Abuse isn't just for the twisted

What does it take for you to raise your voice? What does it take to set your temper off? How long before you say something hurtful to someone hurting, pestering or annoying you? Will you ever snap?What happens if you do snap?

I recently taught a lesson about child abuse. Abuse can be physical, it can be emotional and abuse isn't just for the twisted. It starts with one angry moment. One angry moment where you strike out with anger. You strike out and then you justify that anger, that striking. Where does the justification lead? It leads to another angry moment, another lashing out. Its one angry word with no apology that leads to more angry words and soon she's crying, she feelings of utter uselessness, hopelessness. It leads from one slap, two slaps, a beating. . .a killing.

But its not just hitting thats abuse. Oftentimes women think its ok for their husband to insult them and play mind games with them. Its ok for them to constantly berate on their self-esteem, to drag them down, make them feel hopeless, ugly, useless and unwanted. It's ok to pick at all their flaws--even the flaws that they can't change.

They often like to cover up their faults by picking at someone else's faults. They pick until they've torn every part of that person to shreds. The shreds leave them to try and piece together a person they can never be. They are not you, nor should they want to be. Recognize differences and recognize that one insult, one condemning comment can lead to many that hurt, that abuse that individual.

Be careful with your actions. Be careful where those actions lead. Be aware of why you are saying what you are saying. Who are those words really benefiting? Who is that angrily thrown fist really helping?

My point: Be aware of yourself and your actions. Remember that one thoughtless action that is left neglected can lead to more thoughtless, more harsh actions. Abuse isn't just for the twisted. We are all capable of committing some level of abuse. Don't let it be you.