Abstract
It was almost 5 years since they were married. Ryan was a church-going woman. She had been so ever since she was a child. Having grown up in the Black Church, she valued the importance of supporting her community, being a faithful wife and mother, and honoring her commitments. Accepting that the man is the spiritual leader of the home, she humbled herself to his direction and vision and attempted to support her husband—this black man who was highly regarded and well respected in the community. They had a beautiful home, a wonderful child, and belonged to numerous social and professional organizations. Fundamental to all of this was her belief in the word of God and her religious values. That was why she found herself confused and perplexed. How could God love me and let me go through so much pain? Didn’t “He” see the bruises, the blood, the torn skin or the scabs from previous abuse? Couldn’t “He” see the broken spirit, the phony smiles and make-up used to hide the residue of violence? She had prayed. She was anchored in the Word. She was saved. She didn’t wish bad things against her husband. She stayed the course, took the faith walk, and continued to support this man who said he loved her, yet was emotionally, physically, and psychologically abusive. So, where was God? Had “He” forgotten me? Doesn’t it matter that I’m one of the faithful? Or has God turned “His” back on me because my husband is the Chair of the Deacon’s Board?
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Bent-Goodley, T.B. (2006). Domestic Violence and the Black Church: Challenging Abuse One Soul at a Time. In: Interpersonal Violence in the African-American Community. Issues in Children’s and Families’ Lives. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-29598-5_5
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