Hollywood Prayer Network On Domestic ViolenceSample

NO UNWHOLESOME TALK 

Survivor

      I still wake up with your name

      stuck in my throat

                            Sometimes

     Where it caught between your hands

     when you squeezed

     I still wake up in fear

                            most nights

     your eyes follow me from every

     shadow, every loud noise

    crowding the edges of my memory.

    I still wake up.

                       Amber Koneval  

“The scars from mental cruelty can be as deep and long-lasting as wounds from punches or slaps but are often not as obvious. In fact, even among women who have experienced violence from a partner, half or more report that the man’s emotional abuse is what is causing them the greatest harm.” Lundy Bancroft 

  

PRAY:   Lord, Not only do I not want to have any unwholesome talk come out of my mouth, but I don't want to be the victim of others talking to me with words that cut me down, insult me, hurt me, and demean me. Would You show me how I may be allowing my spouse, my parent, my child, or anyone in my home, to speak to me with words that are not building me up according to my needs and that are beneficial to me. Would You make sure that the words in my home are helpful for building others up according to our needs and that our words will benefit those who listen! Thank You for Your help, wisdom, and discernment on this issue. Amen.

REFLECT:    Have you ever thought about how people are talking to you? Domestic abuse can be verbal, which is often just as damaging as physical or sexual abuse. "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" is a lie. Words are a powerful tool of the enemy to steal, kill, and destroy our lives and we can't let others talk to us in ways that are destructive to our hearts, minds, and souls. How do the people closest to you talk to you? With respect, love, and encouragement, or with unwholesome talk? Are their words building you up according to your needs. And are the conversations in your home benefitting everyone involved?

ACT:    Get on your knees and cry out to the Lord to reveal to you how people are treating you and what words are being spoken. Ask Him to reveal the unwholesome talk for what it is and ask Him for direction in how not to allow it in your life any longer". And how are you responding? Are you arguing, yelling and saying mean things in your defense or are you building people up and helping them to flourish and grow? The conversations in your home must be full of grace, love, and words that will benefit everyone. God can help you right now to face the truth and show you how any level of abuse or mistreatment must stop today. 

If you are in an abusive situation, please call either the U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline number at 1-800-799-7233, or call your local domestic violence hotline for help. You can find them by searching online under "domestic violence hotline".   Be safe!