By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
Pentecostal Prophetess Juanita Bynum has risen from the ashes like a phoenix rising.
Or at least it seems that way.
Just a little over a week after her alleged abuse spread like wildfire, the "beat up from the feet up" televangelist spoke publicly for the first time since the arrest of her husband -- and accused batterer -- Bishop Thomas W. Weeks, III.
The celebrated celebrity clergywoman addressed a throng of journalists Tuesday afternoon in Atlanta, saying it has been a difficult time for her but that she forgives Weeks and wishes him the best.
Just like the Christian doctrine states.
"I wouldn't say that I've been hiding," the popular gospel industry personality said. "I didn't feel the need that it be discussed publicly because some things you go through and you deal with it."
"Relationships are what they are. Relationships are difficult moments and until that night in the parking lot I realized it was more than just a difficult moment that this was a crisis and this was something that would be addressed."
To recap, Two days later he turned himself into authorities and now faces charges of aggravated assault and terroristic threats following the near fatal confrontation.
Bynum, a former anorexic, welfare recipient, and Pan-Am flight attendant, maintained that she did not want to be seen as a "damsel in distress."
"I believe that I represent every woman all over this world," she said. "In Africa, in Italy, there are woman all over the world that have experienced what I've been through. And I've taken a position. Instead of a victim, I want to become an advocate."
She wouldn't comment on whether she would assist in the prosecution of her husband, who is free on bond.
Known to many of her faithful flock as "Mother," "Sister," "Minister" and "Prophetess," the Chicago native later appeared on the TBN's 'Praise The Lord' program, a Christian talk show -- and reigned supreme.
On the show, Bynum said she had no bitterness toward Weeks -- who is due back in court Friday -- and would not say anything negative about him.
Comments: (155)
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By: Natalia on 9/05/2007 11:48AM
Please be an advocate for battered women. You could help so many. Visit http://executees.net and enter to win your Free T-Shirt.
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By: pastor roland johnson on 9/06/2007 8:06AM
jaunaita, my wife and i love you and your work for the lord! thank god that you are alright! im not going to preach to you or qoute scriptures, stay focused, and faithful.i know i don't have to tell you this but, don't worry about what the people say just be concerned about what our lord and saviour jesus christ see's in your heart! we love you!!
pastor and first lady roland and monica johnson: love faith and praise ministry!
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By: T on 9/05/2007 12:25PM
The Devil meant it for Bad but God meant it for Good. I know the situation was horrible to go through but God also went through persecution for us so now by walking through those shoes you will be able to affect so many lives. This is just another Level God is taken you through. May peace and blessing follow you
We love you sister
T Childress
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By: tamara on 9/05/2007 1:03PM
Please, I know what I am about to say will upset a great deal of people however not everyone is a fan. I have always felt that she was more into the glamour and money than the spiritual. It has been mentioned before that they were not together when they gave a couples seminar when they should have just cancel and gave any money back. It appears that maybe they lived beyond their means and sometimes the Lord makes hidden aforefront when people are deceiving others in his name. No, I am not blaming the victim and when looking at the fact that this man beat on her in public says a great deal about his anger and the issues that may have gotten him to that part such as he may have believed that she signed on to all the various things he owe over 100 million in debt and maybe he felt she had a part to do with it and maybe she signed on not wanting to discourage him .... anyway I do not know if being an advocate should be in her best interest...how about taking time and reconnecting with God and finding out what he wants, maybe he may have another avenue instead of speaking for women in africa, or italy her words not mine maybe she should speak about the fact that all kinds of abuse happens across the board and it does not know a name or a face. That all acts are violent but this holy than thou please
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By: Blessed by the best on 9/05/2007 1:31PM
Praise the Lord! I want to say that if God be for you, who could be against you.
I pray that what the devil tried to make out for their bad, God makes if for their good. The devil comes to kill, steal and destroy. If she decides to take him back that is between her, him & God.
Some would say she was beaten down like a whore and they wouldn’t take that. Women take men back after cheating on them. What I might take, you might not take. I pray that God’s perfect will be done. I pray the best for them both. The devil is always trying to find ways to discredit any of God's children.
Hang in there and know that God will see you through.
Only God can judge!
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By: Miss Jay on 9/05/2007 1:46PM
She is very pretty and we must remember forgiveness is the first step in recovering and moving on. That does not mean to go back to the abuser.
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By: Moni on 9/05/2007 2:21PM
Without knowing or needing to know what Mrs. Bynum or her husband Mr. Weeks were going through as a couple, I would like to say that sometimes we blame the devil for things that God is trying to get through to us. Yes, I believe that the devil makes you feel good about what you are doing and as evangelists they most assuredly know that God will put you through the ringer to pass His test(s) so much taht you feel bad while you are going through it. I hope they both continue to work towards passing God's test for them whatever that may be. Lord knows I am.
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By: ANN F. on 9/06/2007 12:40PM
I just want to say that I know you have been through some difficult times. This will not Bring you down sister. Keep praising your Lord.You are blessed.
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By: Inspire on 9/05/2007 3:12PM
God Bless Sister Bynum and her estranged husband, Bishop Weeks.
There situation has helped me to learn that I cannot become a Christian celebrity. I cannot use God to get famous. Jesus, not man, must always be the focus in God's Kingdom. God will not share HIS glory with another. Some of us are guilty of making God's out of Christian Ministers and we have got to stop it. It must be exposed so that GOD can close it. It's not healthy for us or them.
The truth always comes to light. God allowed Sister Bynum to get a beat down in public for a reason. He allowed her to be humbled and humiliated in public for a reason and I don't have the answer. But, I do know that her beat down has created an opportunity for all of us to search our own hearts and if there is anything in us that is unlike HIM (GOD)we mush ask HIM (GOD)to remove it or HE will allow us to be exposed, humbled, and humiliated in someway.
God Bless Sister Bynum to continue to walk in humility and God please help Bishop Weeks to be delivered from the spirit of anger. God please help all of us to love like YOU and live like Jesus. To God Be The Glory.
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By: keggape on 9/06/2007 12:49AM
I do believe that Mrs. Weeks is more worldly and dramatic than suits her "calling." I have seen/heard her demean & belittle her husband and used him negatively to illustrate her point, publicly.
As reported, she followed him out to the parking lot. If 2 people are in a heated dispute, and 1 walks away, (indidcating that they are unwilling to continue the dispute) what sane person would follow in pursuit of an angry person?
Mr. Weeks seemed more polished and articulate than his wife but she apparently was more financially fixed. However, his manhood did not need to be assaulted. Clearly he brought something to the table that she needed/wanted and vice versa.
I watched the 1st night of her recent Conference and she was amazing, shocking; she was self obsessed, bragging and seemed to be out of control. I thought she was in the midst of a breakdown. Some people were yelling and a few looked puzzled. Although I feel that no one deserves a beat down I agree that perhaps Mrs. Bynum-Weeks should be on a long hiatus, pray and meditate and see if God wants to redirect her before coming out half baked and trying to lead people.
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