Healing The Tragic Scars Of Abuse Analysis

One of my favorite songs I learned in Primary as a young LDS child was “A Child’s Prayer.” It’s opening lines are “Heavenly Father, are you really there? And do you hear and answer every child’s prayer?” For some children in the United States, they are in such destitute conditions they may doubt there is hope, or anyone above that is listening. Abusive parents, a life in poverty, or sexual abuse are only some of the problems some children in the United States are facing right now. The LDS Church places immense importance on families, and healthy familial relationships– Jesus Christ himself taught little children with love and patience, and in Matthew 19:14 he said “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is

the kingdom of heaven.” In this essay, I will explore the gospel’s perspective on the issue of abuse, especially the abuse committed against children.
I started my research for this project on the LDS.org website. I found a page for “Families and Individuals,” and within it, a section called “Hope and Help.” On the webpage for “Hope and Help”, it explains that life is challenging for everyone, and that some of these challenges come as a result of others’ actions. Ultimately, hope and healing can come through the atonement of Christ, who understands everyone’s struggles and fears.
LDS.org defines abuse as “the treatment of others or self in a way that causes injury or offense.” The effects of abuse are not limited to physical harm, and also include damage to the mind and spirit. Gordon B. Hinkley wrote a talk titled “Save the Children” in 1994 when he was the First Counselor in the First Presidency. He quotes Tagore, an Indian poet, who wrote “Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man.” Hinkley explains that it is truly tragic that so many pure children are born into conditions that are plagued with hunger, sorrow, and fear. Children are not only the future of our world, but also the future of the Gospel. It’s heartbreaking to think of the challenges abused children face. Of physical and sexual abuse, President Hinkley used three words to describe it: Unnecessary, unjustified, and indefensible. He testifies that on the Day of Judgment after those who abuse children have passed, “great will be their tribulation.”
To advise and comfort those who are victims of abuse, Elder Richard G.

Scott wrote a talk titled “Healing the Tragic Scars of Abuse.” He begins by discussing the effects of unresolved abuse– feelings of fear, depression, guilt, lack of trust in others, and self-hatred are among the listed emotions. Elder Scott also taught that abuse is the result of a person unrighteously using their agency, and that the Lord has provided a way to heal.

Elder Scott urges victims of abuse to seek help, and to remember they are beloved children of Heavenly Father. When someone is abused, they may wish to seek revenge on their abuser, but this action perpetuates the cycle of abuse. Elder Scott explains that as victims, they will find better peace focusing on their power to what they have control over, and what they can correct within themselves. In most cases, church and legal authorities are capable of executing justice against the offender. Regardless of legal outcome, “the unrepentant abuser will be punished by a just

God”
Jesus Christ spoke often of his love and respect of children. He said in Matthew 18:6; “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” It’s my testimony that the judgment those who commit or perpetuate abuse will be just. I was fortunate to grow up in a loving home, not once did I go without food or suffer abuse from my parents. I believe my parents will be rewarded in Heaven for all the good they have done, and that those who deliberately make their children live lives of fear and pain will have to answer to Christ on Judgment Day. President Joseph F. Smith said in the year 1939, “To be a successful father or a successful mother is greater than to be a successful general or a successful statesman.” A successful statesman brings short-term greatness, but being a successful parent brings eternal reward.
The Atonement allows everyone to heal.

Who could be better at helping one heal than Christ, who suffered every sin, and felt every emotion during the Atonement? Through Him, a victim of abuse can find forgiveness- and forgiveness can heal deep wounds and replace them with the love of Christ. In 3 Nephi 12:44, one of my favorite scriptures, Christ said “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you and persecute you.” By letting the Atonement and words of the prophets into their hearts, victims of abuse will be able to stop the cycle and truly heal. It’s my testimony that abusers will have to answer to Christ for the horrible acts they have committed, and that Christ, in his perfect love, will extend healing to those who have been hurt by the unrighteous use of agency by

others.