“Madonna and Child with Angels” (1674) by Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato, Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica, Rome, Italy
(PD-Art, PD-old)
“In the absence of light, darkness prevails.”
-Motto of the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense, “Hellboy” (Dark Horse Comics)
Heart wrenching tales of abuse could easily fill these pages. Generally, I try to stay away from stories of that kind. Too often, they leave us feeling helpless and hopeless.
When I do write about lost lives, the words are my poor attempt to honor those lives and bear witness to the loss.
It may be some small consolation that such children have gone home to God. Their pain is over. That should not, however, diminish our outrage.
There are, of course, countless unreported cases of abuse. Names we will never know, though God is familiar with them all.
While those victims are gone, their struggle ended, our obligation is to fight on. It is a way of fighting darkness and death, fighting evil. We may not have been in a position to save the lives of those children. But we can try to save our own.
Our struggle with darkness is not insignificant. We may feel isolated, may feel that our scars are overwhelming. And, in truth, those scars may last a lifetime. Which makes our struggle all the more heroic.
If the lost children could speak, they would applaud our efforts. They would wish us Godspeed. They were not able to live in this sad world any longer. But we may yet triumph for their sake.
In fighting the scars, the darkness, we are on the side of the angels.
“Praise the Lord, you His angels, you mighty ones who do His bidding, who obey His word. Praise the Lord, all His heavenly hosts, you His servants who do His will…Praise the Lord, my soul” (Ps. 103: 20-22 NIV).
Originally posted 9/24/17
FOR MORE OF MY ARTICLES ON POVERTY, POLITICS, AND MATTERS OF CONSCIENCE CHECK OUT MY BLOG A LAWYER’S PRAYERS AT: https://alawyersprayers.com
ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse 
A very touching contribution that gave me a lot. Thank you, Anna. LG Marie
My pleasure, dear friend. Love, A. ❤
By God’s grace, may more be enabled to fight the scars and the darkness. And may His kingdom come.
I join in that prayer, Dora. ❤
This reminds me of John 1v5: The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” It might feel like the darkness has the upper hand, but in the overall scheme of things, light still triumphs over darkness and goodness still triumphs over evil.
I believe that w/ all my heart. Love is stronger than hate.
While Hellboy’s slogan is true, that in the absence of light, darkness prevails, it only takes a small lamp or candle, such as what you and I can shine, to dispel the darkness. Darkness has NO power once we turn on ANY light. In fact, darkness is not even a real “thing” to have power; it is only “real” in the sense that something is NOT there, light.
❤️&🙏, c.a.
So right.
Last but not least, never loose hope to change for better tomorrow. The darkness will end up with the rising sun and that it HOPE.
Amen! Well said, Deepak. ❤
😊
Lovely and meaningful words Anna, thank you so much for bringing us the Word of God in such a realistic manner. All the best
Thank you for your kindness, Francisco. You touch my heart. Blessings, A.
You’re very welcome Anna, blessings to you too. All the best,
Francis
You’ve given us a reality check laced with hope. Our hearts break for the children who suffer, for those who’ve suffered and died without an advocate. Thank you, Anna, for the work you do, bringing hope to those within the circle of your influence, for fighting on the side of God and his angels!
You give me too much credit, Nancy. But thank you.
Hey Anna, it’s been a minute. Hope you are doing well. Take good care of yourself. Love and blessings.
How wonderful to hear from you, Gbolabo. As you may know, I am taking a break from blogging. I will always though wish you well. Love and blessings, A.
Una lucha a la que me uno para alumbrar al mundo. Gracias por ser una voz de quienes sufren abusos, Anna.
Eres demasiado amable, Santiago. Gracias por tu apoyo.
Reblogged this on lovehappinessandpeace and commented:
BEAUTIFUL post! Thank You, Anna!
Thank you, Swami.
Merry Christmas!
And to you. May God keep our eyes on Him.
Amen Anna
Amen Anna ❤