Sandy Phillips Kirkham is the author of the book Let Me Prey Upon You. It details how a youth pastor preyed upon her, a betrayal that left her broken, with a shattered faith, and the ultimate shame of being blamed and forced from the church she loved.
From their very first meeting, the new youth minister slowly and methodically turned the sacred relationship of a trusted spiritual leader to one of abuse: sexual, emotional, and physical. When his actions were discovered, he was simply moved to another church, leaving Sandy to pay for his deeds. She was not his first victim, nor would she be his last.
Despite a successful and happy life as a wife, mother, and friend, Sandy successfully concealed her abuse for twenty-seven years until a trigger forced her to face the truth. Sandy’s story will take you on her journey of healing which began in 2004, first by seeking justice and closure from both the pastor and the church. Her strength and courage will inspire you.
It’s a story of sexual abuse which may be confronting for some people. It’s also a story of hope and healing.
Sandy spoke to me for this week’s episode of my podcast, Bleeding Daylight.
You can hear Sandy’s story by searching for Bleeding Daylight wherever you find podcasts or simply click play on the player below.
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There seems to be a day, a week, or month for every cause but the particular focus for today is a rather sobering one. At a time in life where people should be able to enjoy the fruits of many years hard work, and be honoured for their knowledge and contribution to our community, they can instead become vulnerable targets for those who would take advantage of them.
What kind of God would insist on a woman staying in a relationship with an abusive husband? Some Christians believe that divorce is totally unacceptable under any circumstance but is that really the case?