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Predators: How to identify them.

predator

A predator may look like a:

  • Neighbor
  • Coach
  • Pastor
  • Dad 
  • Cousin
  • Friend
  • Teacher 
  • Policeman
  • Church leader
  • Family friend
  • Uncle 
  • Grandparent
  • Babysitter
  • Manager
  • Christian School Teacher
predator

Bad News:

Predators are ruthless, methodical, relentless, manipulative, and obsessed.

Psalm 36:1-4 NIV

I have a message from God in my heart
    concerning the sinfulness of the wicked:
There is no fear of God
    before their eyes.
In their own eyes they flatter themselves
    too much to detect or hate their sin.
The words of their mouths are wicked and deceitful;
    they fail to act wisely or do good.
Even on their beds they plot evil;
    they commit themselves to a sinful course
    and do not reject what is wrong.

Predators are everywhere.

Watching the news makes me anxious, but I usually look it up online once daily, and I scan the headlines until I see an article on sexual abuse, assault, or trafficking. Sadly, there’s usually at least one article a day, and these are the ones that are being reported and making the headlines. The examples above are some of the predators that have shown up in the news lately. 

However, many predators are never reported or appear on the news. Sexual abuse and assault happen far more frequently than what is reported, which is why awareness is so important. 

“Don’t talk to strangers” is a familiar line told to children repeatedly. 

Predators aren’t always strangers.

They are often someone you know and trust. They may be successful and charming. You may like them a lot and even love them. They may live in your home or next door. They may protect the community on the clock and lure teens online at night. They may have eaten dinner with your family at your kitchen table.

Can a scary stranger in a dark alley be a predator? Sure, maybe. But a predator can also be someone you’d never expect. 

Visit your local news online. Scan the headlines. See how long it takes you to find the article of the day. Could you tell they were a predator by looking at them? 

Here’s the GOOD NEWS:

Psalm 36:5-12 NIV

Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens,
    your faithfulness to the skies.
 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,
    your justice like the great deep.
    You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.
How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
    People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
 They feast on the abundance of your house;
    you give them drink from your river of delights.
 For with you is the fountain of life;
    in your light we see light.
Continue your love to those who know you,
    your righteousness to the upright in heart.
May the foot of the proud not come against me,
    nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.
See how the evildoers lie fallen—
    thrown down, not able to rise!

Healing is possible with Jesus; you do not have to walk alone.

Are you ready to be brave, filled with faith, and set free from your past?

Check out what I offer with coaching, and let’s chat. Click here to schedule a call with me or send a message.

I believe you.
It was not your fault.
It is not your shame.

Stay tuned to learn more about GROOMING and why it is important to recognize it.

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