There is a book with the above title that’s about an “orphanage” in north Florida that existed in the 1950’s and 1960’s. The “claim to fame” of this place is very dark. Abuse to the point of death was committed on many of the hundreds of boys who lived there during this time period.
A few years ago, I met one of those “boys” who was in his 90’s. I knew he was one because he wore a cap that said, “The White House Boys.”
Prior to meeting him, I had heard vague stories of the institution, The Florida Industrial School for Boys, and how horrible it was. But meeting someone who had witnessed it was eye-opening.
The place was closed after graves of many young boys were discovered on the property. They were kids that had been “forgotten” by society and put away, forced to endure the hardships that were a result of being a resident there.
But this man proudly wore the cap like a badge of honor. He was eager to talk about it, even showing me a book written about this “orphanage” and the atrocities that happened there.
Knowing so many boys had been abused and died there, I asked him, “How did you survive?”
He smiled and chuckled when he said, “I didn’t call attention to myself.” After seeing what led to the others being taken away and often not seeing them again, he took note and stayed “under the radar.”
I never found out whether this man had a Christian faith. But meeting him reminded me of healing that can take place in people’s lives, no matter what they have experienced.
So many people in this fallen world have experienced abuse on some level, regardless of their faith or lack of it.
But God can heal anything — physically, mentally, emotionally.
Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
And Psalm 34:17-20 tells us that “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
He has provided ways for healing through counselors, pastors, and others. There are support groups of various specialties that can help victims know they are not alone — and heal.
Just remember that the Bible promises us that God is The Healer.
“Father, touch me now with your healing hands, for I believe that your will is for me to be well in mind, body, soul and spirit. Cover me with the most precious blood of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Pam Means
❤️