Hello "Familiar Face",
I wish to respond to the post above.....
Thank you for your acknowledgment and your comments regarding my posting~
You must first know, I am NOT an advocate of child abuse, or abuse of any kind. It is in my nature to protect those who are suffering. It is a passion that lives deep inside of me, and it will never leave me~
Though, you have made me aware, that I too, lived through a form of abuse. I am becoming more and more aware of the abuse and suffering, of others, particularly, those from the Roloff Homes. I myself do not come from a physically abusive home. I apologize that I am slow to learn in this area. I do, however, come from a mental abusive up bringing. So, at least I can try to comprehend the "mind" part of all of this. Bare with me as I learn more, please.
My way of "thinking", as I posted, "God knows", was an attempt to help bring others peace in their mind, to remind them that they are not alone. Another words, He knows the whole truth(s). He will bring out in the light, which was once in the dark.
I NEVER implied that people are/were lying. I believe everyones story. Why wouldn't I? The Homes were in operation for thirty-something years. Many different people ran the Homes over the span of many years. Some "good", some, "bad", so how could I or you, ever not believe what others proclaim? Most of us only lived there for a few years, or less. It would be nonsense to try to speak on behalf of others who lived at the Homes in different times. And, once again, this is common sense.
Furthermore, I never said it was a "good place", nor a "bad place". It was neither to me. But, that was MY experience, not necessarily yours. And, I respect that~ Also, it would be nice if those who were "abused", could find it in thier hearts, to respect those who do not have the same awfull memories. For, neither the abused nor the non abused, are to blame... We were children, remember that~
You have said good and interesting things in your posting, I am glad that you spoke up. That is what this is all about, after all~
I too admire the teachings of Corrie Ten Boom. I have a wonderful devotional book by her. It is called, "Each New Day",in case you would like to check it out. We can never begin to understand, the sufferings that she had to endure, or all of the souls murdered in the Holocaust. Now that is an issue that really pisses me off.
YES. I do wipe the slate clean every night, and, I always will. There isn't any reason to get so deep in this area. It is a generalization. Haven't you ever heard that saying about the sun going down? ( I can't remember it right now), however what you do before you go to bed each night, is your own business. I will respect that too~
You are right! Every one has the "obligation', to ask forgiveness to those they've/we've harmed, and closure is VERY important. Everyday~
I stand corrected on the OB/GYN issue. Though, as an adult, when ever I had gained extra weight in the past, this would happen to me, like it did in the Home. I assumed it was "the" cause. I was wrong, and "thank you", for that info. I wonder if "Amenorrhea", has something to do with the fact that my husband and I haven't conceived a baby yet. But, thats another sad issue that perhaps, I'll have to overcome too~
I do wonder if any of the abused people are doing anything about there past abuse now. Who would one go to talk to? Do you have any sugestions???Have any of you pressed charges? I probably would have, (if I personally had a reason to), but, I would have done it a long time ago~ then again, thats just me~
I can assure you, that if I had ever witnessed anything alarming, anything at all, I would not have kept it to myself. No way man~
Others CAN make peace with their past experiences, and they must, or else, they will fade away for sure, and wake up to be little old men and women with a scrunched up grumpy face. Not good~~
All through the ages, people of "faith", have had to suffer greatly. I don't know why, do you? But, there must be a reason for it. Once we get over "this" thing, there will be another "thing"...Thats LIFE....THATS LIFE..Most of our answers, are right in front of us sometimes, and we don't choose to recognize them~At least, that has been my experience.
By the way, I still love oranges, swings, sunshine, and rock and roll~ and for these simple pleasures that God gave me to "survive with", I do not feel the need to apologize~
Thanks again Familar face. You have so much passion, perhaps you can do a lot of good in the world with it~ You go girl!
Melanie
[ This Message was edited by: Melanie on 2004-04-26 05:20 ][ This Message was edited by: Melanie on 2004-04-27 12:20 ]