Abuse

Written by cycleguy on September 17th, 2014

Is there anyone on the planet who has not heard or read of the recent stories of two NFL players guilty of abuse? I seriously doubt it.

Frankly, there is no call for abuse/bullying of any kind. None. Zip. Nada.

I don’t care if it is spouse. Child. Hazing. And while I disagree with the choice of the lifestyle, not even homosexuality calls for it.

The display on the video tape of abuse, of cold-cocking a person, is violent and ugly. I cannot speak of the NFL vet who is accused of abuse because he spanked his child. Reckon I fall into that category because I spanked my children. Never out of control. Tried to never do it out of anger. But I will admit I even used a paddle from time to time. They still love me. 🙂

Tragically, isolated incidents like this gain notoriety because of media attention. Meanwhile, other forms of abuse seem to get passed on by.

How about the abuse of sex slavery?

How about the abuse of innocence caused by pornography? She was 6.

How about the abuse of bodies called sport (UFC)?  Disclaimer: Yeah, I used to watch it.

How about the abuse of our bodies with alcohol and drugs and smoking and overeating?

See what I mean? Abuse happens in so many ways. And the church needs to speak up.

But it seems the high profile ones, fed by media consumption, grab the headlines. I am NOT validating the one taped incident. It is loathsome…but forgivable.

He is like all of us. Sinners to the core. Sinners in need of help…a Savior. Let’s keep remembering we live in glass houses. Let’s tell the story of a loving God who forgives even our biggest mess-ups and gives us a chance to start all over. That is the gospel.

And that…is my .02 worth. What are you thinking?

 

22 Comments so far ↓

  1. Jeff says:

    I have read of the domestic violence stories, from primarily Black athletes, for a long time. While I feel for the humanness of the athletes I can no way accept the business interests winking and nodding and wanting us to think it will be ok. That is the crime here.
    The guy didn’t spank his child. He beat him with a stick and opened many wounds. That’s not a paddling, that’s an attack. And the kid was 4 years old. Sick!!!
    Everyone needs to keep their hands to themselves.
    I don’t have much faith in the Church speaking up (Whoever the Church is) I suppose you are not thinking about the Church of Rome. They are more evil than the NFL. How about Penn State. Same kind of evil.
    I am not in the forgiving business. Justice needs to be done. Anyone willing to offer forgiveness is just winking and nodding with the rest of them.

    • cycleguy says:

      I am becoming more aware of the whole saga with each passing day. yeah…4 years old and a switch seems a bit over the top. As for the church, no I am not talking about the Church of Rome. Ugh! I am not trying to wipe this stuff under the carpet. A price needs to be paid for sure. I am saying we need to be aware of our own shortcomings as well.

  2. the Old Adam says:

    I’m thinking that you are spot on, Bill.

  3. Daniel says:

    I will say that it is not fair to judge someone fully by their worst moments. Certainly if cameras had caught me at my worst and played it on T.V. on an endless loop, my poll numbers would be sagging as well. This is not meant as an excuse for others and their actions, just a reminder.

  4. Zee says:

    I don’t have kids yet, so I can’t really say much about spanking. Mom tried it once when I was about 4 or 5, didn’t work. Sam’s dad, however, did punish him using a belt and while Sam says that he is grateful because the fear of the punishment held him from doing stuff he wanted (like getting drunk or involved in various bad activities), I am still wary of this method. (But Sam and his dad are joking about those times now, and are good friends.) But again, I haven’t been a parent. All I know is that I will try my best to at least explain to the kid why the consequences are as they are…

    But all kinds of abuse – sick :'( Domestic violence is a major problem here in Ukraine (and I guess pretty much all over the world), mostly because a lot of men drink heavily and as a result they are not really “in their mind.”

    • cycleguy says:

      My parents used paddles-usually one of those paddles with the bouncing ball missing or a ruler. Never a belt or a switch. It was used to correct. You and Sam will have to figure that out before the time comes. 🙂 (And then you will probably change your mind). Unfortunately, drinking does play a large part in abuse.

      • Zee says:

        We’re beginning those discussions with the appearance of Athena. We don’t punish her of course (after all, she’s an animal), but there are still various training aspects that turn to be useful (like “should we watch our kid all the time hovering over them or should she be allowed to do something, like fall down, and it will be okay”)…

        I’m not sure if I will change my mind. But then, I don’t know what personality will my kid have… and what kind of mother I will turn out to be.

        • cycleguy says:

          I suspect you will turn out to be a good parent. 🙂 And yes they should be allowed to fall down and pull themselves back up. To fall down and cry. Make mistakes.

  5. Preach it, Bill. Preach it.

    Come and join me today … I’m talking about a book you might be interested in.

    Love God’s timing!

    Blessings.

  6. It’s all very sad. Demonstrates a world in need of His love, healing, and wholeness. Where would we be without His grace? Don’t even want to think about it. Thanks Bill.

  7. Ed says:

    I almost became an abuser myself. I remember two times specifically where I crossed the line. Now I look back and I’m really ashamed of my actions. Abuse is nothing to take lightheartedly.
    I remember Pharoah abusing the children of Israel and how God reacted. It’s not a good thing.

  8. I got to pick out my own switch a few times.

  9. Betty Draper says:

    Bill, I get where you are coming from. Check our own hearts first then put on the battle gear and see how we can be a help with those around us who suffer abuse. In fact to get involved just a little is over whelming especially for those who have no idea what is going on probably right in their neighbor.

    I would ask prayer for my second session at the retreat for it is about the abuse my Dad gave to us as a family. I have no wounds of my own that bleed, a few scars but I can spot an abuse bleeding woman or child pretty easy. I refuse to let all that go to waste and will speak out to women that they do not have take abuse, get out, find some help. Only one neighbor spoke out and sheltered me at times, he was a pastor. God does want to use the church to reach out to those who are suffering, pray for ways to help them. There is less chance of any of us becoming abusers if we get involved with helping someone. It’s a world that will sicken and sadden the heart till it breaks for those involved. God will use a broken heart when it’s for others, He will strengthen it, give courage to turn off the wrong things, courage to fill our minds with Godly thoughts. Great post Bill, as you can see you have touched my heart.

    • cycleguy says:

      You are right Betty. It is a bit overwhelming to get involved but we need to. I most certainly will pray for your retreat. If only one woman is helped it will be worth it.

  10. Mike says:

    Where you see abuse, you see a lack of God in someone’s life. Not because He doesn’t want to be there, but because we often don’t want to let Him in. When God is in our life we are held to a higher standard and many don’t want that burden or responsibility. That’s my .02 cents worth.