Bible Reading: Matthew 11:28-30

Editor's note: This story's subject matter may not be suitable for young children.

Jade kicked pebbles out of her path as she walked home from school, wondering what she should do. I'm going to tell Mom, she finally decided.

When she got home, Jade approached her mother. "Mom, I…I have to tell you something."

"Okay, honey," said Mom. "Is something wrong?"

"Well--it's Erin." Once Jade got started the words just tumbled out. "Ever since her uncle moved in with her and her parents, she's been acting strange. She used to be really bubbly and outgoing, but now she hardly talks to anyone. And she doesn't seem to ever want to go home after school--I've seen her doing homework at the park some days. I think it might be because she doesn't want to be alone with her uncle before her parents get home from work." Jade stopped and took a big gulp of air. "I…I think he might be doing bad stuff to her when he gets her alone." Tears welled up in Jade's eyes. "I don't know for sure--she hasn't said anything--but I've noticed some bruises on her arms, and she never has a good answer for how she got them."

Mom looked very serious. "You were right to tell me," she said, putting an arm around Jade. "I'll go make some phone calls--if her uncle is doing something to her, he needs to be stopped."

"But what if Erin is afraid to tell anyone because her parents will think it's her fault?" Jade asked tearfully. "I don't want to get her in trouble."

"If Erin's parents find out her uncle has been hurting her, I'm sure they'll be very sad and angry--but not angry with her," said Mom. "Her uncle would be the one responsible--it's not Erin's fault at all." Mom gave Jade a hug. "Erin must feel like she's carrying a heavy burden. But with God's help and good friends like you supporting her, I know she can work through the difficulties that may still be ahead because of what happened. Jesus loves her so much, and He wants to take that heavy burden from her. He's put you and her parents and others in her life to love her and help her so she won't need to carry that burden alone anymore. Let's pray that Erin will look to Jesus for the love and help she needs too."

–Marie Shropshire