BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality Spirituality God and support

I did not know where to make this post, so i made it here thinking that this is the most appropriate place. Sometime back I was reading the posts made by some teenagers in their forum. I read one about a boy who was raped by his father for two years from age 11 to 13. I read about a girl who was called a [censored] and thrashed by her mother in the garage and after that asked to go as far away as possible. I read many such posts by anguished teenagers who do not know where to turn. Sometimes they have trouble at the school, other times at home.

In India where we all still live closely with each other, such things are found out quickly. But in the western society where the families are all very small many people do not come to know about the plight of the children.

At least during the period of extreme pain, the children can turn to God if they believe. But with so much negative being talked about religion, that support is dwindling. Where would these poor kids go? They do not know about helplines, about laws. They know only about their pain. My heart goes out to them but I feel very helpless.

cdmohatta, I agree that there is alot of anguish that kids today live with and have to tolerate because there is just not enough family extension close by. That is really sad, too. One of the things that I try to do as a part time teacher is try to recognize kids that don't have a support group of friends at school and seem to be sad, angry or loners. I try to get them to be "helpers" so they will spend time around me and school so that they will have chances to talk about any problems they might have. Teachers offered that kind of closeness when I was in school and sometimes it meant the world to me and others. Sometimes it works and it breaks my heart. All I can do is listen and offer kind words. At least they know they are not alone. Many times I often share stories of when I was in school and how important teachers were and also bring up how important people at church were to me. It gives me a chance to open talk about God and their beliefs. It does show them there are people who care and will listen.

Trish

God bless you for this excellent work you are doing.

I agree that we are living in a turbulent world right now. But, as a Community Minister, mother and grandmother, I am also aware that the children of today have a whole new set of issues to deal with than they did even 20 years ago. But, they also have advantages today that they did not have even 20 years ago.

Unfortunately, there has always been child abuse and neglect in our world. That is not something new.. but the fact is that through the media we are more aware that it is happening than we used to be.

That the kids can even discuss this in a forum is something that they could not do in the past. In the past they only had teachers, guidance counselors, or family members to confide in, and the end result usually was that they would wind up in the social system and remain in foster care until they were adults. So, many of the children in that situation didn't even discuss it.. they just dealt with it.

As for religion.. that is a touchy subject. There are thousands of people in our society that do not believe in the Biblical God.. and as you know.. I am one of them. I do however, have a set of spiritual beliefs that provide support and comfort in times of need.

I also happen to be a part of a large spiritual community who in turn provide support and love to ALL of the children within the community. When a child is brought into our circle and blessed, everyone in the community gives that child a gift.. of peace, of joy, of hope, of intelligence, of honor, of love, etc., and all of us act as mentors and confidants to that child. The old adage "It takes a village to raise a child" is certainly still true today.

Personally, I don't think that belief in God or being a specific religion matters as much to a child as love, respect, honor, and trust do. It is not that religion is falling apart, it is that our society has forgotten the basic principles of compassion, kindness and tolerance.

We think it is terrible when a teenager is abused by their parents, raped by a relative or neglected, and yet, we allow our political leaders to put a gun in the hands of an 18 year old teenager and send them off to war to kill or be killed. I ask you... What is the difference?

Love and Light..

Linda J. Paul- Spirituality Editor
You are very understanding and compassionate.

I have a small query with all the members.
I find that the most active teen forums have teenagers as moderators and supporters. can not some elders begin something online to help teenagers with their problems?