There’s an old picture, hanging on the wall, to my right.
I’ve seen the
painting, again and again, but this copy is the oldest print of the scene I’ve
ever come across. The painting was passed down from my wife's grandmother. Of
course, you can easily tell from the title of this daily devotion, that I’m
speaking of the famous picture of a beautiful angel, a sister and a brother.
The angel has
brought the little siblings safely across the old, wooden bridge, a waterfall
in the background, a chasm beneath. The children seem a bit oblivious to the
danger, but the angel’s smile reflects her understanding, and protective
nature.
I’ve been
wondering about the multitude of child abductions, rapes and murders lately.
They are rampant throughout the country. Children have “gone missing” in
greater numbers than I’ve ever been aware. Child molesters seem to have set up
residence on virtually every corner.
At least forty
percent of my female clients have a history of childhood sexual abuse. It
effects them in various ways. Some slight. Some intense.
More often, than not it was a family member, or
step-parent.
It has been
beyond my ability to understand The Creator’s care for children. So many grow
up in miserable homes, and have been abused by a host of individuals.
I find in such
cases that I simply don’t have answers, and nothing I’ve done has conjured them
up, or has allowed me to understand. I only know, and I have only said that Our
Lord weeps with those little ones who have been harmed, by what they considered
to be trusted adults in their lives.
In this regard,
my understanding is like a fading portrait or darkened mirror.
By William McDonald, PhD. Excerpt from "Unconventional Devotions" Copyright 2005
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