By JMathis

One of my close friends was a victim of sexual abuse when she was a child. (A different friend from the one I wrote about previously.) From the age of five to the age of ten, she was repeatedly victimized and forced to participate in acts that no child should ever know–all at the hands of a family friend, whom everyone in her family trusted.

This week has been rough for her, as the news is once again swirling with allegations of sexual abuse: Penn State, Syracuse, The Citadel. While it gives her strength in knowing that she is not alone, it also hurts her to know that the number of victims and predators seem to multiply with each passing day.

To those victims, I offer the following two verses:

Romans 8:22 For we know that all the rest of creation has been groaning with the pains of childbirth up to the present time.

Romans 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

You are not alone. There is a Holy Spirit who groans with you and all of creation, praying for you with unutterable words. Interceding for you in ways we cannot even comprehend.

In this month of Thanksgiving, I am thankful for you. I am thankful for your courage. I am thankful that you continue to persevere despite the atrocities that have been committed against you.

Most of all, I am thankful that there is a Holy Spirit who is here to help you in your weakness.

You are not alone.

He hears your groans. He sees your groans. He feels your groans.

Even if it is with groans, call to Him and He will answer.

He groans with you, and wants nothing more than to rescue you, His child.

You are not alone, dear child, for Hope lives and He lives within you.