A sad thing happened today. A very sad thing indeed.
Today, we found out that Fifi has been forced to grow up too fast. Her innocent mind has been defiled. Her soul has been soiled. A new heaviness has been laid upon her. She has been exposed to the heart-breaking truth of the wretchedness of the human race.
She and I were alone this morning and driving home from her recital rehearsal; it was a good time to open up. She nervously began to tell me of a story she read in which the unfathomable happened to a little girl at the hands of the most trusted man in her life -- after the mother had gone to sleep for the night. Yes, that. Fifi found herself in the midst of the meaning before she realized what the text was talking about. Enough said.
I was stunned! We are very careful with her reading material, and I don't mean just a little careful. I mean we strive with all our might to seek out material free of slang, romance and rebellion -- nevermind inc*st and deb@uchery! Wherever could she have read of such an episode? How did she come upon such a disturbing narrative? Who has stolen her joy? Who has infested her imagination with this hideous picture?! Who has robbed my darling girl?!
The answer is, in many ways, more disturbing than the question.
She found it in one of our Bibles.
No, she did not read it in the inspired Scripture itself, but rather in the *hear the sarcasm* family devotion, life-application, self-help, let's-be-relatable pages that we had never bothered to read. We. are. sickened. We are angry. We simply must redouble our efforts to know every "dot and tittle" that is on our shelf -- apparently even between the covers of the very human publication of God's Holy Word.
8 comments:
Awful. Absolutely awful. Something like this makes me sick. I can so understand how you feel.
It's so discouraging that in spite of all our very best efforts, the ugly reality finds a way to get through to them. I'm sorry this happened. But I know you. You'll figure out how to fix this.
Wow, I had no idea that kind of stuff was in there. I sure hope she's not to upset about it and that you were able to talk with her in a way she'd understand. That's just so hard for a little one to learn about.
I'm so sorry to hear that she had to read about that. It's just not something that should even be a thought in her head right now. Hopefully you were able to talk with her about it and explain it. What a strange place to find a story like that!!
I'm thankful that she has you to come to. I've read enough of your post that I know you will handle it just how God would want you to. Your girls sound like wonderful children.
Robin
Oh, I, too, am thankful that she brought it to you.
This is a good message/warning for all of us parents.
Oh my. How awful. My heart aches for you and for her. I will have to go and check our Living Translation (Life Application). I am thankful that she came to you with it. If you will, can you share how you handled this and what you said? I have a daughter myself. I don't know what I will say when she learns of this horrible act- no matter where she learns it from. Thank you for sharing with us so we can be more cautious.
Melanie, First I should clarify that the Bible she found this story in was an NIV translation "Family Devotion" or "Family Worship" Bible. I'm not sure now because the one in question doesn't live here anymore.
My Fifi knows the biology of reproduction, so that wasn't a new subject, but the idea of inc*st wasn't something we had planned to address--ever! The reality of p*dophiles had not been addressed specifically either, though there are rules in place to protect her:
1) Don't talk to strangers or give out personal info, address, phone, etc.
2) Avert eyes and leave immediately if a man or older boy joins her alone in any aisle (library, store) or elevator.
Now, though, she knows why.
The Lord has been gracious to calm her anxiety about it. He has removed it from "top of mind," and I am grateful.
I trust the Lord in this and hope everyone who sees this post will check their Bible's "extra" pages for unwanted information.
Thanks for sharing. I have been thinking about her all day after reading this last night. It is a real reminder of how the world sneaks in where we least expect it. Praying for her and the "renewing of her mind" as only God can brand, if you will, a new thought and memory onto her innocent mind. Mel
Post a Comment