The worst is when you’re in the thick of it and you can’t even talk about it.
You know those times when the people that have hurt you are people in “authority” and if you speak up at the wrong time it could back fire on you.
I’ve been in a season I can only describe as abusive. Abuse from those with leadership positions who should know better. Those whose hearts should be to make those beneath them feel safe, cared for and respected.
We all have these types of people in our lives. Teachers, bosses, landlords, pastors, banks- the list goes on. People who abuse their powers of authority.
I have felt beat up by these authoritative figures and I know you’ve all been there. It’s not right!
The hardest part about all this is, it won’t stop. There will always be an abusive power. They come in so many shapes and sizes that no matter where you go they will show up. This can be taxing on our mental health.
Here are some encouraging facts I’ve learned in these seasons of abuse:
1. It’s not just you.
In these moments it can feel like; what’s wrong with me? Is it just me? Will I always be a target?
Unless you’re literally constantly trying to start a fight with those in authority, it’s not just you. It’s simply that you’ve been placed in a position to highlight the problem in them.
What’s happened to you likely has happened to someone else and would have happened to another person who switched positions with you.
2. The harder they fight to prove they’re right the more it’s eating them inside that they are wrong.
Those in authority who talk your ear off for why what they did makes sense and you deserved it are very likely trying to convince themselves more than you- because they know they were wrong.
You don’t have to respond to them by the way.
“Don’t respond to the stupidity of a fool; you’ll only look foolish yourself.”
Proverbs 26:4 MSG
3. Standing up to them can make a safer tomorrow for others like you.
You always have the opportunity to walk away and sometimes that’s the best way.
But then there are opportunities to stand up and tell someone above that authority figure. There is always someone above. If it’s not another person then it’s God himself you need to ask for help.
When you speak up and involve a principal, head pastor, judge etc.- you are not just fighting for yourself but for those who have been hurt before, are being hurt presently or will be hurt by this individual. It has to stop somewhere.
