In the midst of surviving domestic violence encouragement is such a necessity. I asked my friend, Pastor David Katina if I could share some of his notes with you. Dave is an amazing story teller and wonderful at helping me keep things in perspective. Although he didn't originally write this as domestic violence encouragement, it is delicious food for thought, a great read and very encouraging!!
“Partners or Predators?”
By Pastor David Katina
We are not solitary creatures. God designed us to be strengthened by relationships. In Ecclesiastes 4:9 the wise man Solomon tells us that two are better than one. If two are better than one, than why do we tend to get hurt by relationships that cause us to find it better to be alone? Well, I believe that it's because sometimes we think we found "life-partners" when they are really "predators" in disguise. Not just any "two" will do! The two must be compatible.
As I continue my daily Bible reading, currently in the book of Genesis, I see and hear a very loud and clear message about "Partnership". We see this foundational truth in the creation of the first human being, Adam. Almost immediately after Adam comes on to the scene, God says, "Nope! This dude will be a total disaster all by himself!" resulting in the unveiling of Eve. Again, in Genesis 6:20 God commands Noah, "Of the birds after their kind, and every creeping thing of the earth after its kind, two of every kind will come to you to keep them alive."
Obviously, we are stronger in numbers. We are meant to live and work together. Joint efforts usually yield better results. However, not all relationships serve to benefit us. You must ask God to help you discern whether or not this person or persons that are connected to you is a PARTNER or a PREDATOR? Let me share with you four principles that will help you to determine whether or not you're connected to a partner or a predator...
1. Partners COMPLETE you while predators constantly COMPETE with you. 2. Partners FILL you up with life while predators SAP the life out of you.
3. Partners say things to make you BETTER while predators say things that make you BITTER.
4. Partners will SEE YOU THROUGH, predators (suspiciously) try to SEE THROUGH YOU.
If you're going to maximize your potential this year, you need to know the difference between HELPUL relationships and HARMFUL connections. You need to walk away immediately from toxic partnerships that leave you feeling drained and confused. We need to be vigilant about the company we keep and learn to sever those ties that choke us- associations that are filled with turmoil, affiliations that need continuous maintenance and alliances that undermine. Ask God for "God-idea" partners and watch your life go to higher dimensions in HIM.
*HavAgr8LIfE!!!*
I hope you enjoyed this note as much as I did. Although it was written for people going through many different situations, it is perfect for domestic violence encouragement. I hope you are encouraged, able to start looking forward, and dreaming big.
Only you know when it is safe to leave your domestic violence situation, or change the locks. Look over the safety plans, and get assistance when you decide to leave your domestic violence situation. You don't have to go through this alone. Please be safe!!
Go to surviving domestic violence encouragement from Partners or Predators
Go to surviving-domestic-violence.org from domestic violence encouragement part 1
