I was doing some studying this morning, and I came across this talk by Elder Richard G. Scott, delivered in April 2008 general conference. I had the feeling that I should post it on the blog. I don’t really know what to say about it. I do not know if any readers have struggled or do struggle with pain that comes from abuse or misconduct at the hands of others (and I probably don’t need to know). Perhaps it may be a tool for passing along this testimony to people in need.
Physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse, as well as others’ hurtful choices can leave people with deep scars and lasting pain. I love what Elder Scott teaches here about Heavenly Father’s love and the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Here is a link to read the talk: To Heal the Shattering Consequences of Abuse
Here is a video:
And some of my favorite quotes:
The rising tide of this vicious, abominable sin may not have touched your life personally. Yet it is pervasive enough in the world that it may have touched someone you love. It frequently causes such profound suffering— that can be overcome—that I want to speak of how healing can be attained. . . .
If you have been abused, Satan will strive to convince you that there is no solution. Yet he knows perfectly well that there is. Satan recognizes that healing comes through the unwavering love of Heavenly Father for each of His children. He also understands that the power of healing is inherent in the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Therefore, his strategy is to do all possible to separate you from your Father and His Son. Do not let Satan convince you that you are beyond help.
Satan uses your abuse to undermine your self-confidence, destroy trust in authority, create fear, and generate feelings of despair. Abuse can damage your ability to form healthy human relationships. You must have faith that all of these negative consequences can be resolved; otherwise they will keep you from full recovery. While these outcomes have powerful influence in your life, they do not define the real you. . . .
Rest assured that the Perfect Judge, Jesus the Christ, with a perfect knowledge of the details, will hold all abusers accountable for every unrighteous act. In time He will fully apply the required demands of justice unless there is complete repentance. . . .
Parents, in appropriate, sensitive ways, teach your children of the potential danger of abuse and how to avoid it. Be aware of warning signs, such as an abrupt change in a child’s behavior, that may signal a problem. Be alert to a child’s unsettled feelings and identify their origin.
Diapers and Divinity 
Steph, I loved this today. That was an amazing talk. I also blogged about it over at my place. It is a message that we just can’t say enough on. Thank you for posting it today. I also loved his teachings and his sensitivity.
Wow, what an interesting talk. I would imagine that was a challenging subject to have to give a talk on. I loved how he laid everything out so simply and connected the fact that there is hope, forgiveness, and relief for both victims and perpetrators. I have never personally suffered anything of this nature but I married into a family where there have been some occurances. My husband is a victim himself and he has not gotten to the place where he can forgive his abuser. His approach has been to just cut off all communication and connection with the abuser. There are other family members who have transfered their suffering and angst into being abusive to others, saying vicous nasty things, it is a vicous awful cycle and it is one of the most challenging things I have ever scene. This talk so eloquently lays out that there is hope and salvation for all, and reminds us that we need to be understanding and not let the influence of satan allow us to go to the places that he wants. This is just a beutiful way of explaining how there is always a way out of even the most challenging of situations. I especially liked the part where he talked about the young woman who came in to see him with her father who has abused her. How she asked him to help her father find forgiveness, that she was free from the burden that she had been carrying. It is just so beautiful. Thanks for sharing this!
I just got out of an emotionally abusive marriage. There we’re episodes of other abuses too, but I never had bruises. I moved out of state to escape and through the community “family Justice center” took a class called Pattern Changing. It’s for women who have been in abusive relationships. Every single woman in that class said that the emotional abuse was the worst. The counselor/instructor said everyone she’s worked with for 20 some years has said the same. There that the class was based on that one can find. It’s the same name as the class.
I just read this recently, then again on Patty’s blog – and here! Wow! I love this part, “frequently causes such profound suffering— that can be overcome—” I think it is easy to forget the “that can be overcome.” If pain like this can be overcome – anything can! 🙂 And it can!!! I love that!
Corine 😀
Thank you. I needed this….thank you.
I meant to say at the end that the book that the class is based on can be found online through Amazon.