Gathering the Gleanings: Reflections on Life in the Ministry

I have had conversations with young people who have recently turned 18 about being mandated reporters in the state of North Carolina, at least. If you do NOT report known or even suspected child abuse or neglect it is a CRIME. It is punishable by law – up to 120 days in jail and/or a fine. That’s simply for not reporting.

Not reporting doesn’t just mean seeing the abuse or being told directly by the child but it is required for suspected abuse also. Please, report and help save a child more potential harm.

Jesus on numerous occasions expressed his deep respect and love for children. He even goes so far in Matthew 18:6 to say anyone who dares to put a stumbling block in front of a child shall have a millstone tied around their neck and thrown into the depths of the sea. That is a serious response. And in my opinion there is no greater stumbling block than abuse. Again, this is a strong response and a justified one.

Child Abuse and Neglect not only hurt a child in the moment or moments after, they affect a child’s life for a long time if not for their entire life. It’s nothing short of horrific for a abuse survivor, simply talk to one and you will see it on their faces, hear it in their voices or get a general feeling by being in their presence as they share even a word about their past experiences (those responses are for another blog post because they are too numerous to go into now). For now you will have to trust me.

So we see from scripture that Jesus loves children and the question becomes do you? If you turn your head, close your eyes or cover your ears to known or suspected cases of child abuse or neglect the answer is most likely not. If you truly love and care for children you will step out of your comfort zone, put your fear aside and do the right thing – report it!

(For more information about reporting laws in NC and who to report to one spot you can consult is The Dragonfly House one Davie County).

As the slogan for Nike brand states, “Just do it”.