Child Abuse Prevention Month

A pastor I follow on Twitter put up a link to a cute story entitled: "The Top Ten Signs Your Child Might Be The Son of God" at http://budurl.com/67fr.


Now, as Christians we believe that when Jesus comes again it will not be as an infant, as he was born into the world over 2000 years ago; but rather, in the same way he exited, that is, in his glorified state. Still, I had to chuckle over this top ten list.


Except for sign number 9: "Strange men always stopping by with gifts for him." When I heard sign number 9, as the parish administrator and facilitator for the "Virtus: Protecting God's Children" Program for our diocese, I immediately thought that if strange men were stopping by bringing gifts to my child, before they could get past me, they would have to complete and pass a reference check as well as a criminal background check. As a mom I would probably require a set of fingerprints as well for a little extra assurance.


April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. It is up to us to stop child abuse every day, of every month, of every year. IF YOU THINK SOMETHING ISN'T RIGHT...IT PROBABLY ISN'T! Please don't chat about it at the bus stop, after the PTA meeting, or while you are waiting for religion class to end.


TELL SOMEONE WHO CAN HELP THE CHILD INVOLVED.


When I facilitate a session on child abuse awareness, I tell everyone present that some of us are state-mandated to report abuse; but, ALL of us are morally mandated to do so. If you can't make the call yourself then go to a teacher, guidance counselor, principal, pastor, deacon, dre, or anyone else you trust and bring your concerns to them so they can make the call.


THE SAFETY AND QUITE POSSIBLY THE VERY LIFE OF A CHILD MAY DEPEND ON IT!!