The Healing Power of Justice - 27 Mar 2006

"Until several years ago, I kept the details of my story pretty much to myself. When it was my turn to share 'my story' in groups, I dreaded not only the 30 minutes of exposure but also the sense of vulnerability and shame that lasted for a good couple of days afterwards. It seemed like everyone was encouraged except for me." writes Rebbecca Dunning.

"Recently, I was asked to speak on social justice with a group that is a part of the 24-7 prayer movement here in Kansas City, called the Boiler Room. As I was in front of friends and also some strangers, I began to weave a bit of my story into my talk.

I shared about a young prostitute I saw in a McDonalds in Thailand, with a western-looking, Caucasian guy. He bought her a happy meal, and she began to jump up and down with excitement. I was so angry that I considered walking up to this man and confronting him publically. That is - of course - the politically correct version of what I wanted to do to him. I spoke of the Mayan women in Guatemala who saw their husbands and sons murdered right in front of them, only to be raped and left without a home or crops because they were burned to the ground.

As I threw out these snapshots of injustice, I found myself telling about the years of my abuse and forced dependency on drugs at the hands of my stepfather. I didn't know my father, and our only meeting was in a maximum security prison when I was five. There were also times that we walked into our house to find that much of what we owned had been destroyed by different “father figures”, only then to flee for our lives - sometimes out of state for safety. We were, at times, refugees in our own country. Stories like this from my life go on and on.

There are similarities between my past and the abuse of young girls in - let’s say - Bombay, India. Don’t get me wrong, I could never say my life has been as horrific as that of a young girl stolen from her home or sold by her parents and kept in a cage to be ravaged every day, until she is dead or no longer of use to her master. What I mean is that I understand the feeling of being an “orphan” or being the object of someone else’s misplaced wrath.

However similar these stories may be, the differences are far more vast. When I came forward after over 5 years of abuse, thankfully someone believed me and listened to my story. I was told that it wasn’t my fault. Then, beautifully, the authorities stepped in and brought many charges against my abuser. I was treated with dignity and respect as I shared with social services. I also was protected by laws specifically written to protect the rights of the victim. I have never carried a sense of revenge or malice, and with the help of God, I was released from my internal cage of unforgiveness. I did receive the healing power of justice.

It hit me as I shared in front of the Boiler Room that it was incredibly healing to see my abuser face charges and spend many years behind bars. I felt safe to go to bed at night. I also felt a sense of relief that no other children would become his victim.

Proverbs 31:8 says: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” I don’t need to relocate to give myself both in prayer and in financial and practical ways to those who have no way to speak for themselves.

In an effort to lend a voice, my husband and I have launched a clothing line that stands for social justice.  We give 10% of our proceeds to those working with AIDS orphans in Mozambique, Africa, and to Mayan students in the mountains of Guatemala. I hope it is only a beginning of our part in the war against injustice.

To find out ways to get involved, visit our website at www.hayloclothing.com for statistics, opportunities to sponsor a child or for ways to get involved."

Rebecca Dunning, Kansas City, USA