Staff Training on Sexual Abuse & Recovery

We spent a very good morning under the direction of Sherri Grady (a licensed counselor) who introduced us to a healing course called, “In the Wildflowers.” Sherri had with her Julie Woodley, the founder and director of Restoring the Heart Ministries of which “In the Wildflowers” is a component part. And, with the two of them were representatives of Timberline Knolls.

The backstory to this meeting is conversations arising in staff, amongst ministry leaders, of the increasing number of people we are encountering who are dealing with the shattering experience of sexual abuse, rape, incest, etc. (1 in 6 men report sexual abuse and 1 in 4 women report sexual abuse). And, our questions amongst ourselves of how to effectively come along side men and women as helpful agents of God’s healing.

We watched a short video clip giving an overview of the “In the Wildflower” course, which is DVD based and includes a workbook and leader’s guide, and it was excellent. The DVDs deal with a wide variety of topics such as “Releasing Shame,” “Messages and Self-Identity,” and, “Healing Through God’s Love and Ministering to Other.” The speakers addressing the various topics include men (John Eldredge, Paul Meier, Ed Smith, etc.) and women (Diane Langberg, Janet Bush, Julie Woodley, etc.) who have expertise in a particular area.

All of us left the meeting encouraged and I’m looking forward to where we go from here. I’d suggest that you take a look at the material linked above.