Dear Friends,
Like many of you, I have been watching with keen interest the events surrounding the scandal involving the Weinstein brothers. Harvey and Bob Weinstein own the Weinstein Company, a Hollywood production company, that has churned out such hits as The Kings’ Speech, Django Unchained, Silver Linings Playbook, and The Mist.
The scandal is focused on the pattern of predatory behavior engaged in by Harvey Weinstein (and possibly his brother, too), where he would regularly cross appropriate professional boundaries with actresses and other females working for or seeking to work for films made by the Weinstein Company. Dozens of women have shared their stories of how Harvey Weinstein sexually harassed, touched, and in at least two cases, possibly raped them.
As horrible as this scandal is, there is some good to come of it. This scandal is shedding light on how prevalent a problem this is. Women all over the country are sharing on social media that they also have been victims of this same kind of misconduct simply by posting the message, “me too.” If you’ve seen this post on your social media feed, you know that the problem is larger than anyone imagined (or admitted), and that the number is likely far higher than those brave enough to post about it. There are some real monsters in the world.
What can we do about it?
- First, we must recognize that sexual brokenness, like all sin, is a result of the Fall. That means even in something as horrible as this, we must look for God to be our source of strength and life. For those who are victims of sexual abuse, misconduct, and rape, it is important to know that God’s heart breaks for you, and that God is walking with you through this, and God will never, ever leave you or stop loving you for any reason.
- Second, we need to treat people better. Men, I’m speaking directly to you. Treat every female you encounter the way you wish to be treated – with respect, dignity, fairness, and kindness. Respect appropriate boundaries, and behave in a way that brings glory to God. And most importantly, we need to listen to the stories of the victims. They need to be heard. It is how the healing begins.
Of course, more than this needs to be done, but we need to get the discussion started.
Sincerely,
Pastor John