Where Are You, God: A Story for Children Who Have Been Abused

This book is dedicated to the brave souls who have broken their silence and stopped the cycle of abuse and to those who helped them find their way to recovery. We know that 1 out of 3 and 1 out of 5 boys will be sexually abused before they reach the age of 18. 90% of child sexual abuse victims know the perpetrator in some way or another. They are often afraid to self disclose the abuse because they believe they will hurt the person they know or love. In WHERE ARE YOU, GOD? Jimmy is a child being molested in his home by his grandfather. As a result, he is displaying obvious signs of emotional distress such as : fighting with his peers; exhibiting a bad attitude in school; destroying property and thinking negatively. As in most stories of childhood abuse, it only takes ONE person to change the course of the victim's life. That person for Jimmy Andrews is a compassionate and courageous man, Principal McFall. After reading this short story, children and adults will begin to recognize the signs and symptoms of abuse. If they are being abused or have been, they can easily relate to Jimmy's story and how it unfolds. It is easy to relate to the despair and hopelessness that the main character suffers when he feels abandoned by God and his mother when she doesn't believe him.I am a licensed professional clinical counselor with 43 years of experience and was nationally certified as a sex counselor for over 35 years. My work has been focused mainly on men, women and children who have been traumatized for some reason. I have worked professionally with thousands of victims through the years of practicing full time and it has taught me that their deepest wounds are in fact, their opportunities to grow spiritually. They will suffer greatly when they no longer believe that they can find meaning, joy and happiness in their lives. A belief in a higher power, in love and in intimacy and their own capability to create change is what will brighten their future. This short story is inspiring for the reader. It can help victims of sexual abuse find the strength and courage to break the silence of the abuse and regain a belief in God/humanity. Allow this book to be the beginning of a process of awareness and hope for change for you or someone you love.