Could the Penn State Abuse Happen in Your Community?

Sisters, come on in and grab a cup of tea and lets talk about ...the Penn State incident. Could the Penn State Abuse Scandal happen in your life or community?

If you haven't heard. One of the coaches at Penn State started a nonprofit organization to help "low income orphaned" children. However, his main goal was to prey on little children who had no family support. His target audience for his organization made it easy for him to groom new victims.
According to numerous news outlet the abuse of young boys has been going on for years since the late 1960's. Many people knew especially those in the Administration. Many had the power to make a simple call to police without identifying themself but they chose not to do a thing. Everyone decide the best thing to do is to keep their mouth shut.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/12/penn-state-scandal-jerry-sandusky-gay-adoption-_n_1090253.html  http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/colleges/penn_state/133781018.html  http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/bigten/story/2011-11-06/penn-state-abuse-scandal-chilling/51100830/1

The SIN of silence. The Enemy will use silence as a way to promote evil and lies. Some people think that if they choose not to make "waves" they are doing a good thing. However, they are only looking out for their best interest. They feel their silence separates them from the SIN. Its funny that if you see sin and do nothing the sin seems to just multiply.

I hope the FBI charges everyone from the top down. How can you know a sexual crime to minors are happening and do nothing for years. They should all be charged with being Accessory to the crime. An accessory to a crime means you help the criminal escape from the law.

According to the Bleacher Report, Assistant coach Mike McQueary, former head coach Joe Paterno, former athletic director Tim Curley and vice president Gary Schultz all knew that something suspicious was happening with Sandusky in the Penn State locker rooms, even the janitors knew about this, but no one did anything to stop it.

If that was not disgusting enough Mike McQueary, a graduate student at the time, witnessed a child naked get raped in the shower with a grown man. He decided to do nothing. He decided to say nothing. Why didn't this student yell at the man and encourage the child to run? Why didn't the student run if he was scared and quickly call the police? Why did he just remain silent?

Would you ignore sexual abuse of  a child? If you saw it happening with your own eyes?

I still do not understand Mike McQueary's motivation for remaining silence. Was he a victim as a child? Was it fear? Greed? Selfishness? What was it that caused someone to just turn their head when they someone hurting physically and emotionally? Why? Why? Why?

When difficult issues come our way. The Word reminds us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

I understand that someone would be afraid to "tell on" their boss. But if you saw sexual abuse how could you just walk out the door? I am assuming that this student may not have been a Christian. But as believers I want to remind you of your duty as a believer in the world.

Christians can not forget the power of prayer. We can not handle every issues that come our way especially in this sin sick world. We can not ignore "sin" around us. Sometimes we have to try to be the salt even in the sea of pepper.

When Interruptions come your way. The Word reminds us: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7) (Also see Psalm 55:22-23)

When things get too hard to handle on your own. The Word reminds us to: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones” (Proverbs 3:5-8).

When we feel all alone when standing for Right. The Word reminds us: “So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:6).

When our decision may affect or status of financial life. The Word reminds us: “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

When everyone has turned their back. The Word reminds us: “…put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.” (Psalm 131:1)

Life is sometimes hard for believers but the Lord want us to be doers of the Word. We know the difference between right and wrong. We can not just turn our backs when we see wrong or sin in our midst.

We can not ignore or just say nothing. Imagine, how many lives that Graduate Student could have saved if he just had the courage to stand up for what was right. This week look around and see how you can make a diiference in your community.