Oct 14th, 2022: Light Will Overcome Darkness

Sometimes a dream can become a nightmare overnight. I met with a couple who came here from a foreign land to seek a better future for their kids. The mother came first on a temporary working visa. After four years of hard work, she sponsored her husband and four children to come.

Things seemed to go well for them as they all got jobs and began to settle their lives in Canada. One day last year, their youngest daughter came home from work and didn't seem to be herself. They thought she just had a hard day. Four days later, the daughter gathered enough courage to tell her parents that she had been sexually violated at work by an older man.

The days after that day it was very trying for the whole family. Her father was angry and wanted to kill the man. The mother felt guilty that she didn't see that earlier. They eventually called the police, and they laid charge against him. The court has postponed the trial many times; that has not been easy on them either.

There was not much I could say except to ask questions. They were able to open up and tell me about their daughter suffering from depression and anxiety. She has to postpone her plan to go to college because she is still working through the trauma of this event in her life. She keeps talking about wanting to return to her home country, and hates being here. They finally asked me whether I would come to be with them at the trial. The father told me that my presence brings him calmness and assurance. I am grateful for that.

I prayed for them at the end, and here was my prayer:

Father, I pray your power will overcome the darkness has been cast upon this family by this horrible act. I pray that your light will shine in darkness so justice can be served. I pray for your healing hand to be upon their daughter, and she will regain her freedom, and you will restor her dignity. May you protect that from the lies of blame and shame and give them confidence in your presence in their lives.

May your hope and joy will be their house as they experience your love and comfort. Amen.

Psalm 119: 105

"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."

Micah 7: 8

"Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light."

John 1: 5

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."