NPR: Speaking the Painful Truth

Speaking the Painful Truth

A potpourri this morning. We normally try to do our INTERNATIONAL BRIEFING on THURSDAYS, but we really wanted to hear how the Obama's soon to be nomination is playing overseas. We had two great guests, one of whom you've met before and another whom you will certainly hear from again.

Our second piece is a continuation of sorts, of a conversation that began last week. It's about a tough subject: rape. Hard to talk about, but even harder to live through. But I think you'll find in both of our guests' stories the kind of inspiration that transcends the ugliness of the crimes committed against them.

Aarlyn Mills first told her story in the Washington Post Magazine a week ago. Here it is.
It was written by Les Carpenter and I am sure you will find it as riveting as I did.

And if you missed it, here is a link to the articles by Joanna Connors. We featured her on our program last Monday.

In both cases the issue is this: it's one of the ugliest possible crimes, committed in secret. Maybe it is not intended but it almost always has the effect of silencing the victims, causing them to feel powerless, dirty and ashamed. So what if the victim flips the script? What if the victim refuses to stay silent? That's the course both of these women took in different ways. We hope that grace and peace finds them. They have surely done their part to seek it.

And a continuation of a conversation we began earlier, in connection with the Obama's troubled relationship with Rev. Jeremiah Wright and his church, Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. The Obama finally decided to leave the church. Take a listen to our conversation with two distinguished clergy members and a very committed Catholic writer and blogger about why to leave, when to leave, and how faith conversations might change in the YouTube era.

Plus my thoughts on the sanctity of the ... well ... sanctuary.

Stay cool. We're roasting here in DC.

Michel Martin

2:51 PM ET | 06- 9-2008 | permalink

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2:51 PM ET | 06- 9-2008 | permalink

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What a strong woman. Thanks for your sensitive interview with Aarlyn Mills. I was very moved by the Post article. Hearing her speak adds another dimension. She seems at peace and seems to have come a long way. May she and her siblings find everlasting peace in their lives.

It seems that so many adults failed them, maybe b/c they were blinded by the work that Bevel had done in the Civil Rights Mov't. I do hope that adults will learn what happens when they do not protect children.

Sent by KALW Country | 1:45 AM ET | 06-10-2008

I wanted to comment on the conversation from a couple of days ago regarding the orientation of church sermons: private or public, local or international. To me the conversation came across as if it was about whether a sermon should be politically correct. As one saved by the gospel of Christ I find this a mute issue. Sermons should be inspired by God. The one delivering the sermon only needs to be concerned about whether God has inspired their words. The minister is the sower; his job is simply to sew the word. God handles the weather and it is up to each of us to ensure that the soil of our heart is prepared for God's word. For a minister to approach a sermon based on how it will be received by parishioners means the parishioners have become the masters. There is only one master in God's house and that is God. It is a Theocracy not a Democracy. In the age of deception the red pill is often hard to swallow but we need the vision it brings.

Sent by D.L. Fuller | 4:31 PM ET | 06-10-2008

I think it took allot of strength for Aaralyn Mills to tell her story. Given that her father WAS held in such high esteem I would think it took a great deal of strength and courage. As a father of a daughter I can't understand how another father could violate their daughter, and as a brother of two sisters, I would do great harm to my father if he violated my sisters with rape. The stories make me angry and sad. Hopefully this story, and the others, will help other women find their voice and give them courage to tell their story about the psychotic men that have abused them.

Sent by GlennD | 5:25 PM ET | 06-10-2008

Michel,

Your commentary on the Obamas leaving their church was superb.

It seems that every time you feel compelled to give commentary, you are absolutely and I, for one, hope for more.

Sent by JR in Cincinnati | 2:37 PM ET | 06-12-2008

I live in Z??rich, Switzerland and continue to be moved by the Swiss response to Obama's Primary win.
In a land where we recently had an incredibly hateful anti-immigration campaign.
A group of white sheep were kicking a black sheep off of an image of a Swiss flag in one advertisement for the campaign.
At the risk of sounding like Michelle Obama, I am shocked and warmed by the fact that I can finally feel proud of my country.
I'm so happy to have you all connecting me to my homeland, via podcast. Keep it coming and thank you.

Sent by Jessica Mijnssen (Mine-son) | 3:12 PM ET | 06-21-2008

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