The Approved vs The Fallen

No time for parables with this one.

Do you know these aunties?

The ones who are fluent in every kind of religious language and carry a spiritometer in their bags?

The ones whom you trusted you could run to as a safe space?

The ones who turn their backs on women newly separated, divorced, single mothers, and those they view as not being good enough?

The ones who will urge you to stay and pray to save your marriage?

The ones who will be so quick to blame you and spread gossip?

The ones who blank you if you don’t remain, but who would never wish the same situation on their daughters?

The ones who are only on your side when you do everything they say?

The ones, many of whom wish they could actually have the guts you gathered to leave the hell you were in? The martyrs of marriage!

The ones who send you only platitudes, and no tangible help?

The ones who value the image of a perfect marriage over a truly peaceful one?

The ones who tell you ‘men will be men,’ and raise their boys to believe such?

The ones who raise their girls to believe the very same?

The ones who were raised to believe this?

The ones who enable and empower the patriarchy?

Do you know these aunties?

Pray for them.

They actually need just as much help as you do.