Abuse. Stop It!

 I have always been a strong advocate for those in abusive relationships. I have had many friends and even family members who have suffered the effects of physical, mental, and emotional abuse. Before I share my words for this week, please, if you have ever felt the effects of abuse, seek out professional help. I am here for you if you ever need me. I love all of you and know that you do not have to live a life of fear, you are meant to live a life of hope and joy.

Music is powerful. The lyrics that some artists create are often only listened to with shallow ears. When you look at the words, do you understand that many of them have a story attached to them? That perhaps these artists are trying to share something other than a catchy beat? 

For example, here are two songs that touch on domestic violence. One of them was rather common, the other is one I stumbled across once. 

"Third Degree" by Coral Bones

You cup your love in your hands,
Letting none go to waste
His sweetness disappearing
Left you a sour taste
You swore that he would release
You from your wrongs and ills
Your dream of happy family's
Out there in the swill

His words are always sweet and they're
Burning you like third degree
You're living on apologies,
Wasting your time trying to be friendly
They want to love you or be enemies
They don't want to hear your history
Oh, every day's a new defeat
Oh, every day's a new defeat
Oh, every day's a new defeat

"Face Down" by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

A pebble in the water makes a ripple effect
Every action in this world will bear a consequence
If you wait around forever you will surely drown
I see what's going down
I see the way you go and say you're right again
Say you're right again
Heed my lecture
Do you feel like a man
When you push her around?
Do you feel better now, as she falls to the ground?
Well I'll tell you my friend, one day this world's got to end
As your lies crumble down, a new life she has found
Face down in the dirt
She said "This doesn't hurt!"
She said "I finally had enough!"

You do not need to be pushed around. You do not need to stand idly by. Abuse has no good. It is damaging and emotionally scarring to those affected by it.