by Jeannie Moore Sexual abuse is widespread. Some estimate that as many as a third of all girls are molested. And it’s damaging; it brings physical, emotional, and psychological trauma that may last a lifetime. Children often keep sexual abuse a secret. Sometimes they do so because they don’t have the language to describe…
Category: Home and Family
Betrayal
After years of deception, the ugly truth comes out. by Jeannie Moore The day started off like any normal day for me. I met my husband, Jerry,* at our favorite restaurant for lunch. We discussed the children’s program we both were involved in at church. We briefly talked about my classes at the college…
What You Should Know about Child Abuse and Neglect
What can we do about this modern crisis? by Jill Davis Remember the H1N1 flu virus that President Barack Obama called a national emergency in the fall of 2009? Once 1,000 people died from the disease, the World Health Organization warned of a worldwide pandemic. Our health care system quickly mobilized as the public…
Child Beater
From rage to joy, hatred to love. by Kay Cherry* as told to Muriel Larson Raging with anger, I struck fiercely at my small daughter. She cringed in terror from the blows. Suddenly, I stopped and looked in horror at my tightly curled fist, then buried my face in my hands and wept. I’m…
From Hurt to Healing
Deliverance from the nightmare of spousal abuse. by Kay May with Muriel Larson Norm seemed like such a nice guy when we dated. He had a great sense of humor, and we laughed a lot. We went to church together. He professed to be a Christian and even taught a Bible school class. Little…
Good for Something
Seeing our worth in the eyes of God. by JoAnn Wray “Stop squirming! Hold still while I tie your shoe.” Whack! The frustrated mother slapped the four-year-old across the face. Then she twisted his arm for emphasis. “I said hold still!” The boy looked at his mom, bewildered. I could see his pain clearly….
Healing for the Hateful Heart
A woman learns to cut loose the ties the bind. by Lynne Collins* as told to Muriel Larson I was twenty when it happened. One evening I was washing dishes in the kitchen sink. The sound of the television in the living room kept my baby content; I could hear him banging his toys….
Helping Victims of Domestic Violence
When ignorance isn’t bliss. by Bette Nordberg When Nita moved in across the street, Susan was delighted to find that her new neighbor was also a full-time mom. Over time their friendship grew to include carpooling duties and occasional morning coffee. Though Susan had never known anyone in a violent relationship, it wasn’t long…
Holy Hypocrite
Singing, serving, smiling — but looks can be deceiving. by Don Cox as told to Muriel Larson In my home, I was the king; my family members were the peasants. At least that was the way I saw things. Whenever there was the slightest resistance to my will, my violent temper could assert itself….
Honor My Mother?
A new adventure of biblical truth. by Betty Smith Sixteen-year-old Angela struggled to find the chord among the piano keys. She pressed a combination. The sound made me cringe. “It’s okay,” I assured her. As I reached for the keyboard, I felt my heart quickening. My hand trembled as it hovered over the keys….