Ecclesiastes chapter 4 has a lot to say about the harshness of life and the advantages of friendship.
“When I next observed all the oppressions that take place under the sun, I saw the tears of the oppressed—and they have no one to comfort them. Their oppressors wield power—but they have no one to comfort them. 2 So I declare that the dead, who have already died, are more fortunate than the living, who are still alive. 3 But happier than both are those who have never existed, who haven’t witnessed the terrible things that happen under the sun.”
When reading Ecclesiastes, we need to remember that it is a work of wisdom literature (Ketuvim). It instructs through proverbs, poetry, and reflection.
The opening of chapter four paints a bleak existence for those who have experienced the oppressions of this world alone. Abuse, particularly sexual abuse, is one of the most harmful of these worldly oppressions.
Survivors of abuse have expressed the depth of despair and hopelessness gathered in the solitude of experience.
There is hope. The solitude of abuse does not have to remain. You can and should be a friend to others. “Love one another as I have loved you” is Christ’s call.
It is also the call of Ecclesiastes. There is wisdom here.
“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their hard work. 10 If either should fall, one can pick up the other. But how miserable are those who fall and don’t have a companion to help them up! 11 Also, if two lie down together, they can stay warm. But how can anyone stay warm alone? 12 Also, one can be overpowered, but two together can put up resistance. A three-ply cord doesn’t easily snap.”
The context of “those who fall” needs to be understood in the context of abuse. No matter what happened or how it happened, the abuse is not your fault.
But there is a need for a companion to help, to change the coldness to warmth, and resist the darkness left in the wake of harm. Are you a friend?
You can help. Our friends and yours at Protect Children are fierce defenders of youth, even if you do not know it. They have never stopped being a light, chasing out the darkness.
Protect Children know that, “when a child is sexually abused, they’re most likely to tell a friend first. All too often, the abuse is never reported – meaning too many children are not getting the help they need.”
That’s why Protect Children, alongside ChildFund International and 19 other organizations, is launching #MyFriendToo U.S. website this Child Abuse Prevention Month – to help young people help their friends disclose sexual abuse to a safe adult.
The #MyFriendToo U.S. website guides children in helping their friends disclose sexual violence to safe adults and ensures that they receive information about protection and restorative services. The whole website is written in child-friendly language, almost as if a friend or older sibling is there to let them know they’re doing the right thing and to help them or their friend get the resources they need.
The website teaches kids and teens how to respond safely to cases of suspected or confirmed sexual violence, educates children about their rights, and connects them to services.
Scouting Ministries 