For Faith Leaders & Helpers
Don't try to explain. The question "Why?" is more a longing for understanding than a request for answers.
Don't try to take away my reality. This pain is a sign of how much I have lost. I may not always be like this, but please respect me as I am now.
Help me deal with forgiveness with integrity. I will remember all the times I've been told to forgive, yet something within me resists forgiving someone who isn't sorry. Give me time to work this through and don't try to make me say things I don't mean.
Stay close. Understand that I may need to withdraw from time to time, but stay close enough that I'll know I can lean on you when I need to.
Don't be frightened by my anger. I won't hurt myself or someone else, but I do need to be allowed to be angry about what happened.
Be patient. Healing may not come as fast as you would like and I may regress from time to time. Try to understand.
Remind me that this isn't all there is to life. Speak of God, not to dull my pain but to affirm my life. Help me remember who I was before this happened. Remind me that God is a willing companion on my journey. Help me welcome the Potter who will help me become a new self.
