Child Abuse

My name is B.J. When I grow up I want a big house with a big family that laughs and plays together. I want a dog and cat for my very own. And I want a new Mommy and Daddy. They say they love me, but they're always mad at me. I try really hard to do everything right so they won't hurt me, but I always mess up. I can't do anything right. I wish I were a better person so they would be happy.

When Mommy and Daddy are tired and in a bad mood, I have to be quiet and do my homework and clean up my room. But that doesn't seem to be enough. Sometimes they have a bad day, and they can't help hitting me or throwing things or hurting each other. It scares me so much, but if I could be a better kid they wouldn't get so made.

My teddy bear is my best friend. I can tell bear anything. And I can cuddle bear. Bear loves me. Bear is always there when I cry and when I'm hurt. When I grow up I want someone to love that will love me back. When I grow up.....

Reflecting Through A Child's Eyes:
Take a moment to picture B.J. in your mind. Is B.J. a boy or girl?
Does B.J. look the same or different than other children you know?
What color are B.J.'s eyes?
How old do you think B.J. is?
Can you hear B.J.'s voice?
Now think about what you would do or say if you had a chance to meet B.J. Where would you meet? What would you do? What words, if any, would come from you? Does B.J. speak?
Spend a few moments in prayer for B.J. and other abused children around the world.

Reflecting through God's Word:
Read the following passages — Matthew 19:14; Mark 10:14; Luke 18:16; Ephesians 6:1-4; Colossians 3:20-21.
Compare and contrast all the passages. What do they say about Jesus? What do they have to say to the church? How do you think B.J. pictures Jesus? the Church?
If you could speak for B.J. what would you say or do?
How do you think this home situation will affect B.J. as an adult?
Name some ways that your church or group can "speak" for B.J. and other abused children.

Prayer:
Loving God, we pray for B.J. and other abused children around the world. Help them to find love and tenderness from the love of parents. If that is not to be, place loving, caring people in their lives so that they might be made whole through your love. Forgive us when we turn the other way when we encounter the B.J.'s of our lives. give us boldness to reach out and right a wrong. Give us determination to help eliminate any form of child abuse in our world. In the name of Christ, who gathered all children into his presence, we pray. Amen.

Resources
Printable Version — pdf / Word
Graphics
www.preventchildabuse.org
www.keepkidshealthy.com
www.unicef.org
Death from Child Abuse... and No One Heard - Eve Krupinski
The Very Worst Thing - Torey Hayden
Child Abuse Lasts a Lifetime - Michael C. O'Grady