Just learned 32yr old son was abused as child

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LynnMarie

Guest
#1
I am really struggling with the knowledge that my 32 yr old son was molested and raped when he was a child by the a 'grandfather' .I have known about this for 2 years now and it really bothers me. This same man molested and raped a friend of my son's, too. That boy ended up comitting suicide! My son has had numerous health problems and food and pronogaphy addictions among other problems and has sought out counseling on his own.
My husband and I brought all 3 of our children up in the church and to have a relationship with Jesus and we were VERY careful about who our children were ever alone with. My oldest son, however, is from a previous marriage and there was joint custody so my son spent time away from me. This is when these terrible things happened. I really need help..probably professional help. :(
 
Apr 29, 2012
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#2
I see that you're still online - please stand by
 
Apr 29, 2012
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#3
I cannot imagine just what you're feeling as a parent. Probably a lot of anger, perhaps hatred toward the molester - been there. From experience I KNOW beyond any doubt that Jesus can and will remove the anger/hate. It might take some time as it did with me but speaking out publicly is a step in the right direction toward healing. One scripture that broke the hatred of my molester was that "GOD does not delight in the destruction of the wicked" - not sure where it is right now tough. So if GOD isn't happy about a wicked persons destruction, how can I be?

To focus on your son - I can identify with some of the things he has dealt with also. He probably has/had a lot of guilt and shame that caused him to keep it secret for so long. I encourage you to love on him real good if he'll let you. A child cannot consent to sex but the molesters are good at making their victims think they can. Neither can a child correctly process the emotions caused by sexual encounters prior to about age 16 or so. So a twisting of their soul occurs.

'Guilt and shame grow in the dark but shrink in the light'

A cry from your innermost being to Jesus will bring help. Ask for yourself. It took me a very long time to do just that but when I did - HE did.

Professional help? Maybe but Jesus IS a pro at fixing us.
 
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nan

Guest
#4
lynn marie.... i'm sooooo very sorry. praying for all of you right now!!!
 
Sep 10, 2012
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#5
my husband says that the way you are seeking help and support shows you have a great love for your son and you really do need the help and support of brothers and sisters in Christ and the biggest thing you can do to help yourself now is to remain sane in all this and you need to turn to your brothers and sisters now for the love and support and peace from God through Jesus...you really do need them..you need hugs and for us to be crying with you
 
Apr 24, 2012
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#6
I am really struggling with the knowledge that my 32 yr old son was molested and raped when he was a child by the a 'grandfather' .I have known about this for 2 years now and it really bothers me. This same man molested and raped a friend of my son's, too. That boy ended up comitting suicide! My son has had numerous health problems and food and pronogaphy addictions among other problems and has sought out counseling on his own.
My husband and I brought all 3 of our children up in the church and to have a relationship with Jesus and we were VERY careful about who our children were ever alone with. My oldest son, however, is from a previous marriage and there was joint custody so my son spent time away from me. This is when these terrible things happened. I really need help..probably professional help. :(
I'm uncertain what you're asking for help with. I read your request for help, and several things were disclosed, but you didn't mentioned what it is you're struggling with. Is it forgiveness? If so, who is it you desire to forgive and for what?
It's true that passions for certain things can be excited by individuals, but we are not obligated to continue in those lusts. So if your son is engaged in pornography it's because it's something his flesh desires/wants. Christ can set him free!

It's really encouraging to read how careful you and your husband were with your children. That's extremely encouraging! Some aren't as careful, unfortunately. But I can tell from this that your husband and you love your children.

I do fear that this recently revealed fact can have a negative impact on you. And what I mean by "negative impact" is it could lead you to not trust anyone. This may not be the direction you travel in, but we must acknowledge that it's a possible outcome. In response to the negative, know that there are faithful men in the world, although they are hard to find (Proverbs 20:6). There are wise people in the world who fear the LORD and depart from evil, who would probably challenge you in your love toward your child [If they were chosen by GOD to watch over your child's heart, they'd do some very exemplary things, instilling within the child conduct which would cause any parent to be amazed]. There does exist those people, but they are rare.
More commonly, however, exists those who are wicked. You don't have to go far to find a wicked man! Some individuals who love not the LORD, or keep His commands, abide in our very house! It is a sad, but true, statement. So it doesn't strike us as odd that a wicked person would do something so grotesque, but it does enrage us. The unrighteous deed inflames us with a holy anger against ungodliness. At the same time though, we greatly fear for the person, for GOD will punish the wicked: there will be a day when the ungodly will cry to the mountains and to the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb." I can guarantee you that GOD hates sin to a much higher degree than we can ever hate it, and it is He who will "repay every man according to his deeds." (Matthew 16:27)
Therefore, knowing the fear of the LORD, we are exceedingly afraid for this person. The one who created Him is exceedingly angry, and if he doesn't find repentance before death finds Him, he will know GOD's anger. Earth and heaven will not hide him, for they will flee at the presence of the one who sits on the throne (Rev. 20:11). We'll behold one person after another stand before GOD's judgment seat: one will say, "Did we not prophesy in Your name?" Another will plead, "In Your name we cast out demons," and another, "In Your name we performed many miracles." But His reply will thunder, "I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS." To another the Lord will say, "Bind him hand and foot... there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
A minister once said, concerning the Day of Judgment, "This is the KING of kings, and He's the JUDGE of judges, and it's the Tribunal of tribunals, and there's no court of appeal after it. The verdict is final!"
On that day the realization of the never-ending torment the rebel will undergo for his offense will seem too enormous in your eyes, and you will mourn, thinking the judgment too great. But GOD's judgments are extremely high and perfect, and very just. This is going to come upon the wicked soon (whether he dies, or the LORD comes back). Soon he will stand before GOD and be judged.

Let us pray that the person who committed this offense would not be found outside of Christ. May Christ's blood cover all his sins and yours and mine. Amen.
 
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mommy_of_goober

Guest
#7
I was molested when i was about 3 1/2 years old, and it does twist your view of the world, when someone does that horrible act to a child, they steal away their innocence! my emphasis on STEAL! they take it away from you, and you can never get it back. understandably God has many bad things to say about anyone who would hurt a innocent child! God loves his children, and he hurts even more than you do about what has happened to your child. it is hard to imagine someone loving our children more than ourselves, but God does! God also forgives those who hurt them, and as hard as it is, we have to find that forgiveness somewhere inside of us! I certainly don't know how I would ever forgive anyone who hurt my baby! I would just pray that God would send some one to help me, and encourage me threw it! I pray God is giving you many people who can comfort and love you and your son!
 
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worldlover

Guest
#8
I understand what your son had gone through and how bad it has affected his life from the horrendous experience at the hands of his grandfather. It's definitely not easy to deal with this situation but i got an advice for you. Constantly talk to him and encourage him to open up so that you will know what he feels inside and get a better idea on the situation. Pray and ask God to help you find a way, to heal him physically,emotionally, and spiritually, to change him, to give you wisdom and strength, help you overcome these trials. Pray everyday and i truly believe you can do this as long as you're on God's side because He never neglects those who are faithful in Him, have faith.

Will also keep your family in my prayers.

God bless you and your family!

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,whenever you face trials of many kinds,because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. - James 1:2-4 NIV
 
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intercessorginger

Guest
#9
Dear LynnMarie,
I only want to say one thing about this..There is no place so deep or dark, that the Love of God with his power to bring life, healing and forgiveness..is not deeper still. Trust in that fact, for yourself, your family and your son.

Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?Jer 32:27
 

damombomb

Senior Member
Feb 27, 2011
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#10
Father thank you for healing her and her son , emotionally, mentally physically. take this off their hearts and minds , turn it all around Lord.
heal them completely so they can go on with their lives in you
In Jesus name amen
 

Lucy68

Senior Member
Jan 21, 2011
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#11
I'm sorry about what happened to your son :(. I am praying for his complete healing from this tragic event and that he seeks help to end his pornography addiction.

This reminds me of what Jesus said would happen to anyone who led these 'little ones astray':

Matthew 18:6 "....but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea." A very harsh statement.

I'm praying for you too...healing and comfort from the Holy Spirit. Only He can help us to forgive something that seems unforgivable. I think Christian counseling could be helpful to you too :)
 
Sep 10, 2012
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#12
I was molested when i was about 3 1/2 years old, and it does twist your view of the world, when someone does that horrible act to a child, they steal away their innocence! my emphasis on STEAL! they take it away from you, and you can never get it back. understandably God has many bad things to say about anyone who would hurt a innocent child! God loves his children, and he hurts even more than you do about what has happened to your child. it is hard to imagine someone loving our children more than ourselves, but God does! God also forgives those who hurt them, and as hard as it is, we have to find that forgiveness somewhere inside of us! I certainly don't know how I would ever forgive anyone who hurt my baby! I would just pray that God would send some one to help me, and encourage me threw it! I pray God is giving you many people who can comfort and love you and your son!
Thankyou for sharing such wisdom and love to a lady who is hurting and also thankyou for sharing your own painful experience...your compassion and empathy show what a very loving person you are..praise God for you
 
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BrittanyJones

Guest
#13
About four years ago I finally confessed to both my parents that my mother's close, oldest brother had been sexual abusing me from before I could remember until about a year before I confessed it. Confessing to my parents finally was a huge, huge, huge weight off of me, especially when I saw the careful way they handled it. My mom did break down crying but she was very discreet for me and my dad who is a pastor and experienced with matters such as these advised my mother to write a letter expressing everything to her brother. She did this and I found out later he denied everything, however, an aunt married to another brother of my mom's told the whole family that he had been inappropriate with her as well. I knew my parents believed me right off, but it was nice to have the support of my family.

Since I confessed I didn't have to worry about being pushed to see this uncle and I was able to move out of state which helped with the healing process. I know that my mom has not seen her brother since four years ago when I confessed and it's confusing to my grandmother what is going on, but she is has expressed how grateful she is to me that I told her and our relationship got even closer and I felt more comfortable to be open with both my parents.

My parents also paid for counseling for me with a special sexual abuse counselor. Sometimes I was hesitant to see a counselor but they were kind enough to gently push me towards it and once I started therapy I started to feel so much better. I was always sick as a kid and teenager which my parents didn't understand why, with the counseling I started to realize how much of the pain I was experiencing was related to me pushing the abuse memories into the back of my head instead of dealing with them.

A couple of things that are really encouraging for me are, one GOD reading the bible (psalms!), praying, expressing to Him how I feel
Finding that I am definitely not alone.
That I have support of family.
Finally realizing it wasn't my fault!
Learning how to heal.

:) Hope this helps with some insights.

Everyday is a journey with God. We run, walk, stray, crawl, hobble, jump with Him always by our side. And we can say anything we want to Him in confidence and He'll listen, heal, guide and provide for us along the way.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity;
Jeremiah 29
*This promise applies to the sexual abuse victims as well!
 
Sep 10, 2012
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#14
About four years ago I finally confessed to both my parents that my mother's close, oldest brother had been sexual abusing me from before I could remember until about a year before I confessed it. Confessing to my parents finally was a huge, huge, huge weight off of me, especially when I saw the careful way they handled it. My mom did break down crying but she was very discreet for me and my dad who is a pastor and experienced with matters such as these advised my mother to write a letter expressing everything to her brother. She did this and I found out later he denied everything, however, an aunt married to another brother of my mom's told the whole family that he had been inappropriate with her as well. I knew my parents believed me right off, but it was nice to have the support of my family.

Since I confessed I didn't have to worry about being pushed to see this uncle and I was able to move out of state which helped with the healing process. I know that my mom has not seen her brother since four years ago when I confessed and it's confusing to my grandmother what is going on, but she is has expressed how grateful she is to me that I told her and our relationship got even closer and I felt more comfortable to be open with both my parents.

My parents also paid for counseling for me with a special sexual abuse counselor. Sometimes I was hesitant to see a counselor but they were kind enough to gently push me towards it and once I started therapy I started to feel so much better. I was always sick as a kid and teenager which my parents didn't understand why, with the counseling I started to realize how much of the pain I was experiencing was related to me pushing the abuse memories into the back of my head instead of dealing with them.

A couple of things that are really encouraging for me are, one GOD reading the bible (psalms!), praying, expressing to Him how I feel
Finding that I am definitely not alone.
That I have support of family.
Finally realizing it wasn't my fault!
Learning how to heal.

:) Hope this helps with some insights.

Everyday is a journey with God. We run, walk, stray, crawl, hobble, jump with Him always by our side. And we can say anything we want to Him in confidence and He'll listen, heal, guide and provide for us along the way.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity;
Jeremiah 29
*This promise applies to the sexual abuse victims as well!
I hope everyone here reads about your insights into your horrific experience and how you are healing...may you continue to heal and I thank God for you as you are a great daughter of God
 
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OFM

Guest
#15
i am/is totally praying...
 
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psychomom

Guest
#16
LynnMarie, I weep with you. :(
I pray for your son, for you, and for your whole family.
It just doesn't matter how old our children become; they are always our babies.
That love we feel for them comes from our God, Who IS love.

I pray you will forgive this man who hurt your little boy (for you own sake, beloved), and that you will forgive your husband and yourself .
I ask that no root of bitterness grow in your dear heart, and that your son will find healing and hope in Jesus.
wish I had some great wisdom to impart, my dear sister, but you have my prayers, and I believe (have faith) in the One Who makes all things new
to do just that.

My prayers are for each of you who have been robbed of what should have been a time of innocent joy,
and ask the Lord to renew your trust in people, and in Him, and to give you joy in abundance
because Christ died for us, and loves each of you so much.

love,
ellie
 
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shekaniah

Guest
#17
Sending up liquid prayers ...(tears)
Father you make all things new!
In Jesus Name, Amen

Revelations 21:5
He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
 
Apr 29, 2012
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#18
BrittanyJones

"A couple of things that are really encouraging for me are, one GOD reading the bible (psalms!), praying, expressing to Him how I feel
Finding that I am definitely not alone.
.........................
Finally realizing it wasn't my fault!
Learning how to heal.

:) Hope this helps with some insights. "

Brittany,
The above are a big help to me as I am still healing - so thanks for sharing. 2 and 3 are major steps and putting the responsibility back on the molester has been and is difficult. Thanks for reminding me to express my feeling to GOD - no need or use in trying to hide those feelings either since HE already knows.

FWIW - I have gotten to a place where I have forgiven the molester and was honestly concerned for his salvation. I kept tabs on him over the years and planned a trip to visit and hopefully witness to him. I was surprised at myself when I found that I was saddened to discover he died in 2004. Hopefully GOD found him before he passed. Love conquered my hatred for him.
 
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oracle2world

Guest
#19
I pray for you and your son.

You just have to move on, and forget about the past.
 
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mommy_of_goober

Guest
#20
Thankyou for sharing such wisdom and love to a lady who is hurting and also thankyou for sharing your own painful experience...your compassion and empathy show what a very loving person you are..praise God for you

thanks, I appreciate that. I just think that when people experience things that hurt them that they should try to comfort others that are going threw the same thing because God can use your experiences to help others!