October Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Greetings!
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  Sponsored by the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, there are lots of educational and awareness-building resources produced that we at Partners in Faith encourage you look at and invest in (check out http://www.nrcdv.org/dvam/).

More importantly, however, is the reminder that needing a month to raise awareness about domestic violence as well as sexual assault and violence is a sad reality in our country.  As social service agencies, providers, advocates, supporters, clergy, academics, and people of all faiths, it is our shared responsibility to let survivors know they are valued and to let perpetrators know there is always another way besides violence.  May this be a month of awareness raising so that perhaps next year, we can say that domestic violence is a reality but one that is slowly fading.  Please continue checking this blog for thoughts, readings, and prayers related to domestic violence and sexual assault. 

A Franciscan Blessing for all:

May God bless you with discomfort. Discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart. Amen

May God bless you with anger. Anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace. Amen

May God bless you with tears. Tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and turn their pain into joy. Amen

May God bless you with foolishness. Enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done. Amen

And the blessing of God, who creates, redeems and sanctifies, be upon you and all you love and pray for this day, and forever more. Amen

- Beth Gillispie, partnersinfaith@uuum.org