Thank you to Interim Administrator Gary Rosema for recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness month at last night’s Board of Commissioner meeting.
“Child Abuse Is an Attack on God’s Design for the Family.
Of all the dysfunctions that happen in human relationships in our fallen world, child abuse is one of the worst because it victimizes the most innocent and vulnerable among us—sometimes by the very people who are supposed to keep them safe—and the effects often last a lifetime for all involved.
The purpose of Child Abuse Awareness Month is to make us stop living our lives in ignorance of the plight of others. When we are aware of potential abuse, we must do what we can to intercede on the victims’ behalf to stop the abuse. But we also need to be aware that even when the abuse stops, these families and individuals are changed forever; they may need help recovering in everything from physical and developmental deficits to mental health and intimacy issues.
I am thankful for a variety of work that is being done within our county to be proactive at preventing abuse and also to help those who have become victims. I also recognize that while social work and medical care can help with many of these needs, a loving, praying Christian friend can show these families and individuals the ultimate cure.
Jesus Christ created us, knows our needs, and lived and suffered among us. Hurting people need to know that Jesus also suffered for the very same reason that abuse still happens today: sin. The world is groaning due to the sin of people and their rejection of God’s very good plans for humanity. This God of the Bible—far from the false gods of other religions—cares so much, that he stepped into the world to suffer and die himself to do something about it. Jesus conquered sin and death when he rose from the dead and will one day restore everything that the first Adam from the book of Genesis broke. He now offers hope, healing, and an eternal family with a Father who is perfect love.
Whoever needs to hear this today – you are valuable and so dearly loved.”
I also very much appreciated Commissioner Rhodea’s words which can be found at https://www.youtube.com/live/KzvAoUJ38yQ?si=GjqbIOz1isgsVWk7&t=2087 beginning at 4:22:05 – 4:24:38.
