Secrets of A Pastor's Wife Revealed

By Maxine Browne, See the Triumph Guest Blogger

In the ministry, reputation is everything. Pastors not only personify leadership, but holiness. They are expected to be above reproach. If their personal lives are dysfunctional, they are perceived to be unworthy of their position.

As a pastor’s wife, you smile when you feel sad and are silent when you want to scream. But this is true of the wife of any prominent man. Part of your role is to guard your family’s public image.

But what if your husband is abusive? Who do you talk to? If word leaks out, it could affect the congregation of your church. The parishioners may lose respect for their leader. So, a pastor’s wife may think long and hard about seeking help.

How do I know? I was a pastor’s wife. Leaving my abusive marriage was the most difficult decision I ever made. I knew my choice would hurt other people, and that was what held me captive for so long. I felt so trapped in my situation I had planned my suicide. I left instead.

So, consider this when working with families in leadership in your congregations. There may be things hidden from view, secrets kept for the sake of public opinion endangering the family’s welfare. How many people in your church are hiding behind a mask because they don’t think they can talk about what is really happening in their lives?

There needs to be a place where church leaders can expose their humanity and find support when they are experiencing tough times. After all, they’re only human, just like everyone else.

Note: This blog is re-posted from http://frombrokentobutterfly.blogspot.com/2014/01/secrets-of-pastors-wife-revealed.html

Bio for Maxine Brown:

Maxine Browne is a keynote speaker and workshop facilitator on the topics of domestic violence and rebuilding your life after divorce. Her inspirational stories illustrate how to co-parent with a difficult ex and how to create healthier relationships.

Maxine is one of the 27 amazing co-authors of the International Best Seller, The Missing Piece compiled by Kate Gardner, as well as one of the co-authors for The Missing Piece in Business. She is also the author of Years of Tears, the story of her 10 year marriage to a controlling tyrant that changed her life forever.

Contact Maxine to speak at your next event at maxinebrowne@dv-recovery.com. Visit her website at www.maxinebrowne.com.

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