I have two daughters of my own. One of the few, precious things that I can count on each day is that they both adore me and want to be with me. They want to help me with whatever I’m doing, they want me to see their creations, play with them. It really doesn’t matter to them, as long as I’m there. It’s tough to do everything they want and be there any time they like, but I do my best. Time is short.

Picture then, any little girl. It doesn’t matter who, just a child that comes to your mind who has that same level of love, trust and adoration for her father. I assume most parents will be like me and the mental picture will be that of their own children, which, for me, makes it intensely painful.

Yes, painful. In my case, the love I have for my children makes it more painful to hear of a child who’s childhood has been brought to an abrupt halt by a father or some other trusted, adored adult. A new life often begins for the child when they are first abused; a life tragically different. Nothing will ever be the same. Their lives continue, but without intervention often take paths we can’t imagine our own children and family traveling upon.

I don’t know whether one of God’s reasons for blessing me with children was that I might have a deeper empathy for people who are the product of physical and/or sexual abuse, but it has certainly worked out that way.

When I first heard some of the stories of the women and girls who are and have been residents at All God’s Children, I knew it would be an organization I would support to my fullest extent.

Not until recently, when I first met Joan Prigge, volunteer and development director for AGC, did I realize that some of the young mothers who have been residents there are as young as middle school age.

The work being done at AGC to help these young mothers toward putting there lives back together, bringing them back from paths to destruction, and helping them to be mothers, good mothers, to their children is nothing short of a miracle.

A tougher job I can not imagine. It’s one I couldn’t do. But God has given some the ability to begin rebuilding trust and happiness in the hearts and minds of those who were abused by people who should have been protecting them.

I’m so glad that SonlightLex.com will be able to help further the work being done by All God’s Children.