology, Message of Salvation, Nature Photography, Peacemaking~Forgiveness | 1 Comment

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

For To Us a Child is Born, The Prince of Peace (Strength in Hymn)

Posted on December 6, 2014 by virginiaknowles

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;on those livingin the land of deep darknessa light has dawned. For to us a child is born,to us a son is given,and the governmentwill be on his shoulders. And he … Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, Jesus, Message of Salvation, Peacemaking~Forgiveness, Strength in Hymn | Leave a comment

Let’s End Domestic Violence – Not Just the Awareness Month

Posted on October 31, 2014 by virginiaknowles

Dear friends,It’s October 31, and this month has been Domestic Violence Awareness month. The month might be ending, but unfortunately domestic violence has not. One quick look at the news will show you that.I’m not just thinking about physical violence … Continue reading →

Posted in Abuse in Families, Child Discipline, Domestic Violence, Gender ~ Authority, http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, Legalism ~ Spiritual Abuse, Peacemaking~Forgiveness, Problems in Patriarchy | 1 Comment