I M Perfect lady

I listened to "What is a Girl Worth" by Rachael Denhollander, her story of breaking the silence and exposing the truth about Larry Nassar and USA Gymnastics.

This books shows how it seems impossible stop abuse, but how it can be done.

If you ever wondered, why victims remain silent, or why it takes so many years to come forward, this may answer some of those questions. 

She waited 16 years for the right opportunity.

I was emotional in many parts.  

Parts where she acknowledges the cost of doing what is right.

Of knowing something is evil by recognizing what is not.

If you can't see evil, there is a good chance you have no idea what is not.

And, do we all know what is the right thing to do – truly.

Do you know what is right, only when abuse happens outside of your circle?

But, can you see what the right thing to do is, when it happens, among those you know.

When you have the opportunity to act, do you?

It also shows how much doesn't change.

How organizations are slow to own their part in creating a culture of abuse.

The blindspots many of us can have, when it comes to someone we know.

Mostly, this book affirms my understanding of how the landscape of abuse looks and operates, and how.

While I believe I have done what is the right thing to do, it has not come without a cost.

I also believe, that abuse continues to flourish among many families within the culture of abuse in the First Apostolic Lutheran Church.

It does, because so many fail to see the evil among them.

Fail to see the crooked stick, for they have not seen a straight one.

Rachael knew she wasn't alone, and she knew there had to be hundreds, but was blown away to see what over a hundred looked like all when faces and bodies were gathered together.

To see all the girls/women who too were abused by Larry, as they gathered to give their impact statements.

But, what healing power to be with each other as they broke their silences.  Their power was taken back as they spoke up.

It is my hope, that some day, the right day and opportunity will arise, for so many silent voices to rise against the church that blesses these sins away.

I understand, the cost of doing the right thing.

And, more I understand the cost of doing nothing.

Abuse doesn't go away because we chose to look away.

What is a girl worth in the eyes of the First Apostolic Lutheran Church?  Who has more power than a little girl in the church?  When will a child, for I know boys too are abused, be considered more valuable then an adult?  The culture of male dominance alone is the perfect breeding ground for abuse.

What is a girl worth?