What Do I Do About Johnny?
Posted: Saturday, August 07, 2010
by Ken McCreless
RMS1437
Greetings Fellow Travelers
Or, David, Bruce, Jennie, Mary, Donna- pick a name.
At this very moment, as you read this article, a child near you, certainly within a mile or so, is hungry, abused and forgotten. Now, he or she may be hungry for affection, stuck in front of a television that's being used as a baby-sitter, or standing on a school stage looking at the empty seat where his dad is supposed to be sitting.
OK, I know. Since all parents are humans and humans make mistakes there is no way that any child will have a perfect upbringing. We all carry scars given to us unintentionally.
Who is Johnny? He is all abused children, everywhere, the name chosen for reasons I will not disclose at this time. I spent a few hours last night deeply saddened at the thought of even just one such child, saddened even further by the reasonable assumption of the number and proximity of these children.
In my minds eye I was transported to the outside of his house. I stood there in my spectral state, listening to the arguing, screams of anger and fear mingled with shattering glass and sobbing children. I wanted to rush in and save Johnny, just lift him up and carry him to safety. Then, he would be cleaned up and fed warm, nourishing food. At the end of it all he would realize that there was someone who loves him and wants him to be happy.
But, as I tried to open the door I realized that my hands were unable to turn the knob, or even make a sound s I pounded on the door, then the wall, then the window- which would not even break. I turned to walk away, defeated, when I heard the laughter.
Johnny's "father" was standing in the now open door laughing at me. His eyes told me that he was more than happy to visit his childhood pain and abuse on his son, and that there was nothing I could do to help him.
In an instant I was back home, safe, warm and fed. My tears continued, even as I prayed to my Lord:
What do I do about Johnny?
Or, David, Bruce, Jennie, Mary, Donna- pick a name.
At this very moment, as you read this article, a child near you, certainly within a mile or so, is hungry, abused and forgotten. Now, he or she may be hungry for affection, stuck in front of a television that's being used as a baby-sitter, or standing on a school stage looking at the empty seat where his dad is supposed to be sitting.
Who is Johnny? He is all abused children, everywhere, the name chosen for reasons I will not disclose at this time. I spent a few hours last night deeply saddened at the thought of even just one such child, saddened even further by the reasonable assumption of the number and proximity of these children.
In my minds eye I was transported to the outside of his house. I stood there in my spectral state, listening to the arguing, screams of anger and fear mingled with shattering glass and sobbing children. I wanted to rush in and save Johnny, just lift him up and carry him to safety. Then, he would be cleaned up and fed warm, nourishing food. At the end of it all he would realize that there was someone who loves him and wants him to be happy.
But, as I tried to open the door I realized that my hands were unable to turn the knob, or even make a sound s I pounded on the door, then the wall, then the window- which would not even break. I turned to walk away, defeated, when I heard the laughter.
Johnny's "father" was standing in the now open door laughing at me. His eyes told me that he was more than happy to visit his childhood pain and abuse on his son, and that there was nothing I could do to help him.
In an instant I was back home, safe, warm and fed. My tears continued, even as I prayed to my Lord:
What do I do about Johnny?
Ken McCreless is just a guy who loves to write, and was born to do so. He is a freelance writer with several projects ongoing, including books and magazines. A huge fan of both irony and history, Ken has dedicated his life and his writing to serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)I don't know what to do about it, either, Ken. Interfering isn't always the right thing. I guess being aware and compassionate and helping when one can.SO true, sometimes interfering will only make the child's situation even worse. I suppose that is the saddest part. Still, It kills me that a child is whole and complete right now, but will be soon destroyed.Your advice is likely the best.
Mrs. Ken McCreless,
Wish we could adopt them all honey! :)Thanks, Puddin. I remember our conversations about having a place large enough to do just that.I love you!
Suffer the little children to come unto me for of such is the kingdom of heaven.... great article. We reach out in any way we can - allowing 2 brothers to be at our construction site - when we knew they were the little vandals who were messing with other homes being built - giving them the responsibility of watching concrete forms and telling my hubby if anyone came to mess with them because it was so important for them to be straight.... feeding them, asking and getting permission to take them to Burger King, getting them into the neighborhood "Good News" club (they came to Jesus and their mom and biker live in came to see them baptized!) Whatever you can, whatever it takes. These were a then 7 and 10 year old whose mom had no clue as to their where abouts for 8 hours a day as they roamed the neighborhood and the homes under construction....And I can promise you this, You and your husband will always be a bright spot in their lives.Thank you, Marijo.
Every situation is different, so we use our best judgment and do what we think is best, knowing whatever the outcome, we did all that we could. I know you'll determine what is best for Johnny. He's lucky to have you. You're obviously a very caring, compassionate man.Thank you, Brianna.If all I can do is let the Light of Jesus shine in me, then He can use it for all the "Johnny's" out there. Sometimes the best thing to do is prove that there IS a way out, that anything that's bad can be turned to victory and power.
When I wrote my book I ran into statistics that 1 out of 4 girls get sexually molested by relatives--shocking!! You can do something Ken. If you have a passion about this you can make a difference. You write...that's what you do. So, write, write about what is happening, success stories, what can be done etc etc. I guarantee that you will make a difference--maybe one kid you'll help--maybe 10,000 but you will help someone. Here is a quote a friend of mine has on her cancer website...“Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world.Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”– Margaret MeadGood article Ken...SteveWow. Some stats are so depressing.Your comment really bolstered my resolve, Steve. It was the perfect addendum to the other comments, so positive and encouraging.Thank you so much.
Greetings Ken -Thank you for your generous heart and compassionate spirit.Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it:...(Song of Solomon 8:7)..love is strong as death;.. (Song of Solomon 8:6)He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love. (Song of Solomon 2:4)Thank you, Ken, for the banner of love....!Beautiful words from Solomon.Thank you so much!
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