Quotes

It isn't for the moment you are struck that you need courage, but for the long uphill climb back to sanity and faith and security. - Anne Morrow Lindbergh Let your tears come. Let them water your soul. - Eileen Mayhew

An element of recovery is learning that we deserve success, the good things that come to us, and also that pain is a reality. We have the strength to deal with that pain without medicating, and it will pass. - Dudley Martineau
 

Poetry By Rebecca Lynn Phillips
zachary@umich.edu
The Devil's Gin

Ptsd is the devil's sentence for me. Never knowing when it will appear. Yet, you always know it is near. The devil will lurch out and strike instilling fright. He will destroy the only supporters you have about. No matter how loudly you shout. They find excuses and form a different route Everyone scatters away and leave you in fear. No more love and support -the devil is near. Fear of being alone and not believed is very sound. The devil tricked your helpers so they don't want to be around. All Alone the devil is sure to win Torturing you with flashbacks, nightmares and a smell of old gin.

Depression is the devil's lesson.
Suicide will gain him his longed for soul. 
Destroying your supporters was his primary goal. 
Your life will only further suffer this painful lonely toll. 
If you give in he will win. 
Remember suicide is the forbidden sin. 
It will surely bring the devil's sinister grin. 
Through your own ultimate sin. 

Trial 
Innocent until proven guilty. 
Regardless of the injuries sustained. 
What are all the accusations for?
I shouldn't be the one blamed.
Why isn't he being questioned for a while?
Why isn't he the one on trial?
He is the one who made the decision to hurt.
Why does it matter the color of my skirt.
You say we must focus on the criminal 's rights.
If that's the case then justice bites!
Think of the message your questions send.
A victim on trial can never mend.

Survey-November 98 -
Rape Victims and Ministers

Question 1 Totals: Are you a rape/sexual assault survivor?
Yes was selected 85 times
No was selected 2 times
Pass was selected 0 times

Question 2 Totals:
If so, did anyone contact a minster (or have you shared this with your pastor)?
Yes was selected 40 times
No was selected 37 times
Unsure was selected 4 times
Almost positive it was done. was selected 2 times
Pass was selected 4 times

Question 3 Totals:
Did the minister meet your needs?
Pass was selected 41 times
Well was selected 12 times
Fair was selected 8 times
Poorly was selected 10 times
He/she tried was selected 11 times

Question 4 Totals:
Was the pastor able to help you in any way?
Pass was selected 37 times
Yes was selected 18 times
Maybe, not sure yet. was selected 3 times
Not Quite was selected 9 times
No was selected 15 times

Question 5 Totals:
Overall did you feel supported by your church or pastor?
Pass was selected 30 times
Yes, both. was selected 12 times
Church yes, pastor no was selected 2 times
Pastor yes, Church no was selected 16 times
No, neither one. was selected 22 times

Disclaimer
As always, the contents of this newletter are intended for the purposes of basic information and entertainment only. The information contained here is not meant to be a substitution for professional help or assistance of any kind. The editor of this newsletter claims no responsibility for the use or misuse, liability, or anything that may arise from the subscription to this newsletter.