Please visit Spiritual Sundays, a warm place to be in....With a sad heart, I ask that you please remember these precious children in your prayers. For their protection. And may we all stand up to fight child abuse. Any abuse is not right.
"Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate." - (Psalms 127:3-5 ESV)
Inmate: “Awww…..It hurts!”
Me: “Sir, I haven’t even touched your shoulder yet. Honestly speaking, I can’t do anything for your pain. The doctor just saw you yesterday and had already given you something for pain.”
Inmate: “Motrin? Generic? Those are not gonna’ work!”
Me: “Did you use street drugs outside?”
Inmate: “No!!! What are you trying to say? I’m a Christian!!!”
Me: “[feeling a lump in my throat, no words wanted to come out…], I’m not trying to say anything. I’m asking you something specific regarding your medical background. I’m not sure why you answered me with your faith. You’re a Christian? [a mocking sound wanted to come out of my judgmental nature]”
Inmate: “Yes! That’s why I love my wife. And my child. I give them a kiss and a hug.”
Me: [No comment. The lump in my throat becoming bigger and harder to swallow, let alone fight my old, sinful nature. Of wanting to say something bad to him! Of wanting to curse! Of wanting to make his other arm hurt!”
You see, this inmate was put behind bars because he touted a fake firearm to the cops. So, he was chicken winged [when officers twist their arms behind them to prevent them from fighting back]. Ever since, he was complaining of severe pain on his left shoulder. The doctor already treated him, appropriate x-rays and medications were already given. But he remained complaining of “excruciating” [his own terms] pain on that upper extremity.
I have patience when I see manipulative inmates. Or those who try to milk the system. I sense their motives. I try to be slow to anger. Except, this time, upon checking his charges, I saw that he molested a 3-year old and a 14-year old also. I told my co-workers, I had to remain professional. But deep inside, I knew God wanted me to still grant him mercy and not be judgmental of his crimes. I silently prayed before his footsteps walked in, into the Infirmary’s metal door, escorted by their unit deputy.
He fixed the white sling as I told him to keep his left arm in a neutral position to lessen the pain. I advised for him to be patient as I would put him again on the doctor’s sick call this morning [Saturday].
Inmate: “Thank you.” He uttered with a smile. But I couldn’t look him straight into his eyes. I wasn’t afraid. I was wondering how many scared pairs of eyes ever looked into his and were begging for him to stop his abuse. He got up and started walking away from me as I didn’t acknowledge his thanks. With the least strength emanating from my throat, I managed to reply, “Sir, being a Christian means following Christ! It’s more than kissing or hugging your wife and child. It’s doing what Jesus wants you to do. And that is to do the right thing.”
I turned my back and went to the monitor where I was working and added him on the sick call list. I knew that encounter with predators like him, was not my first nor would it be the last. I softly uttered, “Lord, enough pain for these precious children of yours. I know You love them. No more tears for them. No more hurt. Stop their tears.”
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven." - (Matthew 18:10 ESV)
30 DAYS OF THANKSGIVING - 14
8 hours ago
I have to be honest here...when someone uses their free will to abuse the innocent...I want to hurt them.
ReplyDeleteI had a friend confide in me that she was abused for many years as a child and yet she still has faith in God.
It makes me question...why? Why didn't God protect her as a child?
I suppose questions are normal and my faith isn't shaken but I can see how a non-believer would doubt there is a God when that kind of thing goes on.
Sorry...venting here because the post is so timely to my friend's converstaion with me.
I don't understand how people can hurt innocent children, much less other adults. All we can do is pray for them and hope the ones abused are able to get past their pain, anger and hurt. I hope you are able to get rest before going back to work. I remember working third shift for a few months and I felt like no matter how much sleep I got it never felt like enough. Love you!
ReplyDeleteYou acted very professionally! I know your words and prayers pierced his heart and planted a seed in his soul. People need to know that while God is offering Grace now, one day He will judge every offense. Thanks for a powerful post.
ReplyDeleteI do not know how you are able to know what you know about the ones that you nurse Rosel. Thank God that you have the Holy Spirit to empower you to operate in His character. Thank God. :)
ReplyDeleteAh yes ... doing the right thing. It's always the right thing to do, but as you rightly share, not always so easy.
ReplyDeleteLooks to me like the Lord has given you shoes made of grace to walk those darkened halls. They fit you well.
Blessings,
Kathleen
Rosel, appreciate you sharing, thank you.
ReplyDeleteYou will definately get extra jewels in your crown my friend.
ReplyDeleteAs I have said before yours is such a difficult job. Child molesters would certainly fall into a group that would be hard to love or forgive or to have even any real compassion for. I am glad you are able to do so through the power of the Holy Spirit. Have a wonderful Sunday.
ReplyDeleteCommenting on Luke 17:3 (“If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him”), John Stott, Confess Your Sins: The Way of Reconciliation, page 35, writes:
ReplyDelete“We are to rebuke a brother if he sins against us; we are to forgive him if he repents — and only if he repents. We must beware of cheapening forgiveness. . . . If a brother who has sinned against us refuses to repent, we should not forgive him. Does this startle you? It is what Jesus taught. . . . ‘Forgiveness’ includes restoration to fellowship. If we can restore to full and intimate fellowship with ourselves a sinning and unrepentant brother, we reveal not the depth of our love but its shallowness.”
Rosel....I believe the Lord can save anybody...even a child molestor. I also believe anyone convicted of this crime should receive a manditory 25 year sentence. Shame on him for doing it the first time....shame on our law-maker's for their "plea bargains"!!!
I always enjoy reading your posts. The ministry you have is so interesting and so challenging.
ReplyDeleteI am convinced that you acted professionally while at the still time showing "restrained compassion." Your parting words to him were very wise and led by the Spirit. God bless you, sister.
I know that has to be heart-wrenching for you Rosel. But you are doing the right thing.
ReplyDeleteLove you sis!
Yes it's very difficult keeping quiet and not being angry with such people...Yet Jesus understood the difficulty of forgiveness.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you and keep saafe.
Thank you for posting this Rosel..it's hard to forgive those that do the unthinkable ..And it's so prevelant. Stay safe out there ok...praying for you.
ReplyDeleteHow difficult it must be for you in these types of cases to stay calm. Child abuse is one of the worst things I can think of. The video is so sad. Thank you again for sharing with us and making us more aware of what is going on out there in the world. We sometimes live a pretty sheltered life.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Charlotte
This would be a hard one for me to deal with an abuser of children. I agree with you. Stop the abuse of the little ones. Have a wonderful weekend, my dear sister.
ReplyDeleteBless you for being such a sweet balm to so many. I love you.
ReplyDeleteGod protect the little children. Thanks for posting this my friend. Have a blessed weekend.
ReplyDeleteYour thoughts honor God and your words are always kind. I see the heart of God.
ReplyDeletelove and hugs~Tammy
Rosel - I thank God for women like you who minister daily to these incarcerated men. I know that your job is not an easy one, but in reading your posts, I know the Holy Spirit guides and directs you each and every day.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Dear Sister.
What a powerful prayer ministry God has given you - to pray for those hurting victims, as well as the criminal (who may well have once been a victim himself - although that is certainly no excuse). My prayers are with you and join yours for all of them! And, also, I pray again, Come Quickly, Lord Jesus!
ReplyDeleteDear Rosel,
ReplyDeleteThis is one area where I would have a very hard time to hold my tongue, let alone remain calm! Most abusers have themselves been abused, but that doesn't make it any easier. My prayers are with you and God bless the little children!
Blessings,
Sandi
Over the years I have worked with MANY children who have been sexually abused, many by their own parents. I have worked with support groups for women who were victims. For the first time recently, I have been asked to pray with abusers. It is hard for me to grasp that Jesus died for this sin also, but He did. Thank you for your post.
ReplyDeleteOh wow Rcube, it must be so hard to deal with those who've abused children. I think I'm like most people in that it's not difficult to have mercy toward those who're addicted, or made stupid choices and stole things, but sexual predators of children.....it seems like ONLY God can give anyone the ability to have love, mercy and kindness toward these. My highest head knows God loves abusers too, but my emotions are not there yet.
ReplyDeleteThis was beautiful. I can't imagine how much it hurt you to help someone who had hurt a child, but God bless you for swallowing your judgement and extending words from Jesus. Keep your chin up.
ReplyDeleteI understand how it must have been for you in this situation. I had always worked with the victims. I wanted to know what it was like to get the perspective of the abusers. I worked for the Dept. of Corrections/Dept. of Mental Health and helped develop the curriculum for the Sexually Violent Preditor Treatment Program. What an experience! These people abuse because they are evil, not because they have a mental disorder. Their sexual arousal is there main focus and motivation. Consideration for their victims is absent. It is terribly hard to be "respectful" to someone like that. We always hear "love the sinner hate the sin." But the Word says to resist evil, flee from evil. I don't think the Lord counts it against us if we become angry or just walk away.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you as you do your work there. A shining light in a dark place. The light always overcomes the darkness.
I feel what you felt.. We do need a lot of compassion and "self restraint" not to twist his arm and make it hurt more for all the pain he had caused the innocent children.......
ReplyDeletelove,
~Silver
I'm so sorry but I was not able to watch this video, I can't even watch the news. What a hard job you have. This would be hard not to judge.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless,
Ginger
Thank you Rosel for all you do and are doing to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ - even in difficult circumstances like those in which you work. I love all that you do for His sake.
ReplyDeleteBless you to Sister,
Jean
That's gotta be hard, to minister to the inmates, knowing what some of their sins are. If I was in your place, I honestly don't know what I would say. It's hard not to judge sometimes, especially when they're abusing children. I pray God gives you the wisdom and love to deal with these men and women...
ReplyDeleteOh Rosel. I know that must have been so hard for you. God help and heal the children who are abused. He was probably abused as a child too. I hate satan.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you friend.
Beth