#Protect our children
I woke up recently with a sense of anger in my heart! As the morning continued, I enjoyed my coffee, yet I noticed the feeling still draped around my shoulders like a well-worn coat. So, I began to examine it! Being a seer-feeler I often sense the emotions of others! It doesn’t take me long to understand where this anger is coming from!
Children! Our precious and innocent children!
No! I’m not angry at them but rather, for them! What atrocities many are now having to endure! Not a single one of them asked to be born, yet because we live in a sin-filled world, they are having to pay the price for the evilness heaped on them by men and women all across our area and beyond!
This ‘pandemic’ we are now under has everyone running around much like I imagine Chicken-Little doing in the children’s story yelling, “The sky’s falling! The sky’s falling!” When in fact it is not!
The increase in child abuse is not just here locally but worldwide. “At least 165 countries have shut schools due to the COVID-19 outbreak, impacting more than 1.5 billion children who will have more time to spend online, leaving them prey to sexual predators, said the United Nations children’s agency (UNICEF). UNICEF estimates 1.8 million children are sex trafficked every year – but this does not include cybersex trafficking.” See article http://www.reuters.com
If possible, please monitor your child’s online presence. Many adults prey on the innocence of our children then pounce to abuse them!
Our children are now at home 24 x 7 due to schools shut down because of the C-virus. I ache for these kids. While I do fully understand the necessity to make this decision, I still can’t help but wonder if officials have truly thought out the long-term effects! I do pray there are plans in place.
When a child grows up in an abusive home, they often feel worthless which can haunt them for many years. I’ve fought this demon myself but it’s a lie! My safe haven was school! I knew I was safe there away from the poking and prodding. I also knew I’d receive at least one meal a day which wasn’t always true at home. I knew at school I didn’t have to worry bout strange men dragging me off to my own bedroom!
“If you’ve been told over and over again as a child that you are stupid or no good, it is very difficult to overcome these core feelings. As they grow up, abused kids may neglect their education or settle for low-paying jobs because they don’t believe they are worth more. Sexual abuse survivors, with the stigma and shame surrounding the abuse, often struggle with a feeling of being damaged.” See article http://www.helpguide.org
We have a responsibility to children everywhere! There is hope! It takes all of us working together for the betterment of all involved.
Don’t be afraid to check on your neighbors. It’s recommended to ‘social distance’ not ‘emotional distance’! Remember #faithtrumpsfear! Get creative! Drop off a bag of essentials like toilet paper, games, craft items, a special treat for parents, etc. This virus doesn’t have to stop us from having compassion and love one for another. Bake the kids next door a batch of brownies or cupcakes. Drop them off on the porch, knock then leave. Or toot your car horn to let them know you’ve just dropped off some delicious goodies and don’t forget to leave a note.
This is a time when we all can share our creative ideas on how to connect. God didn’t intend for us to live in isolation! Isolation is a tool of the enemy! It can cause us to get into stinkin’ thinkin’ which does none of us any good!
Please consider posting a sign at home or in your business “Stop Child Abuse” in honor of all our children. April is National Child Abuse Awareness month and as a result of the C-virus shutdown, we have not been able to host our annual awareness event. However, we are utilizing social media to continue to get the word out! No child deserves to be abused!
Together we will help “Spark the Change”!
If at all possible, please create a sign that simply reads, “Stop Child Abuse”! You can use blue ribbons, balloons, paper, etc. Hang it outside your business or home then take a picture of it. Use the hashtag #sparkthechange and upload it to our Facebook page. Let’s flood social media with a positive message as we each stand up for our kids!
Feel free to reach out to: brokenpiecesnomore@gmail.com or www.brokenpiecesnomore.org
On Facebook page or group: Broken Pieces No More Inc