Among more than 1,400 adult females, childhood sexual abuse was associated with increased likelihood of drug dependence, alcohol dependence, and psychiatric disorders. The associations are expressed as odds ratios: for example, women who experienced nongenital sexual abuse in childhood were 2.93 times more likely to suffer drug dependence as adults than were women who were not abused. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The experience of not having a job, for whatever reason, is not a good one. The dependancy on state support can be very debilitating, not least because of the self-image one soon aquires. A sense of irrelevance and uselessness, especialy if you are isolated from freinds and family is sometimes quite overwhelming. It can demand a huge effort to break out of this self-perception and even then one tends to fall back into it quickly.
In my case, I do not complain, but nonetheless the hoplessness is real and trying to face the prospect of dealing with a legacy of childhood sexual abuse by making formal allegations is hard to face. Added to this, not being part of a christian Community (other than you good people) is a constant stress as worship and support that I have had all my life is no longer there.
I want you to pray for all who are unemployed and all who are isolated, and if you can, look at what you can do for those in your own community who are in this sort of situation.
My life has been dedicated to helping others, both as a Social Worker and as a Priest, and I believe that God has a purpose for me, and for us all. As our country faces more job losses the need is great but we are part of a worldwide family and it is important for us to think also of those in other countries who face isolation and have no work, people who live in countries where the state does not offer support of any kind.
MrC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8a7GMR_ke0
Tom, my prayers and concern for you continue, and I will pray for the isolated and unemployed and reach out If opportunity presents itself. Blessings.
Many thanks, You’re compassion is appreciated.
Thank you for this reminder to reach out to those who may feel unneeded.
Tom, have you ever considered just getting out of England? There are other places you can go and have a nice life, get a job, and nobody cares much about your past. It would take a lot of energy to get going in that direction, but it could be done.
Sorry not to be able to point you in the direction of a job, nor by stint of geography to be able to provide a spiritual home; nevertheless you are absolutely in my prayers and I am confident the way forward will soon become clear – cats always land on their feet, don’t they?
Kitty Cat, I’ve only just seen this post. Why can you not be a member of a church? You don’t have to tell them anything about yourself but you should be able to worship with them.
Apart from that I have nothing I can do to help. Most people in your situation find a new start through self employment but that doesn’t really work in your line of work! Do you have any other skills you could turn to to as a freelancer of sorts?
Lots of love and lots of prayers xx