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Stories of Hope and Inspiration After Violence Response from a Advocate1. What are Bill’s greatest needs at this time in his life? Bill needs to have something meaningful in his life, something to motivate him to keep moving forward. Like the little train that said, “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can,” Bill needs to be able to move one foot in front of the other. He needs to take care of himself and be able to care for his daughter. 2. What might a local congregation offer to a man in Bill’s situation? A local congregation can offer Bill many things:Responsibility - Bill is a great “special projects” man – he looks forward to doing things. Accountability - He needs accountability, just like accountability required of substance abusers enrolled in programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Not that the church should doubt everything that comes from his mouth, but he must be held accountable. Dependability - He has a story to tell, perhaps at an AA meeting, or at a youth group. He needs to be responsible and focused. Remember, Idol minds, devil’s play. Friendship - Bill needs a new set of friends, a new group of support. 3. How might pastoral care dovetail with support offered by the faith-based batterer intervention program? Bill could be encouraged to participate in programs offered at his church. Perhaps Bill could assist with an AA group or other such program. 4. What does Bill’s life help us to understand about the nature of hope? Hope keeps us going. Faith is Hebrews 11:1: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Connie Henderson and Debra Wideman Response from a Advocate1. What are Bill’s greatest needs at this time in his life? Bill needs to continue to have support from people that can encourage him to have hope. His hope lies in his relationship to God. He needs to believe there is hope for him to have a future. Everyday can be a struggle to stay clean, sober, and abuse free. 2. What might a local congregation offer to a man in Bill’s situation? A pastor who understands addiction and abuse can introduce Bill to a man inside or outside the church who also understand addiction and abuse and can serve as a mentor. This mentor can walk along side Bill not ahead of him. He can be there for conversation but not enabling. The church can also be accepting of Bill without enabling him. 3. How might pastoral care dovetail with support offered by the faith-based batterer intervention program? The pastor and Bill may decide to meet weekly to discuss activities in Bill’s life. This discussion may be focused on the future not the past. 4. What does Bill’s life help us to understand about the nature of hope? We all have problems whether we publically admit them or not. Hope is the only source of survival. Without hope, there is not life. Without hope, there is no chance for the future. Why try if there is no hope! Melissa Bowlin, Domestic Violence Crisis Intervention Counselor |
