Soil of Addictions

by Darv Smith

We have all been abused in some way, some more than others. The soiil of abuse results in various feelings/experiences which are the roots of all addictions. To heal we need to get out of the abusive situation and come into a nurturing/caring community. Ideally this should be the family and the Christian church.

EMOTIONAL ABUSE

A
C
T
I
V
E

A
B
U
S
E		 P
A
S
S
I
V
E

A
B
U
S
E
Yelling/Screaming
NameCalling / Putdowns
 No expression of affection
No caring or nurturing
No listening

PHYSICAL ABUSE
Hitting/Slapping
Pushing/Shoving
Spanking in anger 		Being left alone
Inadequate food, shelter, clothing
No teaching of self-care

SEXUAL ABUSE
Sexual humor/Teasing about body
Sensual touching or arousal
Genital or oral sex 		Sexual info not taught
Lack of masculine and feminine affirmation by father figure
Healthy intimacy not modeled

SPIRITUAL ABUSE
Punitive messages about God
Self-righteousness/Pride
Modeling unhealthy lifestyles 		Failure to model healthy spirituality
Lack of spiritual discipline
Not sharing about a loving and forgiving 'personal' God

"Anything less than nurturing is abuse." Pia Mellody

Jesus Christ was abused by the religious people (Pharisees, Scribes) and especially when he was emotionally, physically, sexually and spiritually abused in going to the cross and dying that we might have life and healing.

Our bodies have a memory for our abuses even though we may not mentally remember them. Healing comes as we get in touch with the abuse and expose them to the light for God's healing work. "Recovery" is a process that goes on throughout our Christian lives, better known as "sanctification."