There is a lot of talk these days about the hurts and abuses taking place inside of churches. Unfortunately, that is true because such instances are not uncommon. Not only does it seem like every week a new story breaks of pastor or other Christian leader failing in his (usually these awful stories feature men) responsibilities, harming the people who have committed themselves to that particular community, but other stories abound, too. There are countless circumstances, that don’t make the news cycle, where people are being marginalized, hurt, abused, and taken advantage of by the people they trusted to provide spiritual care. Jenai Auman shares parts of her own story in her new book, Othered, and at the same time provides powerful words of hope even in the midst of this kind of heartache. This book for me was personal. Maybe the conversation is for you, too. Maybe you’re one of the ones who has experienced othering instead of care, marginalization instead of inclusion, or harm instead of nurture. If that’s you, or even if you know someone for whom that’s true, I encourage you to listen, pray, read, and process in whatever ways are best for you. Most of all, I encourage you to use this conversation (and book!) to help remind yourself that you are not alone.
Mentioned in this episode:
Othered: Finding Belonging with the God Who Pursues the Hurt, Harmed, and Marginalized by Jenai Auman
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Ep. 111 with Danté Stewart
Ep. 248 with Courtney Ellis
Ep. 220 with Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes