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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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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
The Beauty in Our Scars
+JMJ+ Scars. We all have them. I think the first time I became truly aware of the impact of scars was the year I was diagnosed and...
Faith Hakesley
Jan 20, 2020
Learning to Slow Down and Open My Eyes
Originally published to Faith Restored on July 10, 2019 “The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for all...
Faith Hakesley
Jan 10, 2020
Holding Hope in My Heart
Originally Published to Faith Restored on June 25, 2019 +JMJ+ If you follow me on my Faith Restored page on Facebook (@MyFaithRestored),...
Faith Hakesley
Jan 10, 2020
One Year After McCarrick Scandal Breaks, Sex Abuse Victim Shares Her Thoughts
Originally Published on Faith Restored June 20, 2019 +JMJ+ As hard as it is for me to wrap my mind around, it’s been one year today since...
Faith Hakesley
Jan 10, 2020
You Are Loved
+JMJ+ God loves you. Ok, I know some of you may be thinking, "I know that already," but I urge you to stop and really consider what those...
Faith Hakesley
Nov 18, 2019
A Victim's Response to Bishop Robert Barron's 'Letter to a Suffering Church'
+JMJ+ Several weeks ago, copies of Bishop Robert Barron's “Letter to a Suffering Church” were made available at our parish. To be...
Faith Hakesley
Oct 22, 2019
The Freedom of Forgiveness
+JMJ+ There's been a lot of talk of forgiveness in the news lately. A video showing a young man named Brandt Jean forgiving and embracing...
Faith Hakesley
Oct 14, 2019
Remembering the Victims of Clerical Sexual Abuse
+JMJ+ Are you tired of hearing about the Catholic Church sexual abuse crisis yet? Speaking as a survivor of sexual abuse by a priest, I'm...
Faith Hakesley
Sep 16, 2019
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