Titus 2 Men And Women

Confronting Abuse

All that is required for the triumph of evil is that good people remain silent and do nothing. (Edmund Burke)

By------Children Are Worth saving…. C.A.W.S. ---caws.com
Child abuse has been proven to be one of the leading causes of childhood deaths in this nation. According to recent studies every 4 seconds a child is abused and every 7 minutes a child's life is lost.

If you or any member of your family are being abused or know of someone who is being abused you MUST take it seriously and REPORT IT. This problem is a devastating nationwide problem that more often then not goes unreported because people don't want to get involved. As teachers, childcare workers, principals, doctors, or any other professionals it is your duty to report suspected abuse or neglect. As a friend, neighbor or even a relative it is also your duty if you suspect someone is being abused to call.

We as a society; therefore, must come together and stand as one to fight against it! By breaking the cycle now.

For the children suffering at the hands of an abuser violence simply becomes a way of life. They in turn grow up thinking and believing that hurting people is a normal part of everyday life and; therefore, it is an acceptable behavior and the cycle of abuse continues as they become parents and abuse their children and their children abuse theirs and so on and so on as the vicious cycle of abuse continues for many generations. This surely is not surprising to any of us, is it? After all we know children learn what they live. In case anyone needs reminding, here's something that perhaps should be printed out and displayed as a reminder for every household who has young children or who deals with children on a daily basis.

Oh, But I'm a Christian
By Teddi Neevel

This is an area where there are a number of factors to consider.
We are taught from an early age to respect authority. None of us wants to be the one standing alone challenging authority, particularly in a Baptist church or in a Christian school. The fear of speaking out is magnified when you only have a feeling that "something is not right". We all know Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

If we don't KNOW something is true we ignore thinking about the possibility in an attempt to keep our thoughts pure. This is denial from a Christian perspective. If I don't KNOW about it, I can't prevent it and I won't feel guilty. If you have a 'feeling' that something is happening, your options are limited but you CANNOT deny your God given instincts and remain guilt free.

1. You can pray for the Holy Spirit to give you discernment James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
2. You can pray for the peace of God. Phillipians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
3. You can go to the person you suspect and confront them without accusing them, as Nathan did King David. Make them aware that you are watching them. If you have seen a reaction or response that seems inappropriate you must confront the issue.

We do not want to start a "witch hunt" nor do we want to start turning over rocks to see what crawls out from under them, but we need to be aware of those around us. We need to recognize that a position, ie; pastor, teacher, husband, father, uncle, etc. deserves respect but not blind trust. Trust is earned and kept by right behavior. All of the adults and authority figures in our lives are human beings with sinful natures. To blindly trust a person because of their position is foolishness.

Do you remember the story of Korah from Numbers 16? Korah was the great grandson of Levi, a member of the priestly tribe. Numbers 16:2 And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown: Yet Korah, and his 250 friends decided they could do things their own way. These men weren't a band of thieves, they were recognized and respected men of Israel. Then look at Numbers 16:26 And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins. After the innocent moved away God judged the sin of Korah and his followers.

You need to recognize that you may be accused of being a talebearer or of causing division and may actually have to change churches. The fact remains that we can not ignore sin, we must confront it. Silence is Satan's stronghold. As long as no one tells, an abuser is free to continue abusing.

When you die, when Christ returns and time as we now know it ends, what is the only thing you can take to heaven with you? The only things from this earth you will have with you are the souls of those you have helped to win for Christ. Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. We must listen, watch, protect and rescue children from abuse.

We need to slow down and listen, really listen to those around us. If a child says "I don't like him/her." Ask why? If they say he/she hurt me. Ask how they were hurt? How many girls have said 'I don't like Uncle Jim.' and are told 'Don't talk that way, it's naughty. Uncle Jim loves you.' How many walking wounded have said 'I don't like Grandpa Ralph, he hurt me.' Only to hear 'Don't be silly, Grandpa Ralph was only playing, he loves you.'

The easiest child to prey on, is the child who's parents say, "It could never happen to my child." Admitting that a danger exists allows you to recognize it when you see it.

Procedures for parents of abused children:

1. Be sure to respond calmly to your child
2. Be sure that your child is safe from further abuse.
3. Reassure your child that he/she is safe, that he/she made the right decision in telling you, and that you will help.
4. Let your child know that what has happened to him/her is in no way the child's fault.
5. If indicated, obtain the appropriate medical, emotional, and legal help for your child's needs.
6. Make sure other family members respect your child's privacy. Explicit details aren't necessary, only the information that this person in the family has had a bad experience and that it is now safe. Let the child lead the way in communicating about what has happened to him/her but give enough information to other children in the family to ensure their safety.
7. Try to follow normal routines around your home. Your child is still the same person as before and may need to have constant reassurance of this fact.
8. If your child has been abused, you will be dealing with some hard feelings of your own. If you need it, don't hesitate to seek professional help. It is hard to help your child if you are too upset yourself.
9. If the abuse in happening in the family, seek professional help. Keeping abuse a secret helps no one, and may even cause a recurrence.
   

by--Broken Spirits--brokenspirits.com

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