GIRLFRIENDS Renee Brown

Totally Agree

I have 3 perps (my father, 1st bd, husb.. yes, I finally get it!!) with 4 children. The bd came in our lives (for 1st time) when my older 2 were 11 & 12. He took them under the guise of my husb abuse. The husb is keeping my younger 2 from me (since I left) basically for collateral. My children are now 6, 8, 14, 15. I know the grown men choose this/feel entitled to, etc. (one said he was taking his gloves off, the other said he will break me), but I also know my boys (3 are boys) and violence was not a thought prior. Now, I worry that they could or will do the same as their father/ex-stepfather. If only I had know. My constant, every single moment grief is both them not being in my arms, and that every single day they are further down the road of no return (having seen so much & continuing to be surrounded by it). If you would consider, please pray for them... and even for me to find strength/voice (tho courts do not help, rather endorse abuse) & a way to fight for them and bring them home. There are tens of thousands of us mamas, actually. We are called Protective Moms, or follow things like Battered Women's Custody Conference, Lundy Bancroft, Barry Goldstein, & Stop Abuse Campaign. We are shocked & devastated, in the fight of our lives (this is NOT about dads... we desperately need good guys in our babes lives; this is about abusers) to stop this from the next generation. I personally am struggling with my faith (prev had ministry, etc.); I know our Father makes good of all things, but can't seem to break thru the pain, paralysis & depression. Sorry for the length; was just relieving to hear a sister-in-Christ talk about this and bc of that, hoped to make you aware of an arm to this that extends control past our leaving. Maybe the more that know, the more chance we can have to bring our babes home & begin healing. Thank you regardless; wonderful to hear you. With all the love I can find right now... Another mama.