I Was Just a Child
Sexual child abuse is something that goes on in the shadows doing damage and robbing children of their innocence forever. Often it is children harming other younger children because they were harmed or sexually abused. Other times, it’s the adults children trust in positions of power over them. The shame and responsibility that young children can feel needs to be removed, as they are the victims. It was never their fault.
Sexual child abuse can produce decades and even a lifetime of post-traumatic effects that prevent the victim from experiencing the love they want and deserve. Removing the shame and stigma allows those who need help to seek it. I was once an innocent, young 10 year-old girl who was robbed of her innocence and had part of her childhood stolen prematurely. God is the one who can truly heal these wounds and brokenness. My poem “I Was Just a Child” addresses this experience.
I Was Just a Child
I was just a child
You were much the same
But what we played was no game
In a few moments, innocence was lost
Never to regain was the high price and cost
Something tragically sad had happened to you
To steal from me, so much to lose
All that searing branded damage done
Left me broken, cracks can’t be undone
I didn’t know the sour, bitter truth
I couldn’t even understand what became due
Looking to please for love and acceptance
When I should of asked, begged for penance
You stole my carefree attitude of youth
Nothing can be done now to heal to sooth
So I’ve carried this damage all within
Knowing it was not only yours, but also my sin
Searching to grasp, how to be healed and free
Wanting, desiring to finally clearly feel and see
But first stealth forgiveness must slowly come
To release these shackles, bondage that makes me numb
Not my fault, those words I hear echo
But the redemptive path is long and narrow
Then His gentle eyes speak mercy to me
My faith in Him has set me free
Grace is given in His loving smile
As He says, “You were just an innocent child.”
-Dr. Rhonda Milner
"Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense, he has become my salvation.”
Isaiah 12:2
"From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings."
Psalm 61:2-4
"He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand."
Psalm 40:2
