Good News Florida

GoodNewsFL.org 25 NOVEMBER 2017 ENCOURAGEMENT son over another. It is why peo- ple in positions of authority or help (such as medical profes- sionals, teachers, pastors, ther- apists, bosses, etc.) are going to be held more responsible than the victim. It is hard to un- derstand unless you have been in that position where some type of leverage, stated or im- plied, is held over you. Perhaps this illustration will help clarify. Many people suffer from low self-image or are still trying to get their parent’s ap- proval even as an adult. When around a parent or other au- thority figure, they feel like a child or are intimidated. These negative feelings leave them wounded and vulnerable to the manipulation of others. Most predators are able to sense these weaknesses. They know how to manipulate, threaten, in- timidate and promise to help others get what they want if the victim will give in to the preda- tors sexual lust. How to help change the narrative None of us can rid the world of all evil. This is a job only God can do, but we can do something. Focus on doing something in your world with any individual God brings into you path. First, just provide a safe and listening ear. That means to keep confidences, re- ally hear and don’t worry about giving advice. One thing a per- son needs is to process their emotions, and we do this by talking or writing about them. Listen with true empathy and compassion, and it will make a huge difference. Don’t judge; you probably don’t have all the information. Remember that saying, “But for the grace of God there go I.” You don’t have to have all the answers, en- courage them to get profes- sional help when you feel things are beyond your abilities. Do your part in your world (church, work, school, industry, etc) to create a climate of mu- tual respect for every person. Think how would I want a member of my family to be treated by another? While we are at it, let’s not forget the ha- rasser. Yes, he or she is easy to despise, but how does God see them? They need to be held accountable for what they have done and deal with the consequences of their actions. However, God still sees them as another sinner who needs to be redeemed. No one is be- yond the reach of God’s grace. The best way to remove sexual harassment from our culture is to change a harasser into a new creature in Christ. Impos- sible, you say. Probably so on a human level, but remember nothing is impossible with God. Dr. John Hawkins, Sr. runs Gateway Counseling Center in Boynton Beach along with his son John Jr. He can be reached by vis- iting gatewaycounseling.com .