Ronald Clem
Published: 2009
Total Pages: 296
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Sins of the Father is the story of three families drawn together by the common bond of childhood abuse and crisis. It is their struggle to save their children and also through their pain, help other families prevent this devastating plague of sexual predation. Sitting in a "Teens in Crisis" support group for parents with children involved in crisis behaviors; recent stories from parents have all been the same: Children as young as 10 years of age abusing drugs, alcohol, involved in aberrant sexual practices, and participating in criminal behavior that is beyond imagination. For each of us, over the years, mentoring families has become our passion: Helping parents understand the gravity of their children's behavior and how perilous their children's actions can be. Providing resources that facilitate their children receiving help, and of course, helping the parents understand the inevitable question - 'How could this happen to us?' The room is filled with parents, each with their own memory of their children's choice to give up on life; each feeling the pain and confusion of these new parents. One member of the group steps forward and shares how his father had been sexually abused when he was only ten. His father had not been able to receive counseling or help resulting in a lifetime of broken relationships, pain, and confusion. He relates how his father chose to leave his family for fear of abusing his own son. Another parent shares having been molested by a babysitter, and yet another shared being raped by an older predator. Following these stories, each member of the group shared their experiences about what is needed to live a successful life: A life without fear, shame, or regret. This is their story. This is our story. Read with an open heart.