Break the Cycle

I recently was asked about Run for Innocence and I feel my explanation did not do it justice. I have been thinking a lot about it and would like to share my following thoughts with you:

Every day I am asked question after question by our inquisitive three year old. “What color is the sky mom?”… “Is my cracker going to melt?”…“What do spiders like to eat?”… “Do I have a brain mom?” etc. If I were to teach Koby the sky was green and the grass was blue he would believe me. When we go to a crowded place, our toddler, Lincoln, clutches my clothing. If it appears to him that someone wants to hold him, he clutches tighter and buries his face into my shirt. It’s amazing how much a child can trust a person.

We are all human; we are not perfect. As we go throughout life experiences occur that cause us to trust less and fear more. When a child is abused is any way and to any degree, no matter how small, their life is affected and from then on changed. It was said,

“Of all crimes, sexual abuse of children is one of the most devastating to the victim—whether or not there were multiple occurrences, and regardless of the extent of the abuse. …Those who are victims of such abuse often grow up with deep, unresolved feelings of guilt, unworthiness, anger, and betrayal.” –Thomas S. Monson

When I think about a 10 year old little boy-abused, scared, confused, and thinking it was his fault, it breaks my heart.

James has always had a strong passion to make a difference in the lives of those who have been sexually abused. That is why he started Run for Innocence. I have been supportive and happy to help. However, recently events have occurred that have caused my support to grow into passion. Right now we are working on raising awareness of this often misunderstood and secretive problem. We hope one day Run for Innocence will be able to help abused children get the counseling they need to live a happy life.

James, Emily, and I have been working really hard the last couple weeks to put together an awareness walk here in Utah. It is a walk to raise awareness for the serious problem of sexual abuse towards children. We would love it if you would join us and walk towards a better future.

When:  Saturday, April 28^th

Where:  Wines Park in Lehi, UT 

Please visit runforinnocence.org for specific details.

 Thank you to all who have helped and are planning on walking with us!