I've been obsessed with all things Tim Ballard since allegations came out. Before that, I sort of just thought his whole propositioning as the white savior of children was weird and that he probably wasn't doing things totally above ground with the organization. But then all the allegations started breaking and I haven't been able to look away. My husband was asking me why and I couldn't put my thumb on it for a while until I realized how much he reminded me of the nearly 30 year-old man who "dated" (aka groomed and abused me) when I was just 18 and on the other side of the continent from any support network. After he was incredibly confrontational with my and my roommates at an activity and was making it difficult to attend church, I went to the bishop to alert him. And, I'm quite certain nothing happened to this 30 year-old who was regularly around 18 year-old girls who were away from their support networks because he later ended up marrying one (and they have since divorced). And this whole Tim Ballard finally facing the music thing felt like vindication for my 18 year-old self because SO OFTEN there is absolutely no adverse affects for people like Tim and my own abuser. THANK YOU, Meg, for calling him out initially and believing everyone who came to you and trying to get their stories told. You are a hero of women.
You are truly something, Meg. I wish protection and strength for you, so that your stress doesn't harm you as well. Your courage is impossible to understand, and I'm grateful for it.
As usual, Meg, you’re excellent at noticing that every story is more than one story. Yes, the OUR story matters, but what also matters is your story—the story of how your hurt and trauma were (so to speak) a small price to pay so that business as usual could continue for Ballard and co. That’s a terrible, horrible story, but I’m glad you’re finding the courage to tell it. And I’m glad that Peggy had your back. She’s a good one.
You’re really brave for putting this piece out there. And I hope you know it’s okay to show yourself a little grace and gather yourself against the dishwasher before stepping out again as a warrior.
Meg this is so incredible--and so admire your ability to see truth and not let it stop with you. I am sending so much love and hopefully some healing space for you to hold through all of this--it is not easy to go through all that you have and yet the telling, the bearing witness is everything. Always in your corner. 💜
So grateful for your words and your courage and your resilience. I’ve been sharing your pieces left and right because his fictional movie was a *big hit* in evangelical spaces and my people need to wake the fuck up.
I don’t know what to say. Thank you for your bravery, your writing, your steadfast commitment to writing truth and supporting others. And I’m so sorry for the impact and the toll this is taking on you. It’s ok to take care of yourself. And I wish and hope that others around you take care of you too, and make sure you have some peace of mind among all of this.
I felt so many things reading this! Sorrow, Outrage, Heartbreak, Anger, and a host of other emotions I can't even name. I wish I could wrap you in a warm hug right now, and I also wish I could round up a gang and go after Tim Ballard with torches and pitchforks. Does this make sense? Praying protection for you and your loved ones, precious Meg. You are an observer, a truth teller, and a shining light in the darkness!!! Xoxox
Your bravery, eloquence, empathy, and overall brilliancy make you an inspiring human being. Thank you for being a steady light amid such darkness. I wish you all the safety in the world. A big hug feom Portugal
Thank you for continuing to do this work. And also, I'm sorry. You shouldn't have to.
I know it's such a small thing amongst the whole issue and this whole piece, but his connection to Glenn Beck simultaneously came as a shock and... didn't surprise me at all?
I am so sorry. I am so thankful.
My heart aches 😔
I've been obsessed with all things Tim Ballard since allegations came out. Before that, I sort of just thought his whole propositioning as the white savior of children was weird and that he probably wasn't doing things totally above ground with the organization. But then all the allegations started breaking and I haven't been able to look away. My husband was asking me why and I couldn't put my thumb on it for a while until I realized how much he reminded me of the nearly 30 year-old man who "dated" (aka groomed and abused me) when I was just 18 and on the other side of the continent from any support network. After he was incredibly confrontational with my and my roommates at an activity and was making it difficult to attend church, I went to the bishop to alert him. And, I'm quite certain nothing happened to this 30 year-old who was regularly around 18 year-old girls who were away from their support networks because he later ended up marrying one (and they have since divorced). And this whole Tim Ballard finally facing the music thing felt like vindication for my 18 year-old self because SO OFTEN there is absolutely no adverse affects for people like Tim and my own abuser. THANK YOU, Meg, for calling him out initially and believing everyone who came to you and trying to get their stories told. You are a hero of women.
You are truly something, Meg. I wish protection and strength for you, so that your stress doesn't harm you as well. Your courage is impossible to understand, and I'm grateful for it.
As usual, Meg, you’re excellent at noticing that every story is more than one story. Yes, the OUR story matters, but what also matters is your story—the story of how your hurt and trauma were (so to speak) a small price to pay so that business as usual could continue for Ballard and co. That’s a terrible, horrible story, but I’m glad you’re finding the courage to tell it. And I’m glad that Peggy had your back. She’s a good one.
You’re really brave for putting this piece out there. And I hope you know it’s okay to show yourself a little grace and gather yourself against the dishwasher before stepping out again as a warrior.
Meg this is so incredible--and so admire your ability to see truth and not let it stop with you. I am sending so much love and hopefully some healing space for you to hold through all of this--it is not easy to go through all that you have and yet the telling, the bearing witness is everything. Always in your corner. 💜
Absolutely heartbreaking and amazing as well. Blessings to you and the fam Meg. He could never bury you, you’re a seed 🌱🙏🏾💯💯
So grateful for your words and your courage and your resilience. I’ve been sharing your pieces left and right because his fictional movie was a *big hit* in evangelical spaces and my people need to wake the fuck up.
I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for your bravery. Thank you for your voice. Thank you for continuing to write this all down.
I don’t know what to say. Thank you for your bravery, your writing, your steadfast commitment to writing truth and supporting others. And I’m so sorry for the impact and the toll this is taking on you. It’s ok to take care of yourself. And I wish and hope that others around you take care of you too, and make sure you have some peace of mind among all of this.
Meg, I wish I could be a safe space buddy for you. I would help keep the water cold enough to keep you from panic. I'm holding you in my heart.
Meg, I wish I could be a safe space buddy for you. I would help keep the water cold enough to keep you from panic. I'm holding you in my heart.
I felt so many things reading this! Sorrow, Outrage, Heartbreak, Anger, and a host of other emotions I can't even name. I wish I could wrap you in a warm hug right now, and I also wish I could round up a gang and go after Tim Ballard with torches and pitchforks. Does this make sense? Praying protection for you and your loved ones, precious Meg. You are an observer, a truth teller, and a shining light in the darkness!!! Xoxox
Your bravery, eloquence, empathy, and overall brilliancy make you an inspiring human being. Thank you for being a steady light amid such darkness. I wish you all the safety in the world. A big hug feom Portugal
Thank you for continuing to do this work. And also, I'm sorry. You shouldn't have to.
I know it's such a small thing amongst the whole issue and this whole piece, but his connection to Glenn Beck simultaneously came as a shock and... didn't surprise me at all?