Sandy Ditoro

Many children in our world today simply are not guarded from the things that would hurt them. Such children are often neglected because their parents are busy with other matters more important to them than their child's safety and well being. Perhaps they are unsupervised when older kids are around who do them harm or they are left at home alone. Children living with single parents or children who come from broken homes often get thrown into situations where they can be harmed in many ways. Children can be curious and even foolish. (Proverbs 22:15) When they are left alone it is not surprising that they will find mischief which will do damage to others or to themselves that will leave life long scars. Among other dangers, living in a broken home can bring them into contact with adults who prey on children sexually. Sometimes children are beaten and treated cruelly. Children in these situations grow up bearing deep emotional scars and carrying a lot of baggage through no fault of their own. By the time these children become adults they have learned many unsavory techniques for survival. Often they become manipulative, adept at using people and controlling people to get what they want. They may become suicidal, bipolar, or just plain depressed. If you are a person who was traumatized by your childhood there is hope for a brighter day and a better life. The outlook seems bleak, but in Christ there is hope.

The key to happiness lies in your own heart and the ability to rule your own thoughts. In Christ, you have the power to change your thought patterns. It takes great self control, but you can achieve it. Remember: self control is a fruit of the Spirit, and God teaches us that we must grow in self control in order to go to Heaven. Even though controlling your thoughts may seem impossible, you can do it. Our Father tells us to focus on good things and things from above rather than the evil that has scarred us. What wonderful joy lies ahead for you! What freedom you will gain after you learn the principles of Christ from His Word and then use great discipline to apply them to your heart!

Don't look back! Look ahead to a bright future and to the beautiful joys of Heaven! God will help you!