The past two years have been eventful for the world. First, Covid dominated the news. Now, the tragic war in Ukraine (with 115 children killed, 140 injured, an untold number orphaned, and 1.5 million made refugees) is a major focus [1][2].
The following events have, also, taken place. They demonstrate that evil never rests:
- Incest — Gucci heiress, Alexandra Zarini, has alleged that her stepfather, Joseph Ruffalo, sexually abused her between the ages of six and twenty-two. Her lawsuit has fractured the family, and confirmed that wealth is no safeguard against child abuse [3].
- Catholic Church Sex Scandal — Retired Pope Benedict XVI (former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger) has asked forgiveness from victims for his mishandling of four Catholic Church sex abuse cases [4]. Ratzinger did not in so many words apologize or accept blame. He continues to deny personal responsibility for the rapes and sodomy perpetuated by his failure to curtail the ministries of pedophile priests when complaints first surfaced [5].
- Abortion/Infanticide — In expectation of the possible overturn of Roe v. Wade by the US Supreme Court, Maryland is one of several states in the process of amending their state constitutions to recognize abortion as a fundamental right [6A]. Under the proposed Maryland legislation, an infant who survived an abortion could be left to die without care. No legal investigation would be conducted, and no penalty imposed on anyone involved. ACLJ Assoc. Counsel Olivia Summers explained, “The bill, also, proposes a revision of the fetal murder/manslaughter statute that would serve to handcuff the investigation of infant deaths unrelated to abortion. In other words – this bill will effectively legalize infanticide [emphasis added][6B][7].”
- Trafficking — Nine current and former employees at Refuge Ranch, a state contracted foster care facility in Texas, are alleged to have again trafficked the victims of sex trafficking placed in their care [8].
- Drug Abuse — Both children and adults were injured when the powerful opioid fentanyl was released through air vents at Northwest Ohio Juvenile Detention Training and Rehabilitation Center in Stryker, OH [8]. Fentanyl overdoses among teens have tripled during the Covid crisis. Why the drug would have been present at the Center at all is unclear. An investigation is underway.
No, evil never rests. Neither can we.
“For they do not sleep unless they have done evil; And their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness, And drink the wine of violence” (Prov. 4: 16-17).
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[1] Hindustan Times, “Russia-Ukraine war: 115 children killed, 140 injured so far, says report” by Manjiri Sachin Chitre, 3/20/22, https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/russiaukraine-war-115-children-killed-140-injured-so-far-says-report-101647775243391.html.
[2] United Nations News, “Ukraine war creating a child refugee almost every second: UNICEF”, 3/15/22, https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/03/1113942.
[3] The Guardian, “Gucci heiress files lawsuit alleging stepfather sexually abused her” by Edward Helmore, 9/10/20, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/10/alexandra-zarini-gucci-stepfather-joseph-ruffalo-sexual-abuse-lawsuit.
[4] ABC News, “Retired pope asks pardon for abuse, but admits no wrongdoing” by Nicole Winfield, 2/8/22, https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/retired-pope-asks-pardon-abuse-admits-wrongdoing-82740854.
[5] Religion News Service (RNS), “The lesson for Catholic bishops from Benedict report: Apologize, apologize, apologize” by Fr. Thomas Reese, 1/31/22, https://religionnews.com/2022/01/31/catholic-prelates-like-benedict-need-to-apologize-apologize-apologize/.
[6A and 6B] CBN News, “ACLJ Warns Proposed Maryland Senate Bill ‘Could Legalize Infanticide Up to 28 Days After Birth” by Steve Warren, 3/8/22, https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2022/march/aclj-warns-proposed-maryland-senate-bill-could-legalize-infanticide-up-to-28-days-after-birth.
[7] National Review, “Maryland Bill Effectively Decriminalizes Neglecting Newborns to Death” by Wesley Smith, 3/5/22, https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/maryland-bill-effectively-decriminalizes-neglecting-newborns-to-death/.
[8] Washington Post, “Victims of sex trafficking went to a foster facility where they allegedly were trafficked again” by Lindsey Bever, 3/11/22, https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/03/11/foster-care-sex-trafficking.
[9] Newsweek, “Fentanyl Released Through Air Vents At Child Detention Center Injures Seven” by Thomas Kika, 3/21/22, https://www.newsweek.com/fentanyl-released-through-air-vents-child-detention-center-injures-seven-1690062.
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ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse 
Yes, evil never looks for the time. India has also suffered many evils like many terror attacks have been done in the past. Also in 1990 many Kashmiri pandits were brutally killed and women are raped in front of their husbands, Hindus are forced to convert their religion if they denied they were killed by those terrorists. I suggest you watch ‘Kashmir files’.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts❣
Thank you for the recommendation, Deepak. I will be sure to take you up on it. Readers can learn more about the film here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Kashmir_Files.
Blessings,
A. ❤
thank you
Dear Anna, unfortunately, I have to agree with you. Evil cannot be eradicated. You can only help if it is possible and enjoy nice little things, for example a flower that grows in the middle of the rubble. And remember my mother’s beautiful saying, which she used in the worst times of war: “and if you think it is no longer possible, a little light comes from somewhere”. I wish you very much that such a little light always shines for you and the others. LG Marie
Thank you, my dear friend. I wish you the same. Much love, A. ❤ ❤ ❤
Left to die without care. Delivered, if it can be so characterized, by destruction. A wounded innocent being, never touched by another, aching as we all do for that easiest of gifts, purposely withheld, walked away, as his life wanes in thirst and hunger. An act voted for, and applauded by many.
You state the situation poignantly, Marilee. What an indictment of mankind that we choose not even to protect our children.
The appalling irony is that if someone were to do the same with puppies or kittens (which I don’t condone) there would be such public outrage and stiff consequences for the perpetrator. Where is justice for the children?
Excellent post Anna. As you know, evil has never rested, but has always worked around the clock. What we are seeing today is the cumulative effect of a generation that does not know God, which only serves to magnify the evil being perpetrated.
Should time as we know it stand for another generation, evil will become the norm, I am afraid.
I entirely agree, Ron. We are moving rapidly in that direction.
Thank you for being such a warrior. ❤️
What a wonderful thing to say! I doubt I deserve the compliment. But I am gratified, nonetheless.
That was painful to read, Anna. Till your last sentence. “No, evil never rests. Neither can we.”
And neither will God, till the judgment of evil that He accomplished in Christ on Calvary has been effected throughout all heaven and earth.
Amen. I look forward to that day, Allan.
Great post Anna,
I agree that evil never rests, and prayer is a powerful weapon.
Over the years, I have come to see that prayer is, in fact, our most powerful weapon.
Anna, your words encourage me to keep up the good fight. It is tiring but you are so right — evil never rests….we cannot either. Thank you.
The struggle discourages and tires me, as well. That is one reason I took a recent break from blogging. But God remains our refuge and our strength (Ps. 46: 1).
It’s almost hard to click the like on posts such as this but I do. I hate the evil but want to stand in unity with writers like you who so boldly present truth.
Let’s remember to combat evil we must fast and pray. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
You are so right, Manette. ❤
Gracias por estar presente y contribuir a despertar conciencias, Anna. Saludos.
Gracias por tu corazón receptivo, Santiago.
Really VERY happy to see You back, my Dear Anna. Very pertinent points, Very well presented. …Re the catholic church, of late had been SO discouraged by, particularly its Inaction, had thought of giving it up. Lethargy? God’s Will/Grace? Have not done so. …But at least over the Ukraine issue, pope Francis has redeemed himself.
The struggle can be exhausting, Swami. I know it has, at times, been for me. I would compare the experience to the burnout or PTSD social workers often sustain from the traumatic circumstances they witness. But we must not lose heart.
Thank you for the reblog, and even more so for your friendship. You mean a great deal to me. ❤
Thank You, Anna. …Incidentally, I ‘had’ a burnout, just within 3 years of my ordination, in 1988! …Yeah, trying to keep up the good fight.
Very much appreciate YOUR friendship and support, too. Love and Regards. 🙂
Reblogged this on lovehappinessandpeace and commented:
Really VERY happy to see You back, my Dear Anna. Very pertinent points, Very well presented. …Re the catholic church, of late had been SO discouraged by, particularly its Inaction, had thought of giving it up. Lethargy? God’s Will/Grace? Have not done so. …But at least over the Ukraine issue, pope Francis has redeemed himself.