Abuse is an unfortunate reality in our fallen world, but the Lord will ensure we find the tools to overcome traumas we face.
In his talk “To Heal the Shattering Consequences of Abuse,” Elder Richard G. Scott says, “Moral agency is a vital element in our Father in Heaven’s plan of happiness.” Unfortunately, just as we may use our agency to follow Jesus Christ, others may misuse their agency to do harm, sometimes in the form of verbal, physical, or sexual abuse. Abuse of any kind can leave deep spiritual and psychological damage that is not easily healed.
Photo by Dani Geza.
To confront this serious and prevalent issue, the Church has a website that provides resources to those who have experienced or are experiencing abuse, and to those who may be in a position to help. These resources include the following:
Speaking to abuse victims, Elder Scott advises, “If you are currently being abused or have been in the past, find the courage to seek help.… Seek the support of someone you can trust. Your bishop or stake president can give you valuable counsel and help you with the civil authorities.… The Lord will help you, but you must reach out for that help.”
We should all work against the darkness in the world, reach out to offer light to those who are suffering, and find the courage to seek help from others and from God.
Source: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
—Alec Joseph Harding, Mormon Insights
FEATURE IMAGE BY JILL WELLINGTON
For more insights
See “To Heal the Shattering Consequences of Abuse” by Elder Richard G. Scott, “The Tongue of Angels” by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, or “Agency, Accountability, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ: Application to Sexual Assault” by Benjamin M. Ogles.