Karen Hernandez

The Legacy of Wisdom by Karen Leslie Hernandez

My Aunt Sophie passed into another realm last week. Not from COVID, but, from a life well-lived.

At 98, she lived a remarkable life. She wasn’t famous, nor did she ever strive to be, but what she was, was what love should be, can be, and is.

In her 98 years she played trumpet in the high school marching band, she had a mean left hook, and she was a Rosie the Riveter, where she actually worked as a welder on ships being built for WWII in Richmond, CA. More, she was a devoted wife, she was a sister and caretaker, she was an incredible grandmother, and, she was a mother. Not just to her seven children, but to her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren, neighborhood kids, and to my sister and me, her nieces. Continue reading “The Legacy of Wisdom by Karen Leslie Hernandez”

Abandonment Trauma: Facing the Pandemic With My Fists-up by Karen Leslie Hernandez

Content Warning: Mention of childhood abuse, abandonment, suicide, trauma and death.

I am a successful product of child abandonment.

Raised in an abusive home, my mother left when I was in 7^th grade. From that point on, I spent an excessive amount of time alone, making decisions that a teenager shouldn’t have to make, making my own dinner, and eating that dinner alone, in deafening silence, time and time again. Doing homework sitting on my bed, unsupported, I remember thinking, Why bother … no one cares if I get this done, why should I? – which eventually led to dropping out of high school. It wasn’t until I was an adult and started serious therapy, did I understand how this trauma played into every decision I made. By all accounts and statistics, I should be a non-functioning adult. Although I am a high school drop-out, I am studying for my Doctorate and will graduate next May. Don’t get me wrong, I have idiosyncrasies and the physical aliment I suffer from the most is a volatile digestive system (controlled with a healthy diet) – a norm for kids and adults with abusive backgrounds.

Abandonment Trauma is real and unpleasant, to say the least, and it comes in many forms. I never really understood how it really affected me until my first trip overseas alone. And then the next trip and then the next trip. All would find me sitting in my hotel room upon arrival, terrified. Paralyzed. Unable to think. Confused. Feeling as if I lost someone, or, I was lost. Wanting to go home. Calling my then husband, crying, saying I couldn’t stay. It was scary and confusing, because I didn’t understand why I was so afraid. I had already lived overseas with my husband, so, why were these trips so frightening? Then a therapist finally helped me understand – they asked me what I envisioned when I was in those places – and I suddenly realized my subconscious had me sitting on my bed in silence, all alone, eating dinner – and all that came with that memory. There it was. The association to the horrible, lonely reality of my childhood, was what was driving my fight or flight as an adult. Continue reading “Abandonment Trauma: Facing the Pandemic With My Fists-up by Karen Leslie Hernandez”

The Antagonism of a Pandemic – The Sacrifice of Our Lives by Karen Leslie Hernandez

Oh, America. We’ve all seen it in the media. Impatient people demonstrating to end the quarantine. Demonstrators claiming that their jobs are just as “essential” as those of nurses and doctors. Demonstrators blocking traffic in front of hospitals. Demonstrators claiming that COVID-19 is a hoax. In all this media frenzy, this picture caught my attention more than any other.

I stared at this picture for quite a while. I tried to find her name. I stared some more. I thought, Wow, how unbelievably heartless. And then I wondered, Is she serious? Can she really feel this way? Could anyone really lack compassion in that magnitude? I stared some more. Then, I wondered…Perhaps she is a “plant.” Perhaps she is intentionally stirring the pot.

You will notice, she is the only one in that group masking her face. She is covered enough to where only those who really know her, might recognize her. She is standing away from the rest of the group. She didn’t speak to the media. Thinking she may be a plant isn’t wishful thinking. For me, it is simply the realization that the antagonism of this pandemic, is alive and well, in every way possible. More, if a pandemic could talk, it would say, Here I am! You’re not escaping me in any way, shape, or form. I am here. Lurking. Continue reading “The Antagonism of a Pandemic – The Sacrifice of Our Lives by Karen Leslie Hernandez”

A Daughter’s Lament by Karen Leslie Hernandez

I still cannot speak.
To the depth of the pain.
The sting.
The knowing
My heart
Will never be.
Or Feel.
The same.

More than
A year
Later.
And I still can barely utter
To anyone.
What was said.

Bitch.
You’re a young little bitch.
Ringing.
Churning.
Life altering.
Devastating.

It’s just a word.
Right?
Bitch.
Used
In so many
Ways.
To motivate.
Describe.
Disparage.

Continue reading “A Daughter’s Lament by Karen Leslie Hernandez”

The Real American Horror Story by Karen Leslie Hernandez

Content Warning: Story of state violence, use of rape imagery, and racial slurs.

America was born like most nations – invaded, plundered, violently colonized by the diseased, and in turn, decimated the indigenous people of the land.

The foreign people of this land then fought to reclaim the land that wasn’t theirs to begin with. They fought the “enemy,” and drove them out with loads of gunpowder, midnight rides through Boston, and, of course, tea. Boys died fighting for “freedom,” and for their right to this sweet land of liberty. And women died with guns left inside of them. Let freedom ring!

Continue reading “The Real American Horror Story by Karen Leslie Hernandez”

If For Anyone Other Than Yourself by Karen Leslie Hernandez

I’d say that the two things that are most pressing on the continued existence of the human race are the utter destruction of our environment and planet, as well as violence.

My week began with the horrible image of Oscar Alberto Martinez Ramirez and his 23-month-old daughter, Valeria, laying face down in the Rio Grande. I was immediately reminded of little Aylan Kurdi from Syria, who was found dead on a beach in Turkey in 2015, after drowning when his family attempted to escape the war.

Aylan’s family simply needed to get out of Syria, to enable themselves to eat, live in peace, and not die from chemical weapons, or worse, starvation. Oscar, escaping the horrid conditions in his home country, El Salvador, was unable to request asylum on US soil, and instead, died while trying to save his daughter.

Continue reading “If For Anyone Other Than Yourself by Karen Leslie Hernandez”

In the Meantime, I Thrive by Karen Leslie Hernandez

Let me tell you, the dating world is a whole different universe. Especially for a woman my age and who do what I do. I am sure many reading this can relate.

Here are some comments I have received from men after they find out what I do:

“I hope you don’t try to convert me.”

“I don’t date girls smarter than me.”

“You are gorgeous, those green eyes! Why can’t you find anyone? Do you not like sex, or something?”

“Do you say, OH GOD! During sex? Has a whole different meaning with you, huh?”

“I’m not sure I can handle dating someone who is getting her Doctor of Ministry. Are you a Pastor? What do you do exactly?”

“I have a problem with religion.”

“You’re sexy for a theologian!”

“You are fiercely independent.”

“Wow, you are confident…”

“You went to Wellesley? Did you become a lesbian when you were there?”

“Are you a feminist?”

No joke. So real, so outrageous and so ridiculous. Although comical over a beer or a glass of wine, in reality, these comments are obviously a reflection on the men who said them to me, rather than on me. I have also encountered some scary dates, but, those are not worth mentioning here, except to say, that while navigating the dating world can be seriously challenging, it also has a treacherous side.

Continue reading “In the Meantime, I Thrive by Karen Leslie Hernandez”

Listen more. Talk Less. Tread Lightly. By Karen Leslie Hernandez

Illegal. Nazi. Migrant. Refugee. N****r. Terrorist.

Heard of read any of these descriptions recently? I have. A lot.

It seems that now more than ever, communication is breaking down. Name calling and labeling – which many times incites violence – seems to be a norm, especially here in the United States. As a peacebuilder, I’m consistently perplexed about this and I wonder how, or if, this lack of civil communication will shift to a more positive vibe. The air is frenetic with intolerance. The question is, What can we do about it – as individuals and collectively? Continue reading “Listen more. Talk Less. Tread Lightly. By Karen Leslie Hernandez”

In These Dark Times, a Bit of Goodness in the World by Karen Leslie Hernandez

In my almost 52 years, I feel as if this is the darkest time we have ever witnessed. I don’t need to name it all here, because we know.

I, like many of us, am struggling.

Struggling to make sense of this rhetoric, this nonsense, this pending (what feels like), governmental, pre-genocidal actions. I can’t pray. I can barely even think straight. This is not because Hillary didn’t win. And no, it’s not because I am a “Libtard.” This is because everything that is morally, ethically and theologically sound, is in absolute chaos. It is as if we are walking through this anarchy that is somehow normalized. This demonization of literally everyone, on all sides, is devastating and so unbelievably terrifying. Continue reading “In These Dark Times, a Bit of Goodness in the World by Karen Leslie Hernandez”

I Dated an American Sniper by Karen Leslie Hernandez

“Happy Memorial Day!”

Did you hear that this past Monday? I find this “celebration” confusing. Memorial Day isn’t a celebration, it’s a remembrance. It’s about more than BBQ’s and parades. It’s about honoring those who’ve died while serving our country.

I always struggle with days that celebrate the passing of someone or a group of people, especially Memorial Day. As a former Air Force spouse turned Pacifist, I’ve spent time in conflict zones and with the work I have done with those who’ve lived through conflict, I know that war, and the violence that comes with it, is not something to ever be elevated in any way. I understand that Memorial Day is to honor those who died serving our country, yet, it is celebrated in the strangest of ways. Especially because those who have died in combat, most likely suffered a death we can only imagine, yet, have no real grasp of.

Continue reading “I Dated an American Sniper by Karen Leslie Hernandez”

Elie Wiesel Never Grabbed My Ass by Karen Leslie Hernandez

The #metoo campaign is empowering. I am enthralled (albeit sorrowful at the suffering), with the fact that thousands of women are bringing attention to the normalcy of sexual harassment and sexual assault. Yet, two months ago, my elation was squashed.

What do I do when someone who was a father figure to me, whom I studied with, whom mentored me, gave personal advice, was always polite, refined and kind, hugged and embraced me, encouraged me, educated me, passed on his ultimate wisdom, let me challenge him, and, is now, more than a year later after his death, accused of groping and grabbing a woman’s ass many years ago?

Continue reading “Elie Wiesel Never Grabbed My Ass by Karen Leslie Hernandez”

On Being – The Whirlies of Life by Karen Leslie Hernandez

On being.

Whenever I see this phrase, it challenges me. Why? I’m not sure. It could be because I feel I am not living up to my full potential. Or, because this last year, especially, has been a very rough year. Or, because I am stubborn and continually expect a lot from myself. Or, it could be because I am older.

I am turning 51 on Saturday. And, I continually ponder why I exist? What am I doing? Am I on the right path? Why must this be so difficult? Why am I so serious now, compared to when I was younger? Why don’t I give myself a break once in a while? Even if there’s an answer to any of these questions, the answers will change, morph, shoot out, crush, transform, grind, squeal, love, be. Continue reading “On Being – The Whirlies of Life by Karen Leslie Hernandez”

In This Fractured World, I Will Not Remain Silent by Karen Leslie Hernandez

The recent killing of 17 year old Nabra Hassanen is on my mind. Not only was she killed—brutally beaten with a baseball bat—but it is thought that she was raped, too. Twice. During Ramadan. By an undocumented Latino from El Salvador.

It is said to be a case of “road rage.” I am having a difficult time believing this. Maybe this man was drunk. Maybe he was angry at his partner. Maybe it was a hate crime. Maybe we’ll never know the whole truth.

What matters, however, is that Nabra—a young woman, black, and a Muslim—was killed. Do not tell me, or anyone, that these three aspects were not factors in her death. That her death had nothing to do with her being a person of color. Or that her death had nothing to do with her wearing an identifying, religious headscarf. Or that her death had nothing to do with misogyny. Because it did. All of it did. Continue reading “In This Fractured World, I Will Not Remain Silent by Karen Leslie Hernandez”

Radical Grace: Is it Possible? by Karen Leslie Hernandez

Trigger Warning: Domestic violence accounts

This Lenten season I am focusing on grace. And gosh, is it difficult. Have you ever tried to practice grace in everything you do? And I mean, everything. Almost impossible, right? Triggers everywhere, right?

I was triggered this week, as I am continually by stories on domestic violence, by an article about a football player in Brazil. However, this is no ordinary player. Bruno Fernades de Souza has just signed with the team, Boa Esporte. Bruno just got out of jail (on a pending appeal, no less), after serving seven years of a twenty-two year sentence for having relatives and associates kidnap the mother of his child, torture and kill her, dismember her, and then feed her body parts to his dogs. This turn of events has, understandably, outraged Brazilians, as they boast the fifth highest femicide rate in the world.

His response to the outrage? “People tried to bury my dream because of one mistake, but I asked God for forgiveness, so I’m carrying on with my career, dude. I’m starting over.”

Where to begin? Continue reading “Radical Grace: Is it Possible? by Karen Leslie Hernandez”

What is the Most Dangerous Breed? by Karen Leslie Hernandez

karen hernandez As I wrote in November, I am currently working at the San Francisco SPCA. I took the job to bring something different in to my life as I do the heavy work involved with my Doctor of Ministry. I LOVE my job, I love the people I work with, and I certainly love when I get to play with animals, and more, when I adopt out an animal to their forever home.

As I move through this position and I learn more, I encounter, many times, the concern if the breed of dog up for adoption is “dangerous.” Pit Bulls, Huskies, Rottweilers – they all have a stereotypical reputation for biting and/or attacking, and are therefore banned from many apartment complexes where other types of dogs are allowed.

This all seems puzzling to me, because as my colleagues and I do our very best to save as many animals as we can, it’s the humans that are causing the harm to the animals in the first place. Animals don’t usually attack, unless they are taught to. Animals come to the SPCA and other shelters because they are strays, abandoned, or mistreated. By humans.

This has me thinking … what is the most dangerous breed? I continually have a different answer for this. Continue reading “What is the Most Dangerous Breed? by Karen Leslie Hernandez”

Outraged? Yes, I Am! by Karen Leslie Hernandez

Readers, please note: this post includes accounts of rape and violence agianst women and quotes distrubing statements of assault made by Donald Trump. These are easily identifiable by the use of italics or as indented, quoted text.

Of course I’m outraged.

I had someone the other day post on my Facebook wall that I’m “angry.” And I have also been told lately that because Donald Trump won and I didn’t, “get my way,” I should just, “get over it.”

What I really wish I could say to these folks is … “Of course I’m outraged, but I am not sure if I am more outraged that you can’t see past your privilege, or, that you think I am angry because Hillary didn’t win.”

Newsflash. I would be ecstatic if George Bush Jr., were in office again. Or, if Sarah Palin had run, and won. This has nothing to do with being a “sore loser” or not “getting my way.” This has to do with the fact that our POTUS is a sexist, misogynistic, racist human being. Continue reading “Outraged? Yes, I Am! by Karen Leslie Hernandez”

Honoring Each Other – A Conspiracy of Need by Karen Leslie Hernandez

karen hernandez It feels we’ve had a lot of loss this year. Loss of over 5000 to the Mediterranean Sea. Loss of beloved singers and performers. Loss of family members and friends. Loss of world leaders. Loss of authors. 2016 feels like such a year of loss and more, a lack of hope for our tumultuous world. Homelessness, mass shootings, fires, wars, impending genocides, President-Elect Trump – it is so daunting and so overwhelming. More, it’s incredibly difficult to remain hopeful.

I had a personal loss this year, that the world felt as well. Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor, Nobel Peace Prize Winner and author, left us. To me, he was also my professor and my mentor. News of his death swept the world quickly and left me numb and feeling a bit more alone than I did before.

Those who studied with Elie Wiesel did so because we had a desire to learn and to understand on the most profound and astute level one can glean. I have written about my experience before, yet, the reality is that what I learned from Elie Wiesel is what guides me in my every day life, and in everything I do.

Many disliked Elie Wiesel for what they feel were incendiary remarks about Palestine and Palestinians. He was controversial to say the least, I agree. Funny thing is, so did he. In class, he would say, I contradict myself. And that’s OK. There was such a lesson in his understanding of who he was and how he got there. His stance on Israel, as harsh as it was for the Palestinians, was understandable. The beautiful thing about my understanding that was, that even though I didn’t agree with him at all about Palestine, I listened to him. I heard him.

I took it personally when I saw some comments celebrating Professor Wiesel’s death. People saying it was good that he died because he was Pro-Israeli. This is what is wrong with the world. Because when we celebrate someone’s death, we dishonor God and all that God stands for. Continue reading “Honoring Each Other – A Conspiracy of Need by Karen Leslie Hernandez”

A Small Glimpse Into God’s Creation, In a Window by Karen Leslie Hernandez

Windows. We have windows everywhere. In our homes, stores, cars, buildings, our souls. Windows allow us to see in, see out, and reflect. We see ourselves, others, creation.

This Autumn, I began a new job at the San Francisco SPCA, thanks to my daughter who also works at the SF SPCA as a Vet Tech. First things first – I love this job! As I pursue my Doctor of Ministry with a concentration in restorative justice and domestic violence advocacy, which includes me tutoring women in prison every week, and as I continue my work as an interfaith activist in this religiously and politically charged environment we are in right now, I wanted a job I had never done before, and more, a job that would bring me joy. So, I was offered and accepted a job doing adoptions at the SF SPCA – not just at the adoption center, but at Macy’s.

For the past 30 years, the SF SPCA has adopted out animals at several department stores during the holiday season in San Francisco, with Macy’s being their primary partnership for over the last decade. Known as Holiday Windows, every year, over 200 kittens and puppies are adopted out of the Macy’s windows alone, bringing happiness and a lot fur to people’s homes.

I love being a part of this event. Taking care of more than a dozen kittens and several puppies a day isn’t always easy, but, it makes me smile. All the time. And, it’s difficult to explain the feeling when you see people outside who walk up to the windows and see kittens and puppies who are up for adoption. They melt, they smile, they ask questions, and they appreciate the work the SF SPCA is doing.

For me, this job has an even deeper meaning. As a native to the Bay Area, being born in San Francisco, I have a different history with the Macy’s windows, that goes back to when I was a kid. Whenever I went to the City with my Mom, I couldn’t wait to hang out under the Macy’s window with a homeless man named John, and his dog Snoopy. Continue reading “A Small Glimpse Into God’s Creation, In a Window by Karen Leslie Hernandez”

A Test of Faith – Did I pass? by Karen Leslie Hernandez

karen hernandez More often than not, I think our faith is tested in ways that we can’t understand, personally, professionally, on a large and on a small scale. I’m realizing, as the years pass, that there’s no perfect way to handle challenges, yet, lately I’ve felt pressured to handle my stuff the way society tells me to.

In the last month, I made a huge career change, started a Doctor of Ministry program, and because of some serious doo-doo, I have to move out of my current housing by October 1. Now, mind you, I currently live in the most expensive city in the nation, where I can rent a 300 square foot studio apartment for the average whopping bargain of $3200. What a steal, eh?

Here’s the lesson – In all tears, fear, frustration, anger, uncertainty, and stress, that literally had me at my doctor’s office a couple of times, I found housing, in the city, at a remarkable rental price, because my soon-to-be new landlord, simply believes in looking at and seeing people, not money. I had two interviews this week and I believe I will get at least one of those jobs. My daughter, who is also affected by the move-out date of October 1, has also found housing here in the city. I was considering delaying beginning my degree program because it felt like too much with everything else, but I didn’t. I love my class and am happy to be back in a learning environment again.

As daunting as it all felt, I followed that feeling that said that everything would work out. And it did. And it is. Yet, it’s not been easy, with the lump in my stomach and the emotional uncertainty of it all.

Let’s put it out there – who chooses vocation, over a money-making career? A lot of us. This is calling. This is faith at work. Yet in all of that, it feels so overwhelming, but, so right. Continue reading “A Test of Faith – Did I pass? by Karen Leslie Hernandez”

Today, I am 50. And I Know Jack-Diddly Squat by Karen Leslie Hernandez

karen hernandez You’d think after all these years I would know, right? I would be sure. I could walk comfortably, touting that I am certain, as so many others my age do. The reality is however, I still don’t know. I am very unsure. I am incredibly uncertain.

At 50, I think I have more questions now than ever before. Many times I have moments of panic that challenge what I feel deeply and truly. Moments that challenge my faith and my very understanding of my own existence. Moments where I lose faith in humanity, in my friends, in my family, and in myself.

Yet, maybe that is where the wisdom is. Because if I pretended to never be afraid or uncertain, I would never challenge what I think I know. I would sit, uncomfortably, in unauthentic belief. What a pity that would be.

What am I really thinking…? Continue reading “Today, I am 50. And I Know Jack-Diddly Squat by Karen Leslie Hernandez”

A Crisis of Faith-We’re Not Listening by Karen Hernandez

karen hernandez Orlando. Syria. Sandy Hook. Belgium. Somalia. Ethiopia. Venezuela. Paris.

After the shooting in Orlando I was numb. In fact, every time a mass shooting occurs now, I am numb. I think we all feel that way, but we all handle it in various ways. Within hours, there are blog posts, articles, and news pieces. People explode on social media with memes, arguments, and debates. There’s a whole lot of projection, a whole lot of persecution, and a mess of ideologies. Yet, what have I noted that is lacking? The ability to listen.

It seems Omar Mateen was gay. No one will ever know for sure. Lovers have come forward, information was found on his computer and phone that points to him being gay, yet, it is all speculation. Mateen didn’t just attack a gay nightclub because he was homophobic. It seems his inner demons ate away at his soul. The fact that he was Muslim on top of that, which, if you follow the doctrine, forbids homosexuality, obviously lent to his actions that fateful night.

Let’s say Mateen was gay. His faith dictated to him that he couldn’t be. He struggled. He prayed. He married two women. Then, he killed 49 people.

Yet, what people aren’t seeing is the real crisis here. We’re not listening. Continue reading “A Crisis of Faith-We’re Not Listening by Karen Hernandez”

I Am a High School Drop-Out by Karen Leslie Hernandez

karen hernandez In 1985, four months before I was supposed to graduate from high school, I awoke one morning, made a hasty decision to escape my harsh reality, and by the end of the day, I was a high school drop-out.

Even now, with a BA from Wellesley College and two theological master’s degrees, I have a difficult time admitting I dropped out of high school. It’s not necessarily because I am embarrassed, but more, it is because it reminds me of that very painful time in my life.

My journey is, I am aware, different, to say the least. However, as I rummage through my past, I am always reminded that I didn’t get here alone. No, indeed, there were many beautiful souls that helped me get to where I am today.

In all the work and conversations I have had with women around the world – women in the Slums of Mumbai, domestic violence survivors, rape victims, women that have experienced war and trauma, incest survivors – I am always reminded of one thing – women are all born with strength, beauty, hope, and a future. Somewhere along the way, for many of us, things change, and the sad reality is that things change because of where we are born, or our educational opportunities, or our social class, or our race, or our religion, or our place in the family, or mental illness, or abuse, and so on. I think a lot of times things change for women, simply because we are women. Continue reading “I Am a High School Drop-Out by Karen Leslie Hernandez”

The Primal Connection with Domestic Violence by Karen Hernandez

karen hernandez As we near the end of Domestic Violence Awareness month, I bring attention that as of today, about eighty-four women have died in October in the United States at the hands of their partners.

Eighty-four.

And three or four more will die today.

I was reading the other day about “honor crimes.” Removed from the regions where these acts occur, we here in “the West” judge these crimes, where fathers, husbands, and brothers act on their misogynistic tendencies and kill their daughters, wives, or their sisters for “shaming the family.”

I wonder – how is this act so different from what we call, domestic violence? The impetus for the killing might be different, but the fact remains, it is violence against a familial member, violence in its most intimate form, almost always against women, and violence that stems from control and power, as well as “justification” of ownership and righteousness.

Continue reading “The Primal Connection with Domestic Violence by Karen Hernandez”

How Do You Honor Your Parents, When They Do Not Always Honor You? (Part 2) by Karen Hernandez

karen Read Part I here.

This is the first time I have written openly about my childhood. It isn’t to get back at anyone, it is more to give a voice to the voiceless. I will admit right here, that, of course, I have anger. Yet, I write this not to blame, or to be spiteful, or to seek revenge. Many of us who move through this world with deep resolved and unresolved pain caused by our parents, are told we shouldn’t talk about our abusive past, because it could hurt our parents. To this all I can say is that children grow up. As children we are muted out of fear and ignorance. As adult survivors, we should speak – not to do more harm, but to create change.

I am happy to report that my relationship with my mother is intact. Although she still has an edge to her, she has not hurt me, in any way, shape, or form, for a very long time. I set boundaries, and in those boundaries, she and I have found a way to coexist. My father and I also have a good relationship. Yet as with any relationship that has gone through what he and I went through together, as well as individually, the past affects our interactions, which are, understandably, sometimes heated.

As I write this piece I am thinking of all the other children who are being abused by their parents in unspeakable ways right now. Children who are afraid, feel unloved, and are simply confused. These kids too will grow to be adults – adults who struggle every day to face their past holistically and with love. Or, they will become adults who can’t deal on a non-violent level and end up abusing their family members as well, and the vicious cycle continues. Continue reading “How Do You Honor Your Parents, When They Do Not Always Honor You? (Part 2) by Karen Hernandez”

How Do You Honor Your Parents, When They Do Not Always Honor You? by Karen Hernandez

karen God commands it – Honor your mother and your father.

I believe God passed down this commandment with the meaning that when you do honor your parents, you are honoring God, because, after all, God is our ultimate parent, considered “Father,” to many.

The question begged, however, is what if your parents do not honor you? What if your parents are abusive? What if they treat you with disrespect? Are we, their children, still expected to honor them? Continue reading “How Do You Honor Your Parents, When They Do Not Always Honor You? by Karen Hernandez”