In A World Of "Me Too"

I sure you have seen the numerous posts on Facebook and Twitter that are just the words "Me Too". It seems to me that every few (very few) posts, another individual has posted these words. They are not shares, but each is a post by a different woman. The number of these posts is enormous, and each makes my heart burdened, ashamed, and angry. Here's why.

Each individual post represents a woman that has been sexually harassed or assaulted. Every. Single. One. So many dear friends where I had no knowledge of the pain they had been holding in. So many cases of being treated as less than the truly wonderful people that they are. How is it, in 2017, we can allow such conduct? How can we even allow the conditions to exist that allow it? Because (and I speak mostly to the men here, but also the women), we are purposely blind to it. We chose not to see. It's a society of, "If we don't look at it, or talk about it, it isn't there." But it is. It is.

We also use the "excuse" of women dressing provocatively, or sending "signals", to excuse the man from his crime. We even use this as a defense in criminal trials! The truth is, a sexual predator attacks because of power, not lust. He tries to have control over someone he perceives as weaker. This is the case in the molestation of both women and children. The clothes and the actions are not the motivating factor. Power and control is, and he lusts after that more that the target of his attack. No means no, people, and yes you CAN stop. This "excuse" just doesn't wash.

For those that have posted "Me Too" please forgive my not seeing your pain. To be treated as you have been is unacceptable at best, and bestial at worst. You deserve a safe place to be treated as the equals you are, and I hope at least I always treat you as such. To others reading, make an effort to be that safe haven for others. To be less, is to be less than human.

To those that have been and are attackers, please seek help. Your need for power signifies a great deal missing in your own psyche, and you are dangerous to others, and to yourselves. Both men and women are created in the image of God. To treat someone so crudely is to defame God, and you will be called accountable not only to those you have harmed, but accountable to God Himself.

Finally, to those very brave souls aligning themselves with the "Me Too" effort, and sharing their pain, and also to those whose pain is still too great, may God grant you strength, and peace, and healing, and true love to fill your souls.