Child, I’ll Take Care of the Monster

Dear Jesus,

There’s a monster in my room. But it’s not under my bed. It’s neither in my closet nor in my head. He’s very real and very ugly, too. The monster comes out at night, when everyone is asleep. When the house is quite and the lights are off, its deep hollow eyes and scary grabbing claws appear. I wish the covers could protect me, but they disappoint me every time. The monster does mean things and makes me cry. But no one comes to rescue me … and I wonder why. Do they love me? Do You love me? Maybe it’s because I’ve been bad … probably I deserve having the creepy monster in my room, making me sad.

Yours truly,
Child-in-the-room.

Child Abuse is real. Child “sexual” abuse is no phony either. Statistics found on childhelp.org reveals, “Every year, more than 3 million reports of child abuse are made in the United States involving more than 6 million children. And the prevalence of sexual abuse is 20.7%, according to reports from participants in a childhood experiences study.”

This problem is not going away unless we accept the facts and start working towards a solution. Sexual offenses against children are heartless. However, the culprits will not go unpunished. “It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.” (Luke 17:2)

It’s an uncomfortable topic. Still, don’t sweep child sexual abuse under the carpet and don’t look the other way. Take notice. Be willing to help. Take action. A child experiencing sexual abuse may be depressed, withdrawn, show excessive fear, or even extreme aggression. The child may complain of genital irritation or pain, and there might be swelling and bruising. Also, listen to your children’s body language as well as their words. Then your actions, after listening, should echo your love for them. Sexual abuse occurring in childhood has life-changing long-term effects. Remember, “Broken children make broken adults.”

Dear Child-in-the-room,

I know you’re hurting. I feel your pain and I cry when you cry. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of the monster. I’ve heard your prayers and I’m sending help. Nothing you could ever do, will cause me to turn my back on you. You are loved. Even if no one else loves you, I love you, and I will never forsake you. (Psalm 27:10)

Yours forever,
Jesus.

What can you do to stomp out child sexual abuse?

Resources to help you help a child:
Childhelp.org 1-800-4-A-CHILD
Safehorizon.org 1-800-621-HOPE
Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-344-6000