Be a lighthouse: Support to prevent and address child abuse

I spent some time last week learning from people whose life experiences have been far different from mine. I found that there is power in sharing stories, perspectives, and ideas. I believe that God sees us all. He is “no respecter of persons,” which means that he loves presidents and prostitutes, rulers and rioters, Popes and paupers, equally well (see Acts 10:34-35). And that love is broader and deeper and stronger than we can imagine (see Ephesians 3: 17-19).

Because he is our loving father, he wants us to love him and to love each other. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Jesus Christ is referred to throughout scripture as “the light of the world” because his light shows us the way and provides hope and healing in times of darkness.

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).

The darkness of the world is evident. Confusion and fear may distract us from our purpose. Scripture compares the trials and temptations of life to “whirlwinds,” “storms,” and tumult. We may not find the meaning of these trials, especially the injustice or abuse suffered at the hands of people who should protect us.

Steve Pemberton, author of the book (now movie) A Chance in the World, shared his experience growing up in an abusive foster home. He attributes his success in life to a few people who emerged as lighthouses out the darkness of his childhood. Pemberton insists that he is not an exception or an example of overcoming devastating circumstances. Instead, he says, “I’m a reflection…of how the story turns out when you stand in the gap of a child in need.”

Pemberton refers to these people who shine in the darkest gaps of experience as “human lighthouses.” “When you are in that kind of darkness, everything matters…You never forget the person who sees you first.” He calls on all of us to be lighthouses, asserting that in this age of accurate mapping and GPS navigation, “we’re not preserving lighthouses because we need them to navigate the sea. We preserve lighthouses because we need them to navigate humanity. For all the dissonance and darkness that we see in the world, the lighthouse reminds us of what we are supposed to be for one another.”

Lighthouses are humble. They stand in turbulent areas and are designed to diffuse the forces of rough winds and waves. And above all, lighthouses give light to everyone. The lighthouse “doesn’t judge you for being in the storm. It doesn’t say that this is your fault.” The lighthouse doesn’t care who you are or how you got there. “The lighthouse says, ‘I see you. I see the storm that you’re in. So come this way.’” It shines and it shows the way to safety.

We can each serve as a human lighthouse to those who are “sitting in darkness” or lost in life’s storms. We can mirror God’s love without judging and reach out in kindness to those who are sick, lonely, hopeless, or discouraged. We reflect his light by acting as Jesus would: “Hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which yea shall hold up—that which ye have seen me do”(3 Nephi 18:24).

We all have opportunities to protect children from abuse. All adults can take action to support and protect the children in our lives. You can access free online Stewards of Children child sexual abuse training through Darkness to Light (D2L.org) sponsored through ROCK Mat-Su. Find event information on facebook.com/1rock.matsu (you do not need a Facebook account to access this info).

If you or someone you know have experienced abuse, there are resources and advocates who can help you find a healing path. Adult survivors of sexual abuse can call the national hotline to access a counselor at 1.866.FOR.LIGHT, or text LIGHT to 741741.

Amity Condie has lived in Palmer for 16 years. She enjoys biking and skijoring with her dogs and family and is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.