The Secret Society

That is not normal behavior for a teen.

However, the bulk of my “issues” were manifested in blind ambition and a chronic need to prove myself worthy. I was unrelenting in my pursuit of validation.

‘I will do whatever you ask; whenever you ask; however you ask…just don’t make me go back!’

Healing was a slow, painful process. It is the one thing I wish on my worst enemy, because Jesus Christ was the healing. Once He removed the bitter root established inside of me and all of the anguish, I was free.

Recently, I heard a testimony that exemplifies my acceptance of God’s healing. A formerly self-destructive saint said God told him, “I love you too much to leave you as you are…”

God just loved me too much.

Is there someone in your circle who belongs to the secret society? Is it you? For the sake of personal healing, take the time to encourage confession. Find a licensed Christian counselor, a trustworthy pastor, or a friend and talk about it.

If you are the witness to the abuse of a child—squeal! Drop a dime. Scripture teaches, “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and unto God what is God’s.” (Matthew 22:21) The child in question is God’s property and the abuse he or she is suffering is a crime punishable by Caesar—the government or law. This is your duty as a Christian; it is a non-option and non-negotiable. Fail to obey and you’re complicit.

For years, I kept a button planted in my office bulletin board which read, “Silence is the voice of complicity.” To remain quiet and detached, when you are fully aware of an injustice or unrighteous act, is just as bad as committing the act. Children are precious…priceless creations of God. The saints are called to protect them at all costs. And, our best preventative measure is to speak UP—literally.

• Pray and ask God to offer constant protection over the children in your circle. Beg Him to never take His hands off of them.
• Seek His wisdom and guidance in confronting a perpetrator. Most likely, He will direct your steps right to the police station.
• Lean on the courage He has deposited in you to deal with abuse in your family. Sitting by and allowing it to continually happen is not His sovereign will. It has to stop.
• Ask Him to expose abuse in every form. Learn to identify it correctly and confidently.
• Listen to His voice for the guidance needed to support a victim wisely.
• Obey His command to forgive. Your freedom is tied to forgiveness.

It does not help to constantly question why God allowed the abuse to happen you to you or a loved one. People have free will.

However, it does help to accept the fact that God loves us too much to allow us to remain damaged. And, it helps to know that if you hurt, He’s hurt, too.

Membership has its rewards: I can share the fellowship of His suffering. And, I have a testimony that can be used at His discretion and sovereign will to heal/save/help someone else.

Still, I hope for the day when the secret society is officially disbanded. Another child need not suffer.