“I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” - Christopher Reeve
I couldn’t help but brush aside a few tears upon seeing and reading Airdrie resident Dani Polsom’s valiant disclosure on the front page of the Calgary Herald a couple of weeks back. The tears were quickly replaced, however, by a sense of intense pride at what this young leader has accomplished.
You see, I know something of the risk-taking bravery it takes for any abused woman to come forward and privately confide the details of such horror to anyone, not to mention what’s required to agreeing to have your picture depicted on the front-page of a weekend issue of a major Canadian daily newspaper. So thank you, Dani for caring enough about the welfare of others to lead by example with respect to putting a pretty face on the kind of revolting stories of this nature we encounter far too often today.
Almost 30 years ago while a seminary student in Chicago, I had opportunity to research a component of the scandal regarding the sickening prevalence of sexual abuse in North American society. That was before anyone at all was talking about it – even before the sordid details of priests abusing altar boys or coaches taking advantage of young athletes became regular fodder in the daily news. When I began at my first church in a moderate-sized city in Canada and revealed the nature of my recent research in the local newspaper, my phone began to ring delivering what was to become a far too frequent request from women in the community: “Is it possible to come and talk to you about a private matter?”
Not much has changed in that regard in subsequent years. Over the 10 years I’ve been in Airdrie, I’ve chatted with way too many of both genders all with sordid accounts to tell of being sexually abused by a parent, a sibling, a relative, a “friend,” a youth worker and, yes, even by teachers, coaches and pastors. It is never easy to hear and even far, far more intimidating for victims to relate that which has seldom, if ever, been divulged to anyone.
As I read the various newspaper accounts of Dani’s bravery in initiating and navigating the necessary legal hurdles in order to openly advocate on behalf of those who, like her, have been silenced too long, I found it deeply encouraging to learn of the strong support she has received from her mother, from MLA Rob Anderson and from those who signed petitions. Causing the provincial government to identify 17 recommendations aimed at correcting the gross injustice Dani was dealt by Alberta’s legal system is no small accomplishment! Indeed, her courage reminds us all that bravery can still make a difference. Difficult as it is, standing tall and speaking up in the face of injustice and lack of common sense is still the right thing to do. Being our brother’s keeper is still a virtuous pursuit.
So, here’s a “shout-out” to you, Dani Polsom, and all who have stood with you through your lengthy, awful nightmare. I know something of the fortitude required to do what you have done. To be on the receiving end of unimaginable evil yet ultimately find the wherewithal to conquer it by becoming an activist for good is so eminently honorable. You are a hero among us, Dani, and so very deserving of our accolades and God’s blessings.
Tim Callaway is pastor of Faith Community Baptist Church in Airdrie. He can be reached at [email protected]
