Sometimes all we can do in life is ask “why”–

why pain and sorrow

why disappointment and discouragement?

The heart of a parent is broken in witnessing a child’s misery.

It is broken and most likely, helpless.

Today, I offer a prayer for those parents and families whose lives are rent by the pain of a child

who has suffered sexual abuse:

God–we have to talk.

Listen, please—

I feel so horribly alone.

I need to tell my story to someone who will

hold it in a safe place

who might understand even a little bit.

Listen–

I entrusted this precious child into the safety of your hands.

Where were you when he hurt her again and again

when he stole her soul?

Are you not the giver and maker and protector of our souls?

She is so broken 

yet flaunts this life changing hideousness

as though it were some sick badge of honor,

Listen, please—

I need you to walk with her

though she rejects you

bursts into episodes that uproot this household like a hurricane stripping all in its path

and devastating this marriage

.Must we all be held hostage?

Listen–

I so want to believe that you are here with us

sitting with your head in your hands

sobbing

for the destruction of our lives

for the waste of her life

for the wound that aches without end…

and I remember—

you, too, were raped

on that cross

all whom you trusted abandoning you

betraying you

leaving you naked and bruised and broken

and horribly alone.

©Nancie Chmielewski updated 4/8/15