There are, at least to my knowledge, not many blogs about the FALC or more succinctly, abuse and the FALC. When I began blogging about my experience, my focal point wasn't to look against the church, but rather to share my experience about being abused. I just happen to be a past member of the First Apostolic Lutheran Church.
In the past year, two more blogs popped up, Jim Torola's and his wife Judy's. And there is one called extoots, that is similar, but more looking into the churches similar to the FALC and the members that have left.
Each of us are writing from our points of view, with intentions hidden or in plain view.
My intentions were for the sole purpose of allowing others to see my personal journey, healing from being sexually abused as a little girl. I wanted there to be a place where others could go to relate…and to break the silence.
We have this wonderful tool that we can communicate with folks we would never have the experience to physically come in contact with. A way to pass on information and a place to voice and comment.
It truly wasn't my intention to shine a bad light upon the church, but sadly the truth and reality make it so.
What some have mistakenly seen as attack or anger towards the church, is actually a passionate voice wanting you to see that within your hallowed walls lurks a sick disease.
And yes, I agree that all churches have this disease, for all churches are made up of human beings. I get that. But there just seems to be a disproportionate amount within the FALC. And perhaps that isn't even the bigger issue, but the silence about it.
No one is talking openly and with a passion to stop the spreading of this awful behavior upon little children.
And there is a cautionary point I want to make, about the blogs that are out there. Don't read at face value, don't leave your discernment behind, look and see and pay close attention to what isn't there.
And please do the same here. I don't want you to believe that which I write, without you first checking to see if it makes sense to you. I want you to actively question and please dialogue with me.
I want you to look around your church and families, to listen closely to stories you hear, to awaken your own inner voice and wonder.
I feel that my blog is open and free for an exchange of ideas. I am by my own admission a very passionate advocate for victims of abuse…and secondly against parties that seek to control them.
What I find a bit discerning about Jim's blog is the lack of a comment section. And now Judy's blog has a log on section that seems odd to me. I don't know that means. Why does it matter who reads? I can see that you as a blog owner have the write to take offending comments off, but to closely monitor who is reading seems a tad off.
The strict control bothers me about both the blogs.
What puzzles me is that Her second blog is wide open, but there is no discussion that pertains to the FALC, abuse or for that matter subjects that are deeper than the surface. I find it odd to monitor the deeper subjects… And just interesting that it isn't a blog habit, for she has two totally different blogs. One closed and one wide open.
I feel a natural sense of curiosity in this and a huge lack of trust…and feelings that I am being monitored as I enter her site. I will not register and enter into her 'controlled' site.
I don't have a secret part of me, I stand here in the open all sides revealed, there is no part of me that remains in the shadow, nor do I care to closely monitor who looks upon this site…and me.
It is my intention and hopes that this site will offer comfort and answers and maybe even a place to see a differing view. A voice in the silence…speaking up and about abuse and the FALC.
I want you to see me with your truth and your own discernment, please bring all of you to me. I want this site to be open and free to browse. I care not who you are as you read, and I hope that what I have to say will awaken the questioning part of you.
I M Perfect lady 