In the United States, 1 in 4 females and 1 in 13 males will be abused physically as children in their lives. Globally, about 1 billion children will experience sexual abuse. 90% of the victims know the person who abused them, and 68% of the perpetrators are family members. These numbers are staggering on their own, but when you think about the long-term repercussions of abuse. When you think in terms of the Bible, you realize that this bondage they experienced as a child will become chains of slavery as an adult if the healing of Jesus isn’t introduced.
My personal life events have trained me to assist the youth, and as someone who has experienced trauma, I can relate to younger people in situations where they feel helpless. It is a terrible thing that the devil likes to target the most vulnerable in our society, but that is how predators work! He attacks them physically and mentally, hoping to kill them spiritually, and it is our job, as God’s worker bees, to try to mend those wounds. Only through the loving arms of Jesus can any of those children find healing and peace from their traumas.
We can introduce them to Jesus by showing compassion and understanding in their confusion. We can provide for their basic needs, whether through a simple act of love or providing a home for them. We can show them stability and firmness, being an anchor when their world seems to be crumbling apart.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:14-16 that we are the light of the world. In Matthew 25:40, he tells us, “And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” So if we take care of the children, widows, and imprisoned in this world, we are serving the Lord. By neglecting the vulnerable, we are neglecting the Lord. Now, I ask, if you see a child hurting, will you stand idly by, or will you show compassion?
Now, I do have to state that I am not a professional. I will always tell you to recommend a professional to guide them through their emotions. I speak only through experience and teach how I’ve learned to connect with children in similar circumstances.
Common Symptoms of Trauma
Children illicit many different responses to severe stress, just as adults do, but their underdeveloped minds often process their stress differently. They don’t have the wisdom and understanding that comes with age, so their response to the pain is often dramatic.
When a child has experienced a traumatic event, they will likely show behavior such as:
- Flinching when people attempt to touch them
- Discomfort with physical contact of any sort
- Discomfort with loud noises
- Discomfort with eye contact
- Distrust of most people
- Anxiety in stressful situations
- Uncomfortable with making decisions
These are all symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD that can grow inside a child who struggles with trauma of any kind. The child can become volatile or withdrawn, exhausted and/or struggling to eat, and can even have a drastic change in demeanor, like no longer wanting to play or interact with others.
Building a Relationship
When helping kids like this, it is crucial to watch their behavioral cues. The best way to build a relationship with them and show them the support they need is to be firm but patient and kind. Show them compassion even if they are, say, throwing a fit. DO NOT LOSE YOUR PATIENCE. That is the worst thing you can do. Especially if they are very young, you may worsen their viewpoint of people, and you may be a significant influence on their understanding of Jesus. You don’t want to lose that role if you can help it. You can heal them by loving them, so be sure you are genuine towards the child.
Keep open communication with them and ask them about their preferences. When proposing to complete a task, offer them options to encourage them to make more choices independently. Praise them when they do something correct, especially if it is unprompted. Be sure to promote more positive behavior through kindness and positive reinforcement.
This is a shorter article, but I will close on this note: Just because a child is troubled and may be difficult to handle doesn’t mean they need Jesus less than anyone else. Give them as many chances as possible so the seeds can be planted in them.
Thanks for reading my first episode on my Youth Resources Page! If you have other advice, questions, or comments, I would love to see them in the comment section!