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Today I have been thinking about domestic abuse. Here are some facts:

  • Domestic abuse is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 & 44.
  • There are 1500 shelters for battered women in the United States compared to 3800 animal shelters. Granted both are needed but what does this say about the issue?
  • Three – four million women in the United States are beaten in their homes each year. That is one woman every 15 seconds.
  • Three million children witness domestic violence in their homes every year.

The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. (Proverbs 14:1 NIV84)

Today I am celebrating a woman who made choices to build her house. She took steps to protect herself & her children from further abuse. She stabilized her home – being a stay at home mom until the children adjusted, freely giving them the time they needed. Afterwards she found full time employment to support herself & her children. She worked hard & long days. She balanced responsibilities both at home & at work. She learned how to do the things she had never before done – insurance issues, budgets, investments. She did it with kindness & dignity. She weighed every decision against God’s Word, ascertaining that she was always doing that which would be pleasing to her God. And yesterday, she closed on the refinancing of her home. She is now 100% owner of the home she lives in with her children. She never has to fear being displaced or losing her home. It is hers until she decides that she wants to sell or move.

The above statistics are alarming both for women & their children. We truly cannot close our eyes nor turn our backs as most victims will remain quiet about the problem for a long time. We must help women find their voice, become strong & make wise & safe choices not only for themselves but for their children. We must come along side of them, pray for them, encourage them. We must help tend to their wounded & bleeding spirits until they are strong enough to stand on their own.

Yes, “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. ” And there are times, it is a very wise woman that rebuilds her home.

 

*I linked up at Tell His Story and Rich Faith Rising and Teach Me Tuesday and Titus 2 Tuesday and Playdates With God .