Dear Blog Readers,

As I shared when I began this latest series of blogs on domestic violence, I noted I’m sharing some of the outline and highlights from a training I attended with Focus Ministries. A reader noted the blog is too repetitive. Yes, the aspects of DV may indeed be to some persons, especially those whom have never been victims of DV.

What about persons whom have been in a devastating accident or had a terminal illness or lived through a natural disaster, yet ALL survived and noted, “this is what has imprinted me.” This is what has made me the person I am today. I could not be as productive in some of the countless volunteer capacities which I’m involved with had I not been a part of that community at one time. I volunteer at a food pantry for I was born and reared in poor home and often went to bed hungry.

I’m a Casa (court appointed special advocate) for I was severely battered as a child. I make pillowcases for critically and terminally ill children because my own family lost many of its’ members to cancer. For over 50 years, I have prepared meals for those with a need which I call “care meals” for I have felt the sting of having a “need” and desiring a caring hand.

Thus, as i shared when I began this current series of blogs, it is to share w/those whom know of someone that is a victim of DV. If you haven’t attended workshops/training, etc. and certainly if you have never lived through such a time, then yes, this is “boring and routine.”   I have read and re-read many person’s testimonies whom have shared the same story for years and years. Joni Eareckson Tada comes to my mind as well as many others in the faith-based community whose lives are living testimonies to the glory of the Lord.

As I shared on day one of this current DV blog, numerous counselors and those even in my church or local community have said “but why are you not angry and/or bitter?” I can proclaim, “because of the Lord. He has given me the strength to endure.” The notes from the training will be concluded in the next few days of blogging. This has been a format to share with those whom have not attended such training.

If you do choose to read, there might be a small snippet of information whereby you recognize that a friend or family member may be experiencing this. You can perhaps then say, “I hadn’t realized that before.” Just yesterday I received a message stating my blog has opened their eyes to something they now realize a family member is experiencing. When I have covered the highlights of the Focus Ministries training, I will resume the format of appreciation in “daily living.” Blessings, Jane