fertility

Male factor, Age of males with infertility

2008-07-09T11:34:00.000-07:00

Google pregnancy and magnesium. Epsom salts has magnesium, and if it is good for someone pregnant, it might be really good for someone trying?

Contact me if you have a baby. For a donation I will make a poncho for you to use while nursing.

The article name for the link following is: Acidity leads to infertility.
The link for an article about age and male factor is on http://articlesofhealth.blogspot.com/

This supports the article by Barbara Hansen cited on the Silent Infection article I wrote a few years ago.

The article following focuses on Clomid: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7547400.stm

Silent Infections

2008-03-31T15:49:00.000-07:00

Some people see advanced as woo-woo, but if Ivy League universities and scientific entities such as NASA, and lucrative businesses like the NFL embrace a science, perhaps it isn't alternative. Perhaps it is ADVANCED. Standard of care is not always advanced. The pharmaceutical industry won't tell you about supplements that are studied and published in peer reviewed literature. I wouldn't call standard of care and the drug industry advanced at this time. Not when the profession isn't honest about what could change lives for the better instead of judging insulin resistance solely on diet and never giving the chance that any good horse would get for a healthy offspring by giving a test to find a yeast infection, which the CDC has called a silent infection.

Lorenzo Odone died May 30, 2008. His father inspired me to do this research below about yeast infections women commonly have. Women aren't tested much for it, and then when a baby is lost they are not tested for it. So much more research has been done to help horses than to help humans with yeast. I found a little research that I share in the article below. These issues are taboo with doctors, pharmacists and their corporations, so far. Monistat is only for Candida Albicans, but there are other yeast infections people can have.

This site has no ads. To support this site, please check out http://www.fertileprayers.blogspot.com

If I could go back in time, I would rather do a green diet and vitex than all the drugs and surgeries (procedures) and exams and miscarriages I went through. The stats are better for vitex for women, and L-carnitene for men than for all the medicines doctors are giving now. People are happier, as well with these supplements.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,361148,00.html

fertilityfair(at)yahooDOTcom is my email
http://www.authorhouse.com/ to purchase Fertile Prayers as an ebook.
Barnes & Noble and Amazon are selling the paperback around $60.00.

Below is the article about low grade infections and miscarriage, infertility, stillbirth and sterility.

Charlotte Fairchild Many Infections are Silent (c) 2005

Many infections are silent, symptomless. An infection does not need to be sexually transmitted to be listed in the STI/STD category(CDC, 2004) or to have been found to cause infertility in horses (Google, 2004). Humans have not been studied as extensively? An example: horses infected with Candida from fescue and/or caterpillars become infertile. (Google, 2004) Common infections, as well as sexually transmitted infections might well disrupt hormones, and decrease fertility. The research for common infections in humans affecting FSH (Folicle Stimulating Hormone) has yet to be done (urinary tract infections, yeast infections, dental disease, colds, to name a few). If there is a relationship to fertility and common infections, one test will not close the door to treatment, as well as hope for many women to give birth to their genetic child. It may instead open the door to better health. Perhaps the pH Miracle and alkaline diets will change the milieu of sterility, stillbirth, infertility, miscarriage.

Most women who reach menopause will have high FSH levels. Follicle Stimulating Hormone comes from the pituitary in the brain, and is necessary for ovulation in women. Higher levels spell menopause and the end of ovulation. Some women have higher levels as soon as their 20s and other women have normal levels in their 40s. The women with higher levels find it is difficult or impossible to have their genetic children. Little research has been done directly for factors of FSH levels. So much has been written about the age factor, when perhaps there is more. (Hanson, 2003) Perhaps infection plays a role.

Four studies gave differing views of infection and FSH levels. HIV infected women had higher levels of FSH in one study. (Salmassi, 2001) Cattle had normal FSH levels, but still fewer and smaller follicles with a uterine bacterial infection. (Sheldon, 2002) (The FSH levels may have been different, but the effects were similar, because fertility factors decreased in each study.) FSH is related to viral replication time (Wang, S.W., 1995). “Our findings reveal that endotoxin interrupts the follicular phase of the cycle by interfering with several steps in the preovulatory chain of endocrine events.” (Karsch, 2001) ########

References

Google. Search: Horse fungal fertility, results 1-10 of about 11,400. March 25, 2004. (many are in peer reviewed journals)

http://www.phmiracleliving.com

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/candidiasis_gen_g.htm Mar. 2004

http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic803.htm Mar. 2004

http://endo.endojournals.org/cgi/content/full/138/10/4273 full text Mar. 2004

http://www.ivis.org/proceedings/AAEP/2000/316.pdf

Hanson B. Questioning the Construction of Maternal Age as a Fertility Problem Health Care for Women International. Taylor & Francis Health Sciences 24:3 Mar 2003, 166-176 Taylor & Francis Journals. Galileo. Full text.

Karsch FJ, Battaglia DF, Breen KM, Debus N, Harris TG. Mechanisms for ovarian cycle disruption by immune/inflammatory stress. Reproductive Sciences Program and Department of Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.

McGowan MR; Kafi M; Kirkland PD; Kelly R; Bielefeldt-Ohmann H; Occhio MD; Jillella D Studies of the pathogenesis of bovine pestivirus-induced ovarian dysfunction in superovulated dairy cattle. Medscape

McMillan K. Ask the Vet. Pregnancy Problems. Progressive Farmer. Sept 2003

Rodriguez R; Hernandez R; Fuster F; Torres A; Prieto P; Alberto J Infeccion genital y esterilidad. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2001 Jun-Jul; 19(6):261-6 Salmassi A; Lu S; Hedderich J; Oettinghaus C; Jonat W; Mettler L.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11440663&dopt=Citation

Interaction of interleukin-6 on human granulose cell steroid secretion. J Endocrinol 2001 Aug; 170(2):471-8 Abstract. Medscape. Sheldon IM; Noakes DE; Rycroft AN; Pfeiffer DU; Dobson H

Influence of uterine bacterial contamination after parturition on ovarian dominant follicle selection and follicle growth and function in cattle. Reproduction 2002 Jun;123(6):837045 Abstract Medscape Sinha-Hikim I; Arver S; Beall G; Shen R; Guerrero M; Sattler F; Shikuma C; Nelson JC; Landgren BM; Mazer NA; Bhasin S

The use of a sensitive equilibrium dialysis method for the measurement of free testosterone levels in healthy, cycling women and in human immunodeficiency virus-infected women. J Clin endocrinol Metab 1998 Apr;83(4):1312-8 Abstract

Medscape Wang, SW Induction of feline acquired immune deficiency syndrome by feline leukemia virus: alteration in response to hormones in the hypothalamic-pituitary system
Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine. 208, no.4(Apr 1995) First Search, AGRICOLA Detailed Record.
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Exploitation Resources, protecting fertility

2008-02-06T11:07:00.000-08:00

This subject is taboo in so many places with so many people. Imagine that people with money and power could stop the kidnapping, and buying of children, people worldwide. Imagine men being able to end the abuse of other men that runs this great engine of the sex trade in the world.
Resources
Books:
1. Dan Allender: Bold Love: Wounded Heart: Healing Path. Dan Allender is a psychologist and theologian, who writes about Christian response to sexual abuse.
2. David Batstone: Not for Sale.
3. Marion Carson and Ruth Robb: Working the Streets. (Marion Carson is a Scottish Theologian; Ruth Robb founded projects ministering to women and prostitution in England. Together they write a manual for those feeeling called to reach out to people in prostitution.)
4. Melissa Farley: Prostitution, Trafficking and Post-Traumatic Stress.
5. Edwina Gately: I Hear a Seed Growing. (Edwina Gately is a Catholic lay-worker who founded "Genesis House" and writes beautifully about her journey towards ministry to people in prostitution in Chicago.
6. Victor Malarek: The Natashas.
7. Cynthia Mather and Kristina E. Debye. How Long Does It Hurt: A Guide to Recovering from Incest and Sexual Abuse for Teenagers, Their Friends and their Families. (Jossey-Bass Publishers, 1994)
8. Brennan Manning: Ruthless Trust.
9. Henri Nowen: The Return of the Prodigal: The Wounded Healer. Here and Now. The Inner Voice of Love. Turn my Mourning Into Dancing.
10. Francine Rivera: Redeeming Love.
11. John Sanford: Deliverance and Inner Healing.
12. Elaine Storkey: Search for Intimacy.
13. Phillip Yancy: What's so Amazing about Grace? Rumors of Another World. What on Earth Are We Missing?

Please check this one out and tell me what you think. Notice it is K A R M A.
karma Sutra - Essays From The Margin (Paperback)
by Rajendar, Menen (Author)

(2 customer review

Web-Sites:
The Protection Project: The Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) based in Johns Hopkins University, monitors the laws in most countries of the world: how effective they are, how they are implemented. There are good stories and case studies--and you will find Sasha's story (2002) here. (Go to "commentary" and scroll down.) www.protectionproject.org
The US Government's Trafficking in Persons Report. Every year, all the US Embassies in the world are required to submit a report about the countries where they are located, ranking them on the progress they are making towards eliminating trafficking in persons. www.state.gov/g/lip/ris/tiprpt/2007
Veronica's Voice: This is a project, based in Kansas City, KS and founded by Kristy Childs, who was a victim of prostitution. www.veronicasvoice.org
Emmeaus Ministries: This project was founded by John Green, a Catholic layman (married to an American Baptist woman) ministering to men in prostitution in Chciago. www.streets.org
Treasures: Founded by Harmony Dust, who was a stripper, this project ministers in strip clubs in the Los Angeles area. www.iamatreasure.com

Movies:
Human Trafficking. Lifetime TV
Lilya 4-ever. By Swedish director Lukas Moodysson, about a teenager traffficked from Eastern Europe to Sweeden.
Trade. About international trafficking.
Fields of Mudan. Very moving independent film about a child victim of trafficking.

Quotes:
HOPE frees us from the need to predict the future and allows us to live in the present with the deep trust that God will never leave us alone but will fulfill the deepest desire of our heart.

When I trust deeply that today God is truly with me and holds me safe in a divine embrace, guiding every one of my steps, I can let go of my anxious need to know how tomorrow will look, or what will happen next month of next year. I can be fully where I am and pay attention to the many signs of God's love within and around me. Henri Nouwen. Here and Now, p. 33.

"When you come to the edge of all the light you know and are about to step off into darkenss of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things: there will be something solid to stand on--or you will be taught how to fly."

How Long Does It Hurt: A Guide to Recovering from Incest and Sexual Abuse for Teenagers, Their Friends, and Their Families by Cynthia L. Mather, Eliana Gil, Kristina E. Debye, and Judy Wood (Paperback - Nov 29, 2004)

Buy new: ~~$17.95~~ $12.21

38 Used & new from $9.32

Get it by Tuesday, Aug 26 if you order in the next 7 hours and choose one-day shipping.

Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping.

(10)

Excerpt - page 126: "... into the sunset once the abuse has ended. You don't stop hurting just because the abuse has stopped. ..."Surprise me! See a random page in this book.

Books: See all items

I am including this because this deals with children who are molested, and so many people who are involved in exploitation are children.--Charlotte

This site is not a money maker

2008-01-19T10:09:00.000-08:00

To support this site please go to www.fertileprayers.blogspot.com and check out one of the ads on the site.

There are no ads on fpayers.blogspot.com. The U-Tube is only because it is one path to becoming healthier when there is a problem with Candida albicans or insulin problems.

Check out Fertility Blend and the stats Stanford U. has for pregnancy.

I am going to be making ponchos for building a youth activity center in Indonesia for my friend, Totok Wiryasaputra. I have known him for since 1986. Please look at http://www.icaco.blogspot.com/ to find out more about the work that can help a country that has tsunamis, earthquakes, a large homeless population, mud volcanoes, fiery volcanoes, and so many displaced people.

Please contact me at fertilityfair*at* yahoo dot com to order.

A good friend and relative of my husband offered to do a splash page for me. I have so many blogs and one website! I decided not to add anything else. I will add this blog so if anyone is interested, they can check out the other blogs I have.

http://www.icaco.blogspot.com (Indonesia)
http://www.arthavefun.blogspot.com (free art book by Florence Seymour)
http://www.fertileprayers.blogspot.com (commercial)
http://www.fprayers.blogspot.com
http://www.calendar.blogspot.com (free calender recycling book)
http://www.kudzus.blogspot.com (free recipes)
http://www.wishlifecoach.blogspot.com
http://www.ionways.com/Liphart (commercial)
http://www.charharp.blogspot.com

September 16, 2008

The Fertile Soul on The Today Show!

We are delighted to make you aware that the NBC Today Show will be airing a series on complementary medicine on September 16th - 18th. The program tomorrow, the 16th, will feature interviews with Dr. Lewis, footage filmed at a Fertile Body retreat held in Phoenix in July, and have as live guests in-studio two past retreat program participants, one who conceived naturally, and one who conceived using natural and Western medicine.

The Today Show airs in most markets from 7a – 10a daily. The segment will probably air between 8 and 8:30, but there are no guarantees. Some markets air live, so the central region may see it at 7 or 7:30 (with the Show starting at 6a). It also is always a possibility that the segment could be pre-empted by other programming. We suggest you find your local listing as there is not a hard and fast rule we can give you.

We will look into purchasing rights to put the segment on our website and make it available to you as quickly as possible afterward if you are unable to view it live.

Part of The Fertile Soul's mission is to build greater awareness of the ways in which Chinese medicine can support fertility and living with intention, and we are grateful to the Phoenix retreat participants and former patients for being willing to share their very personal stories.

Wishing you continued hope and new awareness and peace. For information regarding our next Fertile Body retreat, scheduled for October 26 - 30th in Asheville or for details regarding any of our treatment programs, please email info@thefertilesoul.com.

Reviews of Fertile Prayers

2007-07-05T06:22:00.000-07:00

http://www.woestowows.org/ for personal reference!
http://www.authorhouse.com for Fertile Prayers as a $4.95 ebook.
The paperback only is out of print, but still available on Amazon.

These reviews that follow are for Fertile Prayers.
1. I read it in one sitting, and cried for hours because it touched me.-- Helena
2. Most people who don’t go through this don’t understand.—Gary
3. It worked! Thanks!—Brooklyn, who sent $50.00 for books for other people.
4. You are truly anointed.—Sharon Sanderson (http://www.wowstowoes.org/)
5. I read it in one sitting, and drank for a week.—Ed
6. I read it like I was supposed to, and it helped me carry twins.—Ed’s wife.
7. It is something I read every day.—Louise, my aunt.
8. I want a copy.—Mom, after she heard my aunt.
9. Thank you so much for this book.—Jill, who just adopted.
10. We don’t have children, but we are using this book to help our friends.—Al, a librarian.
11. I didn’t understand, until I read it.—Lidia a seminary graduate
12. This is an exciting book, and I tell everyone about it.—Bo Prosser, minister
13. We are here to help you with your family.—Focus on the Family sent this letter to me, if anyone wants a copy, please call me at 770-289-5306 and I will fax the letter to you. They have a copy of my book!
14. This book will help millions, and I hope you have a wide readership. Dr. Cecil Threadgill, seminary professor.
15. Thank you for this book. Milton Snyder, Chaplain retired.
16. I am reading this book, and it is good.—Bruce, father of two
17. I want it! Denise, who wants a baby.
18. I want one for my mother, my friend, and myself.—Ursula, professor
19. It has an index? I didn’t know that!—Doretha, mother
20. This is a special book.—Stephanie Doski, former President of NE Florida RESOLVE Jacksonville, Florida local chapter.
21. A candid and heart-felt approach to praying honestly in very trying situations. This book could help so many couples re-connect with God.—Rev. Ed Swehla, UMC pastor.
22.Thanks for writing a “real book about the trials and tribulations of procreation. Your book will help save many well deserving people from emotional self-mutilation.—Diane, mother of a special child
23. It certainly addresses a critical pastoral need. I hope it will find its way to those who need to be reassured and encouraged.—John Claypool, theologian who died a year after writing a letter in his own hand on letterhead stationary from Mercer University. He has so many wonderful books still in print, and I am blessed to have met him, and gotten this blessing from him.
24. A woman who lost two and is very young. The woman with 12 miscarriages, the woman molested by the minister of music (all denominations have molestation by some ministers, and this can be easily verified by search engines, or by books like When will the Hurting Stop by Mather).
Many people just wrote, “Thank you! We would like to get this support at church!” These comments have warmed my heart, as people buy Fertile Prayers: Daily Fertile Prayers which is out of print but still online as an inexpensive ebook or paperback with a much higher price. Grandparents buy it to pray for infertile grandchildren many times. Blessings, Charlotte Fairchild Liphart.

Charlotte Fairchild recommends Take Back Your Temple

2007-07-02T07:46:00.001-07:00

Kimberly Floyd has written a book called Take back Your Temple. It is written for people who have a low income in order to eat healthy on less money. She is a nurse. Ask your library to order it, please.

Anything to be healthy will give a woman a better chance at being pregnant. I don't know if she mentions kudzu or the William Shurtleff book The Book of Kudzu, but that would help as well.

Nothing helps Candida more than chloraphyll.

Charlotte Fairchild: infection

2007-06-27T12:27:00.003-07:00

The Fertility Solution by A. Toth is a free book online for people interested in the possibilities of infection. He treats Candida, or yeast infection, too. But the interesting thing is that he doesn't use The pH Miracle science for this. He will use heavy duty drugs. I would rather go with something like The pH Miracle to lower Candida. It is cheaper and less side effects, I believe. But he offers this free book to help people understand the consequences of infection, and that there is hope. The supplements seem expensive until you go to someone like any MD. Something else that is important to realize is that the body doesn't build up a resistance to choloraphyl, but I cannot take Nystatin or Diflucan because my body built up a resistance to these antifungal drugs. Because of Asian Soybean Rust, and farmers putting antifungal chemicals on the soybeans, this might be more prevalent for people.

You can find out a little more about this on the links on my www.kudzus.blogspot.com site

Rebecca, Roger Williams, and Charlotte at the Carter Center Oct.1, 2004

2006-01-20T07:32:00.000-08:00

I sang K-K-K-Katie from the WWI era, and Bicycle Built for two for this man and 400+ people at this event. This is the last picture on Mr. William's 80th birthday, as it was way after 11:00 pm when this was taken.

His director of the Crystal Cathedral director was there, and Rebecca and I gave him music that was our grandmother's, Star of the East, and then the Director never contacted us before the Director died. We don't know when our time will come, but I am glad we gave him blessings before he died. He wore a Hawaiian shirt too, was healthy looking, and was so kind to us. Rebecca is wearing the white shirt and I am wearing the yellow jacket.

If you are so inclined, please buy the book Fertile Prayers at www.authorhouse.com

Fertile Prayers

2005-08-13T16:50:00.000-07:00

The picture above was the last picture taken of him on his 80th birthday he shared with Jimmy Carter. He requested I sing for the concert a Capella for two songs. K-k-katie, and Bicycle Built for Two. It was the first time I sang publicly since the infertility treatment. It was a breakthrough moment for me. This was at the Carter Center with about 400 people.

I don't know if it would make a difference to anyone. I was invited to Mensa when I was 17. If I were a member, and people knew I am not writing from a Forest Gump place, would anyone listen?

I was listening to Marshall Rosenberg of Non Violent Communication, and it came to me that grief had been a weight. My embroys and my miscarriages are ALIVE in Heaven. This gives me a different feeling than feeling the loss of the babies that didn't make it. The March of Dimes states that 1/2 of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, and all of these women in the world are hurting when they think of their loss. To think of the life as waiting for us on the other side has a different feeling, and freedom. To heal emotionally and spiritually is what I am about, as it is for all women and men who want children to be happy. We can only give what we have. To be full of grief and worry allows no room for joy. This is why I wrote the book Fertile Prayers, and I make rice cozies and I have done research about infection undertreated to give people a better chance for having children. Can you imagine if only 1/4 of pregnancies ended in miscarriage instead of 1/2 or more? Can you imagine if more women could have children, and more men could father children? Can you imagine a healthier world?

This Christmas 2006 I needed my book. Someone asked me what I was worth, and then was it worth it to try to have children because of the debt we still have. This from someone who lost a baby to infection and who has three living children. We all risk everything to bring the next generation to life. Thank you God for bringing me closer to you when I hurt and filling me with joy to replace the pain.

A prayer like those in Fertile Prayers: Daily Fertile Prayers by Charlotte Fairchild is below. Fertile Prayers is available as an ebook only. I have given all my copies away, except one and I just gave that to Krista Tibbet at the Carter Center. This could be a ministry of your church. When a woman loses a baby, the couple could receive this book to show caring, and bring healing. Half of all pregnancies end in miscarriage--so think of how many people in each church could benefit. This could help retention, if not bring people to church because of the healing power of love.

God,

When we think of fertility/infertility, let us include the survivors of domestic violence, the survivors of molestation, the survivors of infection/hysterectomy and abortion. Perhaps we will live in a world where this will be less common one day. So many women and men suffer. Religous groups can offer ceremonies for loss, if they would.

Please let us pray for others who may be hurting from the emotional scars we cannot see. Let us remember those who lost the baby, the being inside, and know that as much as the body hurts, the spirit, the emotions and soul remain thankful to have the chance for life, but very sad that this miracle was lost. God, peace, love and gratitude are tools we have to help. The judgement that comes so easily, if it is in the Holy Book to give instead relief, to give love, to help, then each minister (paid or unpaid) may want to help by bringing truth

to each hurting person. I thank you God for continued blessings and the forgiveness that allows healing, sleep and peace.

I got this from the Moravian Conference in Winston-Salem in 2006.

Jeanniehill654@msn.com

Christian Myths about Sexual and Domestic Abuse

By Mary Potter Engel, Ph.D.

United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities

1. Sexual and domestic abuse do not occur in nice Christian families.

Statistics show that sexual and domestic abuses occur as frequently in religious households as in non-religious households.

2. Sexual and domestic abuses occur in “those other” denominations, not in the Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic, (etc.) faiths.

All Christian denominations are affected by sexual and domestic abuse. To deny this is to try to find yet one more way to avoid the injustice and shift the responsibility.

3. Theology is irrelevant to sexual and domestic abuse.

There are some reports that members of more rigid Christian groups are at higher risk of abuse. While we have no reliable data on this as yet, it is the case that a theology that is more hierarchical and patriarchal than egalitarian is one, among many other factors, that can increase the likelihood of the abuse of women and children.

4. The power of God alone will change the situation.

By “turning it all over to God,” the individual avoids the help that God sends to us through the hands and hearts of other human beings, whether they be social workers, ministers, friends, other family members or counselors. In other words, it is a fallacy to assume that God works WITHOUT any effort on the part of human beings. We are created to be responsible selves, and thus we are human beings. We are created to be responsible selves, and thus we are obligated to use the gifts for healing that God places before us in this life.

5. Accepting Jesus as his or her personal savior will solve the problems of the abuser.

Domestic and sexual abuse are rarely one time events. Often they are patterns of behavior that are very difficult to overcome. A flash conversion experience will not cure a person of deeply ingrained patterns immediately. Therefore, it is necessary to make use of whatever legal, psychological and pastoral aids and service s that are available to assist the perpetrator in his or her recovery toward wholeness.

6. Redemption comes only through suffering.

Personal suffering can be an occasion for our own growth, but it is never the cause of growth. In other words, suffering is not necessarily redemptive. It embitters some persons rather than urging them towards growth. WE can be redeemed in our suffering but we are never redeemed because of our suffering. God does not require any one or any groups of persons to pay a demanding price in order to purchase redemption. God grants wholeness and healing as free gifts of peace.

For women in the church, the revolutionary theology of the cross of Christ, a witness to his active choice to take a stand against the injustice in the world, has been distorted into a reactionary theology of suffering, a justification for the passive and unprotesting acceptance of their own unjust victimization.

7. God teaches us, trains us, through suffering, therefore it is to be accepted as a gift.

The belief that God has a divine plan, purpose or reason for the ills that one must suffer during her or his life may bring comfort ot some victims by giving them a sense of control of their reality. (If they cannot control what happens to them, they can at least control the interpretation of it.) In other words, this theological belief may be part of the survival mechanism of the victim and should be dealt with sensitively and gently. The aim, however, would be to lead victims and survivors to see that there are acts of violence that have systemic roots, (i.e. caused by an unjust system in society) and that impinges upon their individual lives rather than that of others in a random way, (I.e. the acts are irrational and they personally are not singled out for some divine purpose).

8. Suffering is a punishment for past sins.

Many women feel that they are beaten or raped or otherwise abused as a punishment for previous sins (usually previous sexual activity). They need to know that being sexually active is not in itself sinful and therefore requires no punishment. They also need to know that they do not deserve the treatment they are receiving; that they are unwitting and involuntary victims of an explosive system; and that it is the perpetrator, because of his abuse of his force or authority, who carries the full responsibility for his action toward her.

9. Suffering is a divine vocation.

Women will occasionally argue that it is their “mission” or vocation to save their husbands by their example of patient forbearance. While each one of us is given a divine vocation, no one of us is called to save another human being. That is as presumptuous as it is impossible. It is the work of God to save.

10. Suffering presents us with opportunities to show compassion and love in our suffering with the victims of abuse.

According to Mother Theresa, God is present in suffering human beings and we are to take the suffering of others as opportunities to do works of compassion and love. This is an individualistic and passive approach that accepts the whole system of injustice and does not work to change that system or to understand the social causes of the problem of exploitation of women and children. We do not need to accept unjust suffering in order to show compassion and love. In fact, acts of social justice that aim at restructuring the entire patriarchal system so that there will be no more victims can be fine works of compassion and love.

11. Suffering gives victims a “moral edge” or moral superiority.

This is basically a romantic view of suffering that treats victims of abuse as one-dimensional creatures, as victims alone, rather than seeing them as the incredibility strong and resilient survivors that they often are. Our own need to romanticize suffering can blind us to the great strength and dignity that are present in the lives of survivors as well as to the full horror of the harm that has been done to them.

12. The suffering of women and children is random.

In his popular book, When Bad Things Happen to Good People, Rabbi Kushner presents suffering as a random event. While I think this view is helpful to counter the suffering as punishment and to help us understand the suffering we experience with terminal diseases and other “natural” physical ills, I do not think it is helpful for the victims of sexual and domestic abuse. The suffering in our society of women, children, and elders, like that of Jews, lesbians, gays and people of color is rnot totally random. Rather, it is a necessary consequence of a sexist and exploitative patriarchal system that dehumanizes women, trains them to be willing victims, and blames them when they cry for help.

13. The suffering of individual women is a result of choices they have made.

While the suffering of women as a group is not random, the suffering of a particular woman is. What this means is that there may be no final explanation for why a certain abuse happened to this woman, and not to her sister or friend. In other words, we must be extremely careful not to blame for the suffering that she experiences individually because of the exploitative system that exists in our society.

Reprinted with permission from Marry Potter Engel, Ph.D. in Creating Peace: Encourage to Change (Family Peacemaking Materials for Clergy, Lay Leaders, Staff & Laity)

http://www.mincava.umn.edu/documents/clergybook/clergybook.shtml

Anoka County Faith Community Peace Initiative 2000, Anoka County , Minnesota .