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Faith Hakesley
There is Always Hope!
Author · Catholic Wife & Mother · Advocate for Healing & Renewal
Welcome to my Blog!
Here is where I share insights and information about issues such as trauma, faith, and healing. I also write the occasional book review.
To read my Advice from a Survivor Blog with The Ruth Institute, please go HERE.
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Authentic Influence: Why Integrity Matters
Even those with the best of intentions can be negatively affected by the pressures of being in the public eye.
Faith Hakesley
Sep 27, 2025
When Pride Replaces Reverence: A Call to Catholic Fidelity
I’ve seen too many Catholics walk away from the Church over hard truths.
Faith Hakesley
Jul 13, 2025
A Troubling Dispensation: When Church Leaders Undermine the Eucharist and the Soul
Recently, the Bishop of San Bernardino issued a sweeping dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation for all undocumented immigrants.
Faith Hakesley
Jul 10, 2025
Where are the Good Men?
Once again, we’re watching a tragic and infuriating scenario play out in the news: a young male victimized by a predatory adult woman.
Faith Hakesley
Jul 2, 2025
Suffering for Priests: A Prayer I Didn’t Understand but a Grace I Still Carry
Meeting (or even just hearing about) a priest who is also a survivor of clerical abuse stops me in my tracks.
Faith Hakesley
Jun 5, 2025
Love Over Pride: Serving Others for the Right Reasons
There are situations in which we genuinely want to help someone.
Faith Hakesley
Jun 5, 2025
Truth Can Hurt...Especially When It’s Twisted
+JMJ+ Years ago, when my brother suddenly died at 22, before we even had the autopsy results, a local paper ran a story implying...
Faith Hakesley
May 20, 2025
The Gift of Music: Speaking Through Joy, Hope, and Sorrow
+JMJ+ Hello, old friend. It’s been awhile since I took my violin out. Years ago, one of my greatest childhood passions was nearly stolen...
Faith Hakesley
Jan 24, 2025
An Open Letter to Dr. Paolo Ruffini, Vatican's Head of the Dicastery for Communication
Dr. Paolo Ruffini Head of the Dicastery for Communication Vatican City Dear Dr. Ruffini, We write to you as victims of clerical abuse,...
Faith Hakesley
Jul 4, 2024
A Call for Accountability and Healing in the Catholic Church
This essay is a plea for justice and a demand for accountability within the Church that has so deeply betrayed us.
Faith Hakesley
Jun 29, 2024
Remaining Catholic in the Midst of Turmoil: A Clerical Abuse Survivor's Response to Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández's book "The Mystical Passion"
There is no sugar coating it: being a practicing Catholic can be difficult even in the best of times. During His life on earth, Jesus...
Faith Hakesley
Jan 24, 2024
The Beauty of the Cross
A reflection on the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross +JMJ+ Last night, my amazing and dear friend, Witlee (Live Each Day with Purpose...
Faith Hakesley
Sep 14, 2021
Stop the Blame
Victim blaming: what it is and why it needs to stop +JMJ+ I have something to say about a very serious issue that has reared its ugly...
Faith Hakesley
Jun 5, 2021
The Sexual Abuse Scandal: Still Staring Us Right in the Face
+JMJ+ Have you ever stopped and wondered what's happening with the Catholic Church sexual abuse scandal? It was big news in Boston when...
Faith Hakesley
Jun 4, 2021
A Survivor's Thoughts on the Release of the Long-Awaited McCarrick Report
+JMJ+ The McCarrick report is set to be released today. Whether the timing of this report is intentional or not, I have to admit that I'm...
Faith Hakesley
Nov 10, 2020
Not Without Effort
Some reflections about healing +JMJ+ While healing IS possible, it is hard work. Being authentic, courageous, and strong is hard work,...
Faith Hakesley
Nov 8, 2020
Recognizing Your Worth in the Eyes of God
+JMJ+ Sadly, there will always be people in this world who will not help you realize your worth. From time to time, someone will come...
Faith Hakesley
Oct 21, 2020
Finding Freedom Through Forgiveness
+JMJ+ In today’s Gospel of Matthew (18:21-35) Jesus speaks of forgiveness. Forgiveness is a tough topic for a lot of us. When someone...
Faith Hakesley
Sep 13, 2020
End the Silence
+JMJ+ Sexual abuse is a pervasive problem in our world today. It’s everywhere from homes, to schools, churches, Hollywood, politics,...
Faith Hakesley
Sep 3, 2020
The Danger of "Forgive and Forget"
+JMJ+ Whether you are someone healing from sexual abuse, the death of a loved one, or a medical condition, you are bound to hear some...
Faith Hakesley
May 26, 2020
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