Institutional loss

[Found]

Our religious leader and some people from a long way off involved myself and some friends in a religious activity and rival leaders undermined our leader, interfering with our oversight so that we were not helped to put it right when we did not look after each other well, then going public with false allegations we had defied our leader, then the people from a long way off claimed they still had the right to interfere in our faith, all this was many years ago and has cut us right to pieces. But I am in a minority of one the way I see it.
I don't want to leave my faith but have got to do something major to get those horrible people out of my hair, I am raw distracted and literally shaking every day.

You shouldn't have to leave your faith entirely, but it is sad though when worldly troubles divide the church. *praying for peace*. Perhaps you should consider looking for another congregation of the same faith.

[Found]

Just wondering - ought I to ask for this thread to be moved to "Christians in Recovery" - or is it all right here, after all institutional loss is a reality sometimes.

The nastiest things were:

- their going to the media
- closing ranks
- herd instinct
- fudging issues as if those of us most involved hadn't a right to our best perceptions in their eyes (but we should ignore their eyes and know what we know)

Oh well. Certainly I've got to be strict with myself and put recovery above everything.

Institutional upheaval is a substantial & often continual event. I agree. But your recovery and sobriety takes priority.

[Found]

It was not taboo
It was manipulating information
It was closing ranks
It was pretending to care for us and not caring for us
It was total yugh
It was so abusive
It was taking decisions that had a major psychological impact that they had no right, no qualifications and no adequate supervision to do so
They are heading towards doing the same sort of thing again to another bunch of people
I am feeling very triggered
For my spirirual sanity I have to mix with them more
And stand up to them
Because in God's untidy world the good and evil is mixed up in my spiritual home
The people to blame are open to preferment/promotion
We victims got totally divided and fragmented
It took over ten years to get to a head
It has taken another ten years to wind down to this point
It is us victims that are reconciling amongst ourselves - only this week, though not to the point where we will see eye to eye over what happened, merely that they have stopped ignoring me
Why does something important get trifled with
Obstructed?
The faith of a vulnerable person is important to Our Lord
Isn't it?

Like you say I have to safeguard my sobriety. I drank to this - but not for nearly 5 months now

[best]

I made the mistake of allowing the words of another get between me and God.
Their wrongfully placed words, I used as my excuss to stay away from church and a relationship with God. Once I started my relationship with the Lord and found out all the blessings I had missed for those 20 years away... I came to a point of conviction that has me say... I will not allow another to ever stand between me and the Lord. Jesus first...always.

No matter what our goals are in life...recovery, sobriety, stronger relationship with the Lord... The words, actions, and opinions of others we should not allow to be a stumbling block that gets in the way of our goal.
What others think and say is their issue to talk with God about. As long as I am on the right path and doing what I should be doing... I need not worry what others think. God's opinion is the only one that matters.

[cmc]

Found,
Unfortunately, even Christians can become involved in sinful and harmful situations, as you have so sadly discovered for yourself. Best is right about how we have to take care to keep our walk with Him as close as we can. I have been hurt by others in the faith as well, so I can relate to you. The scriptures speak of our forgiving others who sin against us... I am sure you know that the reason for this is for our own sake. Paul tells of how he was betrayed by a brother in the faith as well... these things will happen. I learn from my sufferings how to better provide comfort to others... and in my need I am drawn closer to Him.
I will pray for you to find a greater measure of that forgiveness, for inner healing and the ability to move on and find a place where you can become a part of fellowship again.
I am so glad you came here and shared your story with us... and hope to see you drop by often.

[toad]

Originally Posted by Found

Our religious leader and some people from a long way off involved myself and some friends in a religious activity and rival leaders undermined our leader, interfering with our oversight so that we were not helped to put it right when we did not look after each other well, then going public with false allegations we had defied our leader, then the people from a long way off claimed they still had the right to interfere in our faith, all this was many years ago and has cut us right to pieces. But I am in a minority of one the way I see it.
I don't want to leave my faith but have got to do something major to get those horrible people out of my hair, I am raw distracted and literally shaking every day.

You could work a 4th step with this experience in mind........then do an honest 5th step..........

Your post seemed to be hard to read, perhaps you could make yourself somewhat clearer............

The bottom line.........you must forgive.......and keep your eyes on Jesus.