The media tells us: American children are suffering! Yet they fail to emphasize that Family is the most critical factor in a child’s mental and physical Health. To raise successful children, we must prioritize educating and supporting American families. Statistics should motivate us to empower children. Currently, taxpayers spend $220 million daily on child abuse and neglect. Annually, 400,000 kids aged 9 to 17 join gangs, costing $655 billion each year. Since 1966, about 4,500 have been killed or injured in mass shootings. Additionally, on average, 4,000 children in grades 9-12 attempt suicide each day. Americans must confront the issues of neglect and the spiritual neglect of children.
Have you ever wondered why today’s youth are more violent and suicidal? Ask a senior citizen, and they might say that children in the 1950s and 60s had more stable families, that movies were less sexual and violent, there was no internet, and families and schools exercised more discipline. They might also say that most children attended religious services that taught them to look inward for inner strength and self-control. Over time, each generation has seen the family weaken due to abuse and violence. Families became more dependent on the government, with less support from relatives, friends, and neighbors.
The American media portrays a society that is violent, corrupt, and lacking moral guidance. Many young people face various types of abuse, drug problems, or family issues. Youth often make decisions based on what they hear, see, and are told by others. The young people who steal from stores, vandalize property, riot in the streets, bully others, or commit violence at home or in gangs reflect a larger problem. We are dealing with an epidemic of spiritually neglected youth being raised by spiritually uninformed adults. Youth can struggle with questions about sexuality and identities like “Who am I?” They can become confused. If they harbor hate and dwell on revenge, their anger and ego grow, and they may plan a violent act. Every person creates their own reality by choosing what they focus on. A teen’s focus shapes their character and determines whether they will live a life of pain or find happiness.
Children are under attack: Social isolation is dangerous because young people can encounter false “friends’ online. Wherever children are on the internet, malicious individuals lurk, eager to groom and blackmail kids into sending sexual pictures or luring them away from home. It is up to parents to educate themselves and their children about internet dangers and teach them to listen to their conscience, which can empower them. Parents used to worry about predators in parks; now, the predators are in our homes.
What is the power of the human spirit? Everyone is born with a spirit and soul that can guide, protect, and inspire us. Spirituality involves valuing the human spirit more than material or physical things. While spirituality focuses on a higher power, religion offers a structured belief system.
Every baby born is a remarkable spiritual being with a variety of talents, such as imagination, intuition, creativity, instincts, a sense of humor, and a self-protective conscience that helps keep them safe and healthy. A spiritually neglected child might not recognize their incredible, untapped talents or know how to develop emotional strength and resilience.
There are 4200 religions worldwide. Some man-made “religious” leaders, like the Ayatollah of Iran and cult leaders in America, control people’s lives, which prevents individuals from expanding their Wisdom or understanding the meaning of freedom. Corrupt leaders seek power to control others. Most Western countries recognize a belief in God, which empowers citizens and keeps us free from bondage.
Everyone’s mental and physical health depends on a person’s focus. The opposite of spiritual self-awareness is dwelling on anger, jealousy, desire for power, or revenge, which leads to Anxiety, frustration, and emotional pain. When we go against our God-given spirit, youth may try to escape through drugs, self-harm, or social isolation.
Anyone can turn to God and find their spiritual strength, regardless of whether they follow a religion. Religion should support freedom of thought and uplift the human spirit. If people do not recognize the inner power of their own spirit, they often face challenges alone. It is up to parents and grandparents to help children build their strength by talking about God’s power and His mission for their lives.
How many horror stories must we hear before Americans come together to empower youth? No child is born a bad seed! How parents and caregivers treat children will determine whether they grow up with a healthy conscience or an unhealthy, inflated ego. Abused or neglected teens are vulnerable to self-destructive anger. Young people who are spiritually deprived might turn to violence to get what they want instead of what God desires for them, which would bring peace and fulfillment.
These are true stories of children who became ego-driven, arrogant, and violent. Many lives have been lost because teenagers feel they are not heard. It is easier for youth to succeed when they are not abused, neglected, or controlled; they learn right from wrong and avoid making self-destructive decisions.
Many children have lost their future because no one has helped them realize their inner potential to succeed, even if they faced abuse or neglect.
⁃ Eli Porter, 14 years old, murdered his mother and said, “No one tells me what to do anymore,” then added, “You can’t arrest me, I’m just a kid.” This reflects a common attitude among child killers. Eli smirked, showed no emotion, felt untouchable, and displayed hostility and arrogance. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole in 50 years.
⁃ A 10-year-old girl kills her sick mother. She is sentenced to life imprisonment.
⁃ Devon Booth, age 11, shot and killed two police officers. Sentenced to 160 years in prison.
⁃ A 10-year-old boy planned, bought gas and lighter fluid, and set a fire that killed his teacher. “I wanted her to be quiet.” He didn’t think they could lock up kids. “Life in prison.”
⁃ Emma Grace Gertz, age 13, murdered her father, Senator Gertz, his wife, and her brother.
⁃ Lily Dawson, age 12, murdered her father, Sheriff Dawson, her mother, and her brother. Sentenced to life in prison.
There are many school shooters and child killers on YouTube. It’s shocking how many are in prison. People make excuses for child killers, but we fail to tell them how to save themselves.
There is a long list of children who have been sentenced to prison. No one guided them as they shut down their conscience and let anger and ego control their lives. The choices children make shape their future. We must encourage children with Love to ask questions, listen to older, wiser adults, and rely on God, or face the consequences of their poor decisions. Young people need to understand that their future depends on the choices they make today.
Every child should learn about inner peace, prosperity, and how to succeed in life, regardless of their past experiences. With God’s guidance, anyone can find inner peace. Trust in your Heavenly Father to discover your purpose and achieve inner peace and success.
Stephanie L. Mann
The post The Tragedy of Spiritually Neglected Kids appeared first on Safe Kids Now Network.
Originally Published on https://safekidsnow.com/
