Episode 72-Shining a Light on Sexual Abuse in the Church with Sandy Kirkham

In today’s episode of Embracing Your Season, Paige shares an interview from her recent trip to AACC (American Association of Christian Counselors) in Dallas, TX with author and advocate Sandy Kirkham. She currently serves on the board of the Council Against Child Abuse and works with survivors, conducting victim support conferences. Sandy’s book, Let Me Prey Upon You, contains the vulnerable details of abuse she suffered at the hands of her youth pastor for 5 years and the aftermath she has been navigating for 27 years. While this story is neither happy nor concluded with legal justice, it is vitally important for parents to hear so they can be made aware of this all-too-common occurrence and the signs to look out for. 

Special Note: If you or someone you know has suffered abuse at the hands of someone in ministry, please know: it is NOT your fault, you are not alone, and there are so many resources available to you, several listed below.

Paige’s Takeaways

• Go with your gut.
  • As parents, along with the presence of the Holy Spirit, if something doesn’t feel right - TRUST YOUR GUT. Ask questions and don’t brush off that bad feeling.
• Talk to your kids about how it’s hard to say “No” sometimes.
  • Teach your kids that they are allowed to be critical thinkers and that they are allowed to say “no” in how their bodies are used (hugging, high fives, etc.) - but that you also understand it can be hard for them to say “no” to an adult, especially one they know, like, and respect. Remind them that they can ALWAYS talk to you about anything. 
• What you bury, you carry.
  • There is so much value in processing wounds. If you don’t process and leave it in the dark, it will continue to affect you, most of the time compounding and intensifying. 
  • When you’re ready to process, think about who is truly safe for you to talk to. Start there. 
  • GOD IS WITH YOU. He always was, and He always will be. 

Questions About the Podcast? Email: [e-mail]

Facebook: @Paige Clingenpeel

Instagram: @paigeclingenpeel

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Resources Mentioned:

The Hope of Survivors

List of Resources for victims, survivors, advocates, and anyone looking to learn more: https://sandyphillipskirkham.com/resources/

Forgiving What You Can’t Forget by Lysa Terkeurst

Books on Spiritual Abuse by Marie Fortune

Connecting with Sandy Kirkham

SandyPhillipsKirkham.com

Let Me Prey Upon You Book

Email: [e-mail]

Keywords/Hashtags

#embracingyourseason #mentalhealth #podcast #podcastcommunity #paigeclingenpeel #homeword #aacc #sandykirkham #clergyabuse #sexualabuse #exploitation #churchabuse #clergysexualabuse #theho

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