Baby holding toy, Author Asha Lall (CC BY-SA 4.0 International)
WARNING: Graphic Images
Donald Trump is now the presumed Republican candidate for US President; and — despite Bernie Sanders’ optimism — Hillary Clinton, the likely Democratic candidate. These are major developments. One way or another, they will ultimately impact world events.
We watched the story covered from every angle, examined in minute detail. What we did not see much about, on the evening news, was the death of a toddler in Utah.
Eighteen month old Ethan Antes had been left in the care of his stepfather, Codey Jolley. The child was found floating facedown in the tub, with trauma to his upper body.
Police have charged Jolley with abuse homicide [2]. Ethan had sustained injuries on two earlier occasions, after being left alone with his stepfather.
While momentous events were unfolding on the national stage, a little life was lost. We cannot know what impact that little life might have had, given the chance.
Nor can we know what impact all the other lost lives might have had — Jahi Turner or Malachi Golden in North Carolina [3][4], Charlie Brame in Florida [7], Jeida Torres in New York [8], or two unnamed little girls in Oklahoma and Arizona [5][6].
But those lives mattered. They mattered every bit as much as the lives of politicians and celebrities do. No little life should be lost.
“But Jesus called them to Him and said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God’ “ (Luke 18: 16).
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[1] Fox 13 Now, “Family remembers toddler who may be victim of child abuse homicide” by Kiersten Nunez, 5/3/16, http://fox13now.com/2016/05/03/family-remembers-toddler-who-may-be-victim-of-child-abuse-homicide.
[2] Fox 13 Now, “Millcreek man faces child abuse charges; 18-month-old has died” by Mark Green, 4/30/16, updated 5/1/16, http://fox13now.com/2016/04/30/millcreek-man-faces-child-abuse-charges-16-month-old-not-expected-to-survive.
[3] Fox 8, “Stepfather arrested in NC in death of 2-year-old”, 4/19/16, http://myfox8.com/2016/04/19/stepfather-arrested-in-nc-in-death-of-2-year-old.
[4] Fox 46, “Mother charged in death of young son, day after stepfather charged”, 11/2/15, updated 11/3/15, http://wwww.fox46charlotte.com/news/local-news/43529838-story.
[5] News OK, “Stepfather arrested in death of 2-year-old in Norman” by Jane Cannon, 8/6/15, http://newsok.com/article/5438504.
[6] Fox 10, “Police investigating death of young child; stepfather charged” by Brian Pryor, 6/5/15, http://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/2480066-story.
[7] NY Daily News, “3-year-old Florida girl, raped, beaten by new stepfather before death: police” by Rachelle Blidner, 11/26/14, http://nydailynews.com/girl-3-dies-raped-beaten-stepfather-police-article-1.2025585.
[8] NY Daily News, “Social workers gave apartment the ‘OK’ day before Brooklyn girl was beaten to death by stepdad at homeless shelter” by Caitlin Nolan, Greg Smith, Tina Moore, 10/20/14, http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/man-beat-brooklyn-girl-death-claims-escape-punishment-article-1.1980588.
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ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse 
Every life matters certainly, Anna. We are all humans created in God’s image. Our society has almost no values left, which I think is shown in the candidates we are nominating. Thank God these children are loved by Him always which is something they knew little of while on this earth. I can’t wait until Jesus returns and brings true justice to His creation. Thank you for keeping these issues in front of us.
Thank you, as always, for your concern, Levi. I agree that our society has greatly eroded the value of life. One day we will meet these little ones in heaven.
These so called men, are beyond redemption.
An eye for an eye.
I believe the hell they inflict in this world will be repaid many times over in the next. That’s how I cope.
Truly sad indeed. My own heart is in pain over the ignorance in this world. God help us all in the days to come. Bless all the little children. And the homeless, and the elderly, and the disabled, and the forgotten unsung heroes, and the hungry…. Protect us Father as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Dry our tears, bring justice to this land. Provide for us Father in Jesus’s, name forever. Raise us above the ashes. Comfort those who mourn.
Amen. A beautiful prayer, Stacey. ❤
Thank you Anna. And thank you for you.
Anna, it seems the the blame was put totally on the men, step fathers, who killed these children. Many children in our area have been killed by live-in boyfriends as well. I am afraid that some of the blame must go on the mothers who choose these men. Many of these situations are brought on by mothers who are in a hurry to get rid of the real father for one reason or another and marry another man without really knowing what is in their hearts. I have seen many a young woman who are “loser magnets” and these young gals…pick the wrong kind of man every time. Of coarse, how many of them are on alcohol and drugs that warps their minds, both the mothers and the ones they choose? Signs of the times I am afraid.
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;” (2Tim 3:1-4, KJ2000)
When people love pleasure and themselves more than they love God, they lack His love in them and will lack the natural affection that should be between spouses and for their children. As a result God’s best for them and their children is never attained for HE is a Father to the fatherless and a husband to the widow and it does not get better than that.
Thank you dear Anna
All too true, Michael. Many of these women, however, were themselves raised in abusive households. They cannot recognize a good man, gravitating instead toward what they have known. It is likely some of these men grew up in similar households. So the cycle of abuse continues.
Thanks for sharing this, Anna! Every life matters and these precious children loss their lives too soon. The cycle of abuse has to be broken and the precious children protected. I pray for all victims and for this entire country, that hearts will turn to God and His plan for each of us and this country to come into fulfillment.
Amen. ❤