Comments on: Tonya Marie

By: D

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 15:26:19 +0000

I was a baptized member of one of the splinter groups, COG Int’l for a few years and am no longer attending. I am currently struggling with the fear that I committed the unpardonable sin. I try not to think about it but it is “there” all of the time and causes me great emotional difficulty. I have gotten off track here. What I wanted to comment on was your difficulty with telling your dad you love him and wanting him to say this to you first. Please do not wait. I think your pain will be great if you wait and never get the chance to tell him you love him. I think telling him will be good for your “soul”…whatever that is! But do it without any expectation of reciprocity. Just a thought. Peace

By: Cherie

Cherie — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 22:30:56 +0000

Hey Lil’ T. I read your story and I hate that I couldn’t protect “J” and you more. I tried so hard to protect all of my younger siblings from harm (whether in the church or not). With 16 years difference between us I wasn’t there enough to help you as much as you needed. On a better note, you are doing well now and I am always here for you, but you know that already. You are a strong, beautiful, young adult and man, did that writing school pay off for you, beautifully written! Don’t worry about any negative comments, those of us who have been raised in the church understand how it really was. If you weren’t subjected to it you couldn’t possibly understand what we went through. You are an amazing young woman with tons of talent. No one can take that away from you.

By: Sister Honey Bunch

Sister Honey Bunch — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:41:45 +0000

We are discussin WCG here today.

By: Robert

Robert — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 22:48:01 +0000

Tonya,

In understand, and like I said: I am in no way defending the WCG. All I was saying is that sexual abuse happens in all walks of life.

I would only add that it is the parents’ responsibility to be alert to the dangers that their children face.

By: Tonya Marie

Tonya Marie — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:09:37 +0000

Robert:

The neighbor went to church with us!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In fact he used to be one of the ministers whom my father worked along side with(my dad was a deacon at the time we left the curch.) I forgot to mention that crucial detail in the story; And he feared my parents would not believe because the church said Believe adults before children!! Like I said… the whole story is not above.. it is way way way too long to tell.

By: Robert

Robert — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 23:30:44 +0000

Tonya,

Without defending the WCG, I would only comment that many kids fear to report sexual abuse because they believe adults will blame them or won’t take them seriously. Also, the most common sexual abusers are not strangers, but trusted associates like babysitters.