My friends, the Lord laid something on my heart that I need to share with you. Jamestown Area School District informed families that all students will be distance learning for the first nine weeks of the school year. In other words, they’ll be learning online.
Some families are delighted to have their children distance learning, because it means more family time. Some are coping with it as best they can as they struggle with parents’ and guardians’ work schedules. To many families, distance learning will include a learning curve for everyone. But that’s the main challenge: Learning to adapt.
Not so for others. No. There is another group for whom this news is absolutely devastating: Abused children.
When I was in an inpatient psychiatric center and in a nine-week-long group therapy program several years ago, I learned more than I could possibly have imagined about the long-term damage of child abuse.
I met some of the most beautiful, wounded souls I’ll ever meet at these two facilities. The emotional and mental scars lingered, in many cases, 40 or 50 years after the abuse ended. Some had turned to alcohol or drugs. Others raged. All of them considered themselves unworthy.
Now picture what abused children are feeling today, knowing their school, their one safe place, isn’t opening this fall, or maybe even the entire school year. They’re stuck at home, in their prison. They’re probably not afraid of a virus, something they can’t see, and may never experience. They’re afraid of their father’s fists, or their mother’s hair brush or broom handle. They’re afraid of the words of hatred they hear every day from people who should be protecting and loving them.
I’m not saying the abuse would magically end if schools reopen. But I AM saying these kids would have a better chance at getting away from their abusers if they were in school. Teachers are required to report suspected child abuse.
So many people are bowing to fear of a virus, something they can’t control, something they can only try to prevent, while children in our community live moment to moment in fear of someone they can’t control, of beatings and other forms of abuse, something they can’t even prevent.
I might add that church leaders are restricted now, too, because the churches that have reopened have largely determined to hold outdoor services, many while parishioners sit in their cars. It’s pretty easy to hide bruises and emotional pain from observation when you’re in a car.
There’s so much more at stake here than protecting kids from COVID-19. By not allowing abused children to go to school, they may be receiving death sentences. Who will report their abusers if teachers, school nurses, administrators, and yes, church leaders are unable to see them because schools and churches are closed?
It’s something to consider, pray about, and bring before your local school boards.
Thank you for remembering abused children in your hearts and prayers.
I’ve been intentionally seeking the beauty and joy in life during these trying times. I’ve been reveling in the beauty of Queen Anne’s Lace, sweet pea, blue chicory (my favorite!), and ironweed while I jog. What a beautiful reminder of God’s faithfulness and the beauty that surrounds us, even in frightening times.
These flowers bloom year after year. They know nothing of COVID-19, riots and politics. All they know is it’s warm and sunny, and it’s time to push up through the soil and embrace sunshine and fresh air. Praise God we can still enjoy sunshine and fresh air!
Atlantic Friends & Flower Club met on Monday, August 3, 2020, at Beverly Whitman’s home in Cochranton. Nine members attended. Because of the heavy rain, the group ate inside. They toured Beverly’s gardens after the sun came out. Over the past 50 years, Beverly and her husband have designed and built flower beds, decks, and walkways around their property.
On Sunday, August 9, 2020, six group members and three guests attended a garden party at Cathy’s Beauty Salon in Cochranton. She, too, has beautiful gardens, and they had the chance to purchase some of her garden art, including birdbaths, decorative flowers, and items made from glassware, including china.
Club members enjoy learning creative ideas from other gardeners that they may apply to their own gardens.
Have a wonderful week. Blessings!