Moving Forward
We're continuing to move forward and are putting together a "workbook," sharing our thoughts on watching for the "signs" of clergy misconduct and suggestions of where to go for help. What happened in our story can happen to anyone. We hope to make others aware of the possibility to help other families before it occurs.
We all need to be the protectors of our children's innocence. We need to look after vulnerable adults, too. Everyone needs to speak out!!
We're loving all the positive emails we're receiving. Keep them coming!
Blessings to Everyone,
Helen
We all need to be the protectors of our children's innocence. We need to look after vulnerable adults, too. Everyone needs to speak out!!
We're loving all the positive emails we're receiving. Keep them coming!
Blessings to Everyone,
Helen
A couple of weeks ago, I finished reading "Innocence Betrayed" and was stunned to discover such incidents could take place in a religious institution. Although this is a fictitious story written by a first-time author, the lessons to be learned are crucial. Evil lurks in all places, even in places thought to be blessed sanctuaries.
No one is safe from manipulation by demons, even men and women of religious ministries. It has awakened the reader to the possibility that,if evil is allowed to overpower or tempt, anyone,--even religious ministers-- is open to be corrupt. The minister portrayed in this fictional story is manipulative, uncompassionate to the family, and obviously selfish to his own desires.
The story was enlightening in showing people the way to be aware of clergy misconduct. It points out that women who have difficulty with assertiveness and who have a kind heart, like Dee, are targets for predators. Unfortunately, Dee was unaware and tried to please too many people and her own needs at the same time. I kept thinking to myself that I wished she would have kept her focus always on the 4 daughters who wanted their mother so desperately and who saw her slipping away.
A major lesson to be learned is the importance of making a conscious effort to focus on the importance of family first. They are worth protecting and loving. Through the entire devastation of the harmful emotional disruptions this family endured, the constant love and concern shown by the father was what will be remembered by the daughters. If such a nightmare of events as written in the book were to actually occur, the only thing that would save a family as described in Innocence Betrayed is forgiveness and love.
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“If you think your family is close and your faith is strong, watch out! These good things can be used against you by someone who is an expert at manipulation.”
Your book was a real warning to parents and family members to stay in the know of what their family is doing no matter what organizations or church group to which they belong. Evil manipulators are everywhere turning God given talents and leading do-gooders onto paths they never would have dreamed of taking. In this case, it was a loving mother wishing to please the Lord who was lead away into Evil’s path. The more self–sacrificing she was to help others in the church, the more she was clutched away from her family and driven into feelings and actions she would have never thought possible. It seems throughout the book, the daughter’s childlike eyes were open to right and wrong. If it weren’t for their devoted father, who suffered amazing loss, those girls wouldn’t have had a chance at escaping a very possible future of molestation and heartbreak. Thank God for strong fathers, and thank God for people who believe their experiences and support their fight against these transgressors. It’s not only children, but their parents as well who need to be prayed for and protected. We must remember it is in God we should have faith and trust, men are fallible and should be questioned. This book reminds us to keep the channels of prayer and actions open and strong between us and our Maker. Pleasing others is secondary.
Upon my talking about this book to a Methodist minister, and his reading the book, he heatedly said that if this book was based on a true experience, he was appalled. He couldn’t believe this behavior was allowed to continue in the church and that the slimy monster was allowed to continue as a representative of the faith.
Thank you for writing this book.
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The website is looking great! It is so good to see such great comments, and the two of you deserve this effort to be as well received as it appears it is being.
I think sometimes people forget that 'men of the cloth' are just men, and can be just as twisted as any other men (or women for that matter).
Vigilance, awareness and family unity are so very important in today's society. Perhaps someday anyone anywhere will be able to go into any church anywhere and not be automatically suspicious.
Education is necessary, and hopefully your book will help make that apparent to pastors and parishoners everywhere.
Keep up the good work!
Zada Connaway, Author
Mother’s Journals: Parts 1, 2 and 3
ISBN # 1-4241-6969-0
3 generations of women in one family. Secrets revealed,
crimes committed, hardships overcome, and romance
in abundance. Cold showers optional!
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Zada,
Thank you so much for the very nice comments on the book blog this morning. Your words lifted me just when I needed it. Your comments make so much sense to me--you being an aware, informed, knowledgeable person in God's kingdom. Now we just have to educate the rest of the planet. You have read the book and learned, became aware, informed, and knowledgeable. The world needs more gems like you, bless you.
Curt Szajnecki
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A wonderful Thanksgiving to everyone that have supported our efforts to make all churches a safer place to worship. As I bow my head today I will give thanks to our Lord above for His will to be done, as we work to spread the word of awareness to others. This will be the first Thanksgiving in a long time that we are no longer alone in this world. We have all the wonderful people that have helped us along the way. Thank you all for your prayers and messages that you have left, and the many others that have spread the word awareness that they have come in contact with.
Special thanks to the national, and international support groups that have guided us along the way.
And lastly thanks to the Lord above for sending my co-author Helen my way, or I would still be alone in the dark.
Happy Thanksgiving to all, and may you rest in His loving arms with your loved one's today!!
Blessings, Curt Szajnecki
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