Standing in the Breach

At the recent World Church Leadership Council meeting, Apostle Rick Maupin led a worship service focused on “standing in the breach.” Becky Savage, a member of the First Presidency, shared a testimony. Since high priests often find themselves “standing in the breach,” we asked their permission to share these thoughts with you.

By Rick Maupin—Council of Twelve

The restoring of persons to healthy or righteous relationships with God, others, themselves, and the earth is at the heart of the purpose of your journey as a people of faith. —Doctrine and Covenants 163:2b

From time to time in ancient cities, the walls surrounding the city would become damaged and a gaping hole would be left. That hole left the inhabitants in a vulnerable position to possible intruders. When this would happen, a call would go out for someone to come and stand in the breach—to stand in the place that had become weak and vulnerable. Those persons standing in the breach would stand there on behalf of those living behind the wall, providing protection and caring for them. On more than one occasion we find in the Old Testament how God called on persons to stand in the breach on behalf of their community. At the heart of our purpose is restoration, requiring some persons to stand in the breach on behalf of others.

By Becky Savage—The First Presidency

Nurses are required to complete continuing education courses to renew their professional licensure. The purpose of the training is to provide updated information on crucial topics that affect the level of care of atrisk groups of people. One of the required courses for nurses working in Florida, USA, includes a study of domestic violence. Most people are familiar with the results of physical trauma inflicted primarily on women and children. There are numerous other, less obvious, consequences of domestic violence. Domestic violence is the use of physical abuse, verbal or emotional abuse, sexual abuse, or economic abuse (e.g., withholding money, lying about assets) to exert power or control over someone or to prevent someone from making a free choice.

Domestic violence is a crime in all fifty states. Three-fourths of domestic violence victims are women. Domestic violence is a major public health problem in the United States and around the world.

An abuser inflicts more than physical injury. Examples of modes of violence include sexual violence, threats of physical or sexual violence, emotional and psychological violence, and stalking—including cyberstalking.

Abusers often inflict emotional trauma through control. Controlling behaviors include humiliation, withholding information, denying necessities, prohibiting conversations with family or friends, insisting on excessive work, or denying activities outside the home.

While working as an emergency room nurse, I cared for women who suffered from domestic violence. It was common for the women to give vague or inconsistent explanations for their injury or illness. Because of the emotional trauma, the women were reluctant to fully disclose the reasons for their ER visits. Through the control of the abuser, the victim often loses their voice and ability to protect themselves.

The nurse can function in the breach as a voice for the voiceless. They can provide victims with privacy and safety from their abusers. The history and examination time allows the nurse to ask sensitive questions that would not be answered in the presence of the abuser. This is also a time when information regarding safe houses and community resources may be provided.

High priests stand for justice and peace. Learn the signs and symptoms of abuse. Collect community resource information and keep it available. Stay alert to signs of emotional and physical distress. Partner with another minister and offer assistance when it is safe for the victim. It is advisable to include a woman when offering such ministry. Prayerfully ask for guidance regarding where your ministry is needed. You, too, can stand in the breach for persons suffering domestic violence.