Every child should be free to dream, play, and learn in a safe and loving environment.
When Joshua was around 11 years old, a family crisis led me to uncover a heartbreaking truth—he had been exposed to pornography at the tender age of seven. To this day, I still wonder how this happened, as it took me by surprise and was completely unknown to me at the time. It was a moment that shattered his childhood innocence, and I wished I could have shielded him from the pain that followed.
Important Notice: Studies have shown that children may unintentionally encounter adult content while browsing the internet, even when their search intent is innocent, such as looking for video games, toys, or educational material. (link shared at the end)
During that difficult year, I took extreme measures to protect not only Joshua but our entire family. The exposure had gone unnoticed for over four years, and during that time, his exposure had led him down a dark path of obsession, preying on his young mind. This placed him in dangerous situations, with predators lurking unnoticed. Around the same time, Joshua had just met his father, and I permitted him to have a Facebook account to encourage their relationship. Despite having certain protocols in place, it proved inadequate in preventing such a situation, which I could never have imagined happening to my child. Had it not been for God's divine intervention, he'd be a victim of child trafficking.
As soon as I became aware of what Joshua had been exposed to, I acted swiftly. I installed an alarm system to notify me if Joshua ever left the house without my knowledge. My bedroom was located farthest from the apartment's entrance, while his room was closest to the door. Additionally, I frequently monitored and cleaned his computer, even with parental controls activated. The images I encountered during this process were deeply disturbing, and it broke my heart to know they had left a lasting impact on my innocent boy's mind, tormenting him.
As a mother, I did everything within my power to keep Joshua safe, but the reality is that no amount of effort, energy, or time invested in our children can guarantee complete protection. During this challenging time, I turned to God for help, support, and guidance.
One morning, after sending Joshua off to school, by the grace of God, I stumbled upon a concerning message from a woman who claimed to be in New York. She had exchanged brief messages with Joshua, complimenting him and suggesting a meeting after school. Instantly sensing the danger, I took immediate action, cutting off all contact with her. Though I regretfully failed to report the incident at that time, my focus was solely on eliminating the threat as quickly as possible.
Isaiah 40:11 (NIV):
"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young."
I am eternally grateful to God for guiding me through that trying period and for safeguarding my son from potential danger. Only He knows how many other times Joshua had been protected and rescued without my knowledge.
I share this story not seeking pity or attention, but to raise awareness and encourage vigilance among parents and guardians. Our children's innocence is precious, and it is our collective responsibility to protect them from harm. Together, let us be alert and watchful, cherishing and safeguarding the innocence of all children, as they are God's precious gifts to us.
In conclusion, my little boy's journey after the exposure became a lifelong battle that he continuously suffered through. If only I had known how easily a child's innocence can be stolen, I would have done everything in my power to shield him from such pain.
This testimony is a testament to the power of God's grace and the resilience of a mother's love. I share it to inspire others to seek God's guidance and strength in their own lives and the lives of their loved ones. With His help, we can create a safe haven for the innocent souls entrusted to our care.
Matthew 18:6 (ESV): "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea."
Click here to read post raising awareness on dangers of early exposure on children and their effects.
"Silence fuels child trafficking. Speak out, raise awareness, and be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves."
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"Child trafficking steals innocence, dreams, and childhoods. Let us unite to break these chains and protect our most vulnerable."
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Considering how tragic that was for Josh and you , you did a great job of discribing the reality, the danger and the cost. God’s investment in Josh’s life was as real as the enemies plans to harm Josh was. A reminder that God is the Victor. So sorry you had to experience that, but so glad so were not alone.