Indian Rubies

this one especially caught my eye...children are given such diverse experiences in life through culture, faith system, economic status, etc. As a social worker, the darker side of certain experiences come to mind.

my heart utterly breaks to think of the atrocities committed against our children, the children of our world. I am not a mother, but that gutteral, deep booming roar is very present when I consider what many children suffer before they reach "adulthood". It is a very good thing I am not God, because I would not be nearly as patient as He, nor as gracious.

yet, as I write this, I am reminded of a friend I knew years ago. We met at church and since we had mutual friends, got to know eachother pretty well. He was very honest in admitting/confessing/sharing that he had been accused of touching a child in a sexually inappropriate way. Maybe it was because I saw how broken this person was, maybe it was his struggles that caused me to have compassion for him. Whatever it was, I could relate and could embrace him as a brother, knowing we are all just messed up and in need of God.

Does this make me a hypocrite? Sure, I can condemn somebody I don't know, but it's more difficult when I have held on to a friend when he cries and can feel his pain.

I do not in any way feel that sexual abusers who have "confessed" their sins should be trusted with children or given priveledges that others have who have not done such things. Children DESERVE to have beauty and safety, no matter what. But, thinking of my friend now, I feel less hatred towards the persons sinning in this way.

thankful for blogging this now. no point in judging.
just want these beautiful children to have all God has for them...the utmost.