Your next door neighbor invites you over for a cook out. You've played Frisbee with him and his kids and your kids, laughing and rolling in the grass.
A church brother shakes your hand, smiling and nodding, as he places his arm around his young son standing by his side.
A co-worker chats and banters with you, his feet propped on his desk in front of family photos of a smiling wife and three very young and happy children.
You pass around the turkey gravy and potatoes as you joke with your brothers and sisters and umpteen little kids around your parent's table filled with Thanksgiving goodies..
My heart aches with unbearable pain as I read the recent news article-- ..police shoot and kill man as he beats and stomps toddler to death. It seems you can't pick up a paper or read a news article on the internet without reading the shocking stories of babies and tiny children being killed by friends or relatives. What makes these people commit such atrocities? Who are these murderers and where do they come from?
Does the killer truly believe the child is possessed by demons; or is it just a ruse to hide the fact that an uncontrollable inner rage blocked out all sense of decency and humanity? Does he strike out because that was what he was taught by his father or mother? Is he able to hide and control the monster, and the coward, within from all but those too weak to fight back and have nowhere to run; nowhere to hide?
Who are these people? The neighbor next door? The parishioner that sits beside you on Sundays? The person who works across the hall from you and says good morning with such a pleasant smile? Your brother, sister-no, can't be. But they are. They are someone's brother, someone's neighbor; someone we think we know. Do we see it coming and ignore it or maybe just don't realize what we're seeing? Do we really want to get involved?
Who could hurt faces like these????
I can't help but wonder how so many people could have stopped and watched but couldn't prevent that man from killing that baby!? There was no mention of a weapon; but I hope there was some plausible reason that no one could stop him until the policeman was forced to shoot him. I'm an old woman, but I think I could die before I would allow a baby to be brutally murdered-even by its own father.
I have a three-year-old grandson and was literally sick for a week after a three-year-old boy was killed in an auto accident just down the street from our home. The mother was driving while intoxicated; the child was not in a child seat. The mother's younger sister (also intoxicated), another passenger was also killed. Now the young mother has to live with the horror of killing her own baby and sister. Every time I pass that section of road, I picture the tiny body of that baby lying dead in the grass.
I have heard so many excuses behind child murders-it wouldn't stop crying'; it wouldn't eat its supper'; it wouldn't go to sleep'; she broke my glasses'; and the thirteen-year-old that was misbehaving so we tied him to a tree for eighteen hours'.
I wish I had an answer. I don't. But I truly believe God does and someday it will be revealed to all who seek it. I have stopped asking, "Why, God?" and started praying for something good to come to those little ones lost. I know there is a reason for all things. I pray for understanding and the wisdom to come to terms with the horror side of human nature and the driving rage within.
May God help us all, as we can't seem to help ourselves.
Sandra E. Graham, author of AMOS JAKEY and NICOLINA now in print from American Book Publishing. Visit my website for purchase information.
» left by Anonymous (81 days 5 hours ago.)
Sandra, your last paragraph was an excellent end to this well-written article. That paragraph and last sentence echo my sentiments too. God help us all. I almost wept as I read this but I do weep inside. I find peace, comfort and relief knowing everyone of us will be judged accordingly. The innocent whose lives were stolen from them, while in their innocence, will be vindicated. There is nothing any of us can do, even our legal system, that is greater than their eternal punishment if they do not receive Christ. Even after doing so, there is reaping to be done. So, no matter the answer, it has already been taken care of. That's my belief. Thank you, Sandra.
» left by Sandra E. Graham(1,879) Sandra E. Graham from Paragould, Arkansas, USA (81 days 5 hours ago.)
Thank you so much for letting me know that there is someone out there that feels much the same way I do. I have such a fear in my heart for all humanity that is lost to God and his good grace. I pray every day for I feel our time is short and not just because we're getting old; but because the signs are there and how much more can God take?
God bless you and yours.
Sandra
» left by Avis Ward(8,576) Avis Ward (80 days 17 hours ago.)
Sandra, I am anonymous above. I didn't know I wasn't logged in. I was just sharing your article with a friend and said just what you did. "our time is short . . . the signs are there." I believe we are living in end-times, too. You have a loving heart, it shows in everything you write. Keep me in your prayers as I have kept you in mine. Blessings! Respond to this comment
» left by Sandra E. Graham(1,879) Sandra E. Graham from Paragould, Arkansas, USA (80 days 5 hours ago.)
Thank you so much, Avis. Actually, I thought that was you. I have come to recognize your writing. You, too, put your soul into your words and your goodness shows through. You are truly one of God's special people.
Sandra.
» left by Avis Ward(8,576) Avis Ward (80 days 4 hours ago.)
You're welcome, Sandra. Feeling it was me made me smile. I feel so blessed to communicate with everyone on SearchWarp. It is even more of a blessing to see our Father glorified. We make Him smile, I just know it. I am humbled by your encouragement. Thank you.
» left by Teresa Ortiz(5,005) Teresa Ortiz (81 days 4 hours ago.)
Hi Sandra, thank you for sharing your heart in the piece. So many don't want to see it, but it's real nonetheless, we live in a sin-laiden world with sin-laiden people. We need God, but not everyone will chose the narrow road that Jesus talks about. We need to be praying all the more. Thanks for the reminder!! Respond to this comment
» left by Sandra E. Graham(1,879) Sandra E. Graham from Paragould, Arkansas, USA (80 days 5 hours ago.)
I wish there was a way to get everyone in the world to accept that there is a God and Jesus is our savior. Jesus represents the goodness and kindness in all people and if He could reside in the heart of all people, there would be no more senseless killing of our children. Sometimes I feel so sad that I think God should come now and put us out of our missery; but then I think, no, we need more time. There are too many out there needing to be saved. You are right, the Bible tells us that 'the Gate is narrow and few there will be that enter in.'
Thanks for reading and commenting, Teresa.
» left by Robert Melaccio, Sr.(4,435) Robert Melaccio, Sr. (80 days 16 hours ago.)
The answer is right before us in the Word which states in last days there will come lovers of self. Having no natural affection or feelings. The news just reinforces it all. Best wishes. Respond to this comment
» left by Sandra E. Graham(1,879) Sandra E. Graham from Paragould, Arkansas, USA (80 days 4 hours ago.)
Robert, how right you are. Some people may laugh at us when we say we are living near the end, but we are taught that a thousand or a million years to us is but the blink of an eye to God.
I read a bumper sticker the other day that said, "I had rather live my life as though there were a God and find out there wasn't; than to live my life as though there was no God and find out there was." Amen.
Thanks for the comment.
Sandra
» left by sue thom from nj (80 days 9 hours ago.)
hi sandra,
this was a well written and riveting story (if i could i'd give you a 100) about some pretty horriffic crimes. i think you may have something when you say, "Is he able to hide and control the monster, and the coward, within from all but those too weak to fight back and have nowhere to run; nowhere to hide? "
i really think that could be one of the reasons for these cruel happenings. low self esteem, rage, and not one ounce of conscience. without a conscience, one can do anything and rationalize it, or not even bother to.
i was happy to see you on the article highlight.
thanks for the article,
best regards,
sue
» left by Sandra E. Graham(1,879) Sandra E. Graham from P (80 days 4 hours ago.)
Thank you, Sue. You are very kind. I know this was quite a morbid subject to write about; but I do so love little children and would give my life to protect them all from the terrors and heartbreak that life has dealt them.
Thanks for reading and commenting.
» left by Jessica Phillips(17) (80 days 2 hours ago.)
I totaly agree! I have a son myself, and a girl on the way. I would go crazy if anyone ever layed a finger on them...God help us all! Respond to this comment
» left by Sandra E. Graham(1,879) Sandra E. Graham from Paragould, Ar USA (79 days 15 hours ago.)
Thanks for reading and commenting, Jessica. May God be with you and protect you and your little ones. Keep the faith--it's all we have.
Sandra
» left by Jane Bullard (79 days 10 hours ago.)
Sandra, thanks for your courage in writing this. It must have taken a lot out of you to describe what you have described. We must pray, try to help parents of young children whenever we can, try to show gentleness works better than anger, and hope that this craziness will not continue to escalate! It seems that children and even life itself are less and less valued, otherwise. Respond to this comment
» left by Sandra E. Graham(1,879) Sandra E. Graham from Paragould, Arkansas, USA (79 days 10 hours ago.)
Thank you, Jane. Writing this particular article was hard and didn't relieve any of the pain I was feeling. But I continue to pray and know that heaven will be full of children. And the Bible tells us that we must 'become as little children' to inherit our right place in the book of life.
Thanks again for reading and commenting.
Sandra
» left by kim smith from sedgwick, ar (79 days 9 hours ago.)
I love the article, I wonder the same things. I have 3 small children of my own and I could never imagine doing something like that.
» left by Sandra E. Graham(1,879) Sandra E. Graham from Paragould, Arkansas, USA (79 days 9 hours ago.)
Thanks for reading and commenting, Kim. No normal person can imagine doing something so horrific. Although, these people seem normal on the outside--they can't possibly be normal on the inside. I don't believe in 'crimes of passion'---especially where children are concerned. No normal person would have a total melt-down that would induce them to mutilate a baby.
Sandra
» left by James P Krehbiel(1,382) James P Krehbiel (79 days 4 hours ago.)
Sandra, I have four grandchildren and this behavior is so disturbing to me. The only way I can make sense out it is to assume the individual has an untreated chararacter disorder. This is not my excuse, but the only plausible explanation that I can give for this hideous behavior. Neurotics like you and me usually take too much responsibility for things. Those with personality/conduct disorders NEVER assume responsibility for anything. It's the nature of the beast. I know what I am saying doesn't help these kids, but its behind what's going on. I am always bothered that those who know these individuals never seem to see this dark side of the soul. I believe that they do, but dismiss it and it goes unreported. Very sad indeed. Take care.
» left by Sandra E. Graham from Paragould, Arkansas, USA (78 days 15 hours ago.)
Thank you for commenting, James, and I agree. These individuals must have such a horrendous amount of pent up anger that after reaching a boiling point they explode and have no sense of the developing consequences.
Sandra
» left by Linda Preston(0) (77 days 12 hours ago.)
Hi Sandra,
This article really touched me. I live in the UK, and we have exactly the same outrages here. A lot of murders of young children here are often committed by mother's boyfriend. A mother's first duty is to protect - so why would they put a man before their child?
Children are a gift from God and should be loved and treasured.
Linda Respond to this comment
» left by Sandra E. Graham(1,879) Sandra E. Graham from Paragould, Arkansas, USA (77 days 4 hours ago.)
Thanks, Linda, for reading and commenting. Statistics would probably show that that is the same issue in this country. Too many teen pregnancies end up with girls marrying men later in life that are not their child's biological father. Many men--and women as well--find it difficult to accept the child of a previous alliance. And all too often it is the biological parent that can't control their anger and take it out on their own children. But you are absolutely right, children are a gift of God and should be treated as such.
Sandra
» left by Carmellita M Brown(150) Carmellita M Brown (77 days 8 hours ago.)
What is the answer? I often asked this question and in recent years I have received the answer in increments. One thing I do know is that rage isn't entirely the "rager's" fault. It really is our collective consciousness. We have to realize that our negative thoughts are affecting our world and our universe. Those less enlighten folks are susceptible to this negativity and it manifests in dangerous ways. It is sad. But if those of us who are enlightened use our collective consciouness for good. We will experience and manifest more. Good. Okay, just my opinion. Excellent written article. Respond to this comment
» left by Sandra E. Graham(1,879) Sandra E. Graham from Paragould, Arkansas, USA (77 days 4 hours ago.)
Thank you, Carmellita. How to solve the problem will always be an issure. People who have the problem either won't face it and seek help, or just plain don't realize there is a problem until it's too late. Enlightenment for these people may be hard to come by.
Sandra
» left by F.C. from Arkansas (74 days 14 hours ago.)
This is another great story Sandra, and unfortunately a true one. Life is a very sad element that we have to endure, even though sometimes bad, mostly good if you choose to make it the best you can. I have never wanted to hurt anybody, but I have been hurt pretty bad, but I choose to channel that anger through a route that is not violent, sure I may get angry at times, but I know my limit. Maybe I was blessed enough with a mother's love that helped me out with that. MAY GOD BLESS US ALL!!
» left by Sandra E. Graham(1,879) Sandra E. Graham from Paragould, Arkansas, USA (74 days 5 hours ago.)
Thanks for reading and commenting F.C. Some true stories are the hardest and saddest of all to write and read. You sound like a good person and may you always have good things come your way. Keep your faith in God and trust that He knows what He is doing and has the right answers for us all in the end.
Blessings.
Sandra
» left by Barbara Clark(327) Barbara Clark (74 days 6 hours ago.)
Sandra, You are so right on about the sadness and madness of it all! That is why I hardly read the paper or watch the news on tv anymore. I just don't want to fill my head with all of that negative madness. Blessings, Barbara Respond to this comment
» left by Sandra E. Graham(1,879) Sandra E. Graham from Paragould, Arkansas, USA (74 days 5 hours ago.)
It is hard to miss these horror stories when you try to keep up with the world happenings in general. But you are right, it certainly doesn't make a person want to read or hear the news. Especially since this is an almost everyday occurance somewhere in the world. (You probably just read or heard about the Englishman living in Maryland) If not, I won't tell you.
Take care and hang on to all your good thoughts and memories; they are what keeps us going.
Sandra
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