Well, I did it. I confronted my abusive former pastor, and I did it afraid. But I think he was more afraid than I, and that's what actually enabled me to speak life-giving words to him. I pulled no punches, though, because I knew that it was the God-ordained opportunity of a lifetime to tell him how his abuse has impacted my life on every level. With my husband on my left and my advocate on my right, I soldiered on through our "round table" discussion (part of what is called a Just Resolution). I was concise and compassionate. I had prayerfully decided before the meeting to give any bitterness to God - an act of the will, if you will. He teared up often, but I've seen all that before so am unmoved by his tears. Yet my residual emotion post-meeting is pity. I see him for the pitiful person - the hollow man - that he really is.
I have left this abusive pastor to God. I am done.
