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Companions in Hope
As Companions in Hope, we do not deny or ignore the darkness of fear, despair, guilt, shame, sin, ignorance, and death. Rather, we journey into the darkness carrying lamps of truth and love so that those around us - and strangers far away - may experience joy, happiness, understanding, compassion, and hope.
As Companions in Hope, we will feature - one at a time - the precious treasures who, as defenseless children, had their innocence and/or identities violently robbed from them, their souls and/or spirituality heinously murdered, and often their very lives cut short by predators who are falsely referred to as "shepherds" or "men of God".
Countless are the lives harmed by each and every one of these crimes.
Immeasurable is the agony caused by each and every perverted touch and the memory of it.
Unimaginable is the fear, guilt, and shame felt by the wounded children who are forced to navigate through their pain for as long as they live.
Admirable is the courage of each of these individuals and their loved ones who dare tell their stories so that they may heal, future generations will be spared, and all of society may have a greater understanding of the evil that is child sexual assault.
And, because they have done so, we can promise they will never be alone or forgotten and that there will forever be a reason to Hope.
A Special Message to Survivors
Many of you have already learned the stories that are posted on this site, some of which may be your own stories. We would like you to know that we are very sorry for the trauma that was inflicted upon you as a child. "Trauma" seems to be such an inadequate word but there is probably no word in language that can truly describe your experience. You did not deserve to be assaulted/raped/sodomized/tortured/ritualized. No one has any right to do such things to another human being, must less to a child. If your perpetrator spent the rest of their life in jail, that still would not be justice. If those who were complicit in the crimes had the same done to them, that still would not be justice. As far as eternity, we hope there is enough square footage in hell, especially considering the inability of them to repent, offer an apology, and beg for your forgiveness.
Without that, you are not under any obligation to forgive. Your only obligation is to yourself and your own healing. In that regard, we hope you find some consolation on this web site, either by reading about some of the Advocates or looking over some of the Artwork and Poems. More than anything, we want you to know that you are not alone in your suffering or on your road to recovery and healing. If only via cyberspace, we hope to be to you Companions in Hope. Thank you for your courage which never fails to inspire us.
A Special Message to Victims Still Suffering in Silence
In the comfort of your own home, may you find some comfort on the pages of this site. May you realize that you bear no blame or shame for the crimes committed against you. You were an innocent victim and no one had a right to assault you. But by the grace of God, they go we. We wish you peace and strength as you navigate through your pain and work your way toward healing of the mind, heart, and soul. It is our mission to help the public gain a better understanding of child sexual abuse and its effects so that if and when you are ready to share your story, you will find a safe and welcoming atmosphere with the care and compassion that you deserve. We beg you to remember one thing: You Can Heal!
A Special Message to Families of Lost Loved Ones
Please know that our hearts are heavy for the burden that you must carry and the pain you must endure. Please consider us Companions with which you can share that burden and that pain for it is much too much to carry alone. We feel that Remembering your loved one and Advocating for the Healing of Survivors and the Protection of Children are the best ways to honor you and your son, brother, daughter, sister, father, mother, friend. Please know they have inspired us and that they continue to live on through those of us who have met them - in life or in death.
A Special Message to Catholics who Still Give Money to the Catholic Church
Thank you for visiting this site and taking the time to read this page and others. We know where you are because we were there, too. We contributed our time, talent, and treasure - countless hours and countless dollars. All that we ask as you peruse this site and the others it may lead you to, is to keep and open mind and an open heart. We feel those who financially support organizations - religious or not - have the responsibility to know what there money is being used for. It is easy to believe the Church is doing great things with all of that money and that they are not doing evil things with that money because the hierarchy is filled with masters in manipulation, deception, and doublespeak. We have tried to make it easy for Catholics in the Pews to find out the truth and to realize that What You See is Not What You Get. The best analogy has to be the Wizard of Oz who, as Dorothy found out, was "not a wizard at all". Jesus warned about "False Prophets", "Wolves in Shepherds' Clothing", and "Money-Changers in the Church". If you are still giving money to the Church then your eyes have not yet been opened. We believe if your read the stories on this web site with an open mind and an open heart, you will not only be enlightened, you will be transformed. We wish you well. It is a painful journey. That we know. But Christian life is to be lived no other way that within the Truth.
Navigating Through the Site
At the bottom of each page there is a link to our Site Map which will show you on one page how our site is set up. You can click on the links there or find them on the menu found on the major pages of the site.
Feel free to contact us to either share a story, comment, advice, or whatever. Our Contact Information is found on the bottom of most pages and also on the Contribute page found within the Home link. Unlike the Catholic Church we welcome everyone and don't kick anyone out. (Okay, we will banish any bullies or mean people.) We feel the more individuals - young and old - that contribute to this site, the richer it becomes.
Enjoy the site.
Our Bulletin Board is Your Friend!
We realize we our site has a lot of pages and links and we don't want you to have to surf around the entire site to find out what's new on it. Therefore, every time we add or update a page or new links, etc., we will try to announce what we've done on our Bulletin Board which is located under our The Library link. So, each time you visit the site, you might want to check out the Bulletin Board for a heads up on what's new. We hope this helps!!
Visit our Virtual Garden and Meet Some of the Most Precious and Fascinating People on Earth!
Visit our Virtual Library with Info on Books, Articles and DVDs and Links to Web Sites and Video Clips!
Note: We are honored to recognize some of the many Advocates and Organizations who have stood out in the effort of protecting children and advocating for victims of child sexual assault. Those named on our site, however, do not necessarily agree with any or all of the positions we take or proposals we make at Companions in Hope.