The recent events that took place in the Southern Baptist Convention may have caused disappointment, frustration and grief to many, especially to those who have experienced abuse of any kind. If you're one of those people, the latest episode of A World of Difference Podcast hosted by Lori Adams-Brown may help you understand the root of the problem and offer some solutions.
As Lori mentioned in the episode, "We've seen abuse survivors dismissed and minimized," which is a huge part of the problem. It's time that we start taking the experiences of abuse survivors seriously and create a safer environment for everyone. Here are three tips that can help you become an ally to survivors of abuse:
1. Believe survivors when they share their stories. Their experiences may seem difficult to comprehend, but it is crucial to believe them and offer them support.
2. Listen to their experiences without judgment and avoid victim-blaming.
3. Educate yourself on abuse, its effects, and ways in which you can help support survivors.
I highly recommend listening to this podcast episode as Lori's personal experience in the Southern Baptist Convention may offer valuable insights. As she said during the episode, "It's gonna be intense. It's gonna be triggering for some of you. And so this is your trigger warning. If you have experienced abuse of any kind, please listen with discretion advised." Listening to survivors' experiences is crucial for creating change. As Lori put it, "We need male allies, and we do need male allies as women pastors. As women, we didn't need these 2 particular ones."
Lori was a guest on two other podcasts in the days leading up to the SBC annual meeting.
Please after listening to this week's episode, go listen to those episodes and support those podcasts who are centering survivors' voices and making a difference. It takes a village to achieve abuse reform, together.
Lori on Hagar's Voice podcast
Lori on Bodies Behind the Bus podcast
