I can relate to Andrea. Thank you for sharing. I won't share all of my story or my last name because my abusers or family members may see this and I would like to respect their privacy and not flash their sin all over the internet. I would like those relationships to be restored if possible. I have been sexually abused many many many times. My home life was one of which my parents were depressed and addicted to drugs. The type of abusive situations a child left alone under those circumstances is exposed to seems endless. My mother is/was a narcissist and I believe she has borderline personality disorder. As Andrea is, I am hypersensitive to narcissists and sexually abusive situations.
Often times once someone is sexually abused their world turns sexual. Speaking from experience, I had to fight hard to understand that every look from a male, every hug, and every conversation wasn't about wanting something sexual. I am healed from my wounds. I understand them and now have healthy relationships with my male friends and acquaintances. Some women don't ever understand that sexual abuse can taint their view in life and relationships. They are stuck in their sexual predator view of men. And dare I say women can have this view even if they weren't sexually abused simply because of our sex crazed society that we're all exposed to everyday. Listen, God used the people in Great Commission Churches (especially the Darling family) to help heal me and HUMBLE me. The most important thing I've learned from Mark is that this world is NOT ABOUT ME. The stories I've heard from him and from others about him are ones of self sacrifice, stepping aside when others challenge him and deferring. They are ones of laying down the pleasures of this world in order to build the kingdom.
My experience with Mark Darling is that of a kind, loving servant of Christ who is faithful, compassionate, and who deeply hurts when he sees people deeply hurting. He is desperate for people to see Christ and follow him. God has used him mightily to change my life and to change my husband's life. Frankly, I've NEVER been wrong when judging someone's character because I had to grow up protecting myself from sick people. Mark is not one of those people. My husband and I love and stand with Mark and his family.
Bump
