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<\/a>Jackson Katz\u2019s insightful statement pointing out that the way our language about sexual violence practically ignores the existence of predators is also making the social media rounds again.\u00a0By the way, his powerful TED Talk about violence against women being a men\u2019s issue <\/a>is definitely worth watching.<\/p>\nAwareness of this issue is so important and is a topic Christians should be addressing regularly because so many women and men in our churches have been affected by it. Jesus was an excellent model of respect for women.\u00a0In The Gentle Savior<\/em> Bible study, I pointed out in Chapter 10 that<\/p>\n [Jesus] did not treat women as servants or children or property or paragons of virtue or sex objects. He saw each woman for just who she was, and he was sensitive to what she needed. He considered women capable of intellectual conversation and even broke some social taboos to conduct those conversations.<\/p>\n His words and actions communicated that their value was unrelated to their marital status or number of children or physical features or housekeeping skills or nationality\u2014or even their sexual purity, for that matter. Jesus, as God in the flesh, Creator of all, demonstrated boldly to the first-century world that women were of equal value to men in God\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n With all the disclosures being posted, there may be some people who need to know what to do next. Here are a couple of resources I have found really helpful.<\/p>\n Wounded Heart: Hope for Adult Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n by Dr. Dan B. Allender (NavPress) Allender, a professor of counseling psychology, identifies coping mechanisms we may have carried over from childhood into adulthood and addresses the process of changing our thinking. He calls for us to acknowledge damaging thought patterns and self-protective behavior that keep us isolated and dead inside. He encourages us to exchange them for healthier thinking and behavior that is open to love and relationship \u2013 abundant life that is attainable even for those who have believed it was no longer possible.<\/p>\n Although the title targets the book to victims of childhood sexual abuse, many of its principles are applicable to victims of adult abuse and assault as well. Allender, a Christian, presents his material from a perspective rooted in his understanding of New Testament scripture, which he references at length throughout the book.<\/p>\n After reading this book (but not until the second time through) I finally realized that some of my own adult behavior had been influenced by my experiences, which are maybe best characterized as childhood sexual harassment \u2013 inappropriate attention and requests (which I was allowed to rebuff). For example, I finally realized why I was so uncomfortable with the idea of men looking at my body. For many years my response was to be overly concerned about covering up and wearing loose-fitting slacks to discourage it. I like that the book doesn’t keep you focused on the past but helps you acknowledge it and move forward in the present.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Go Beyond Recovery to Restoration<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n By Rebecca Born and Rachel Davis (Thumbprint) Authors Rebecca Born, a licensed therapist, and Rachel Davis are gentle and non-judgmental as they encourage victims of sex abuse toward self-awareness of the impact of the abuse and speak gracious truth into any areas of flawed thinking. They are extremely careful about labels and vocabulary as they promote restoration of parts of ourselves that we may have submerged for many years out of fear. They speak of empowerment to \u201crewrite unhealthy coping systems,\u201d conquering them rather than merely managing them.<\/p>\nResources<\/h3>\n
\nBook and Workbook<\/p>\n
\nWorkbook<\/p>\n