I feel sick to my stomach

I can hardly watch or read the news lately without getting that nauseous feeling in my stomach. It seems every week there is something reported that causes us to recoil and feel shocked (although being "shocked" anymore is becoming a dying art)

The news out of Penn State University is so incredible that I am just having difficulty even fathoming it. The fact that adults were aware of another adult abusing children and seemingly doing NOTHING about it makes me want to scream. I don't need to repeat the details because, unless you have been living under a rock, you already know that a former assistant football coach was seen years ago by a graduate assistant performing a despicable act upon a young boy. That graduate assistant reported it to head football coach Joe Paterno. From there the outrage of doing the wrong thing ensued. Some have stated that Paterno did all he was "legally required" to do. How could a serious person even suggest that?

I know that in the realm of God, sin is sin. But sexually abusing a helpless, innocent child?

Many years ago, I found myself in a situation where I was made aware of a teenager who claimed that she was being physically abused by a parent. My wife and I tried our best to determine if the teenager was being honest. The girl showed my wife bruises on her back and side that didn't look like the kind of bruises that a teen could self-inflict or might normally get playing sports, etc. I had a conversation with a high ranking law enforcement officer about it and asked what I should do. He stated that if his office were called in, it would be handled like a law enforcement situation which, he stated, might be inappropriate. The better option he suggested was to contact the Division of Family and Children Services since they typically got involved in these kinds of matters.

I made the call and reported what I believed to be the situation. But, I was not an actual eyewitness. I was taking a teenager's word. What if she was lying? Weren't my actions potentially risking the reputation of an innocent parent? This was one of the hardest decisions of my life. But I couldn't just assume it was not true. I prayed about it, cried about it... but made the phone call. If I had it to do over again, I would still make that phone call. There was fallout from all this...the family involved will never have anything to do with us. I did receive a phone call from the other estranged parent thanking me and eluding to the fact that there was a problem that was very complex.

I have every respect for parents' right to raise their child in a manner they see fit. This does not include physical  or sexual abuse. No child should have to endure that. Parents are responsible for the well being of their children. People in authority or in positions of influence over children cannot be allowed to abuse those positions.

I have always admired Joe Paterno as a football coach and mentor. But, I'm sorry...he cannot justify his inaction in this matter.

Lacking in something to pray about today? Please include Joe Paterno in your prayers. And pray for all the people that have been affected by this scandal. Unfortunately, the damage to those boys has been done. I pray especially that healing will take place for them.