Eyes Wide Open —The Battle We Must Wage

At Trees of Hope, we are far too aware of the devastating effects of sexual abuse. Our hearts break with every individual we walk alongside on their healing journey. Knowing the long-term impact of abuse on one precious life, we understand the “battle” we wage every day—fighting for their healing and freedom. With Jesus, we see the breakthroughs and rejoice. But the vast number of women (1 in 3) who’ve experienced sexual abuse means our battle is far from over. We remain passionate to see lives whole and flourishing—and we are equally passionate to prevent sexual abuse from ever happening to even one person. To one child. We understand the biblical call to protect children and take that battle quite seriously. Sadly, there’s another dimension of abuse impacting our young women and children—child sex trafficking. And it’s a reality right here in South Florida.

Alarmingly, Florida is the only state where a case of sex trafficking has been reported in literally every county. The most concerning problem is that one in five cases is a child. Overall, Florida ranks #3 for confirmed human trafficking victims (inclusive of sex and labor trafficking). While labor trafficking is significant in Florida, sex trafficking is the most reported and dominantly affects women and girls. Victims are more often girls entering exploitation as young as 11–17 years old. Yes, you read that correctly. Our teenagers are being sold for sex in America—right here in our backyard.

With today’s over-sexualized culture, greater dysfunction and brokenness in the home, and dangers of the digital realm, our children are vulnerable. Greater darkness has descended on our nation; disturbingly, we are growing increasingly desensitized. While the reality of sexual abuse and sex trafficking in America is far more known today, most people still choose to look the other way. Turn the channel. Close their eyes and believe it’s not their problem. Assume there’s nothing they can do about it. And with our eyes closed to the unthinkable… more lives are deeply damaged, and a gross injustice lives on. 

As followers of Christ, we cannot tolerate this serious injustice. A battle we must fight. In Matthew 18:6, even Jesus asserted exceptionally strong and consequential words to anyone who would dare harm a child— “but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” What is Jesus saying? Essentially, He warns that it would be better for a child offender to be dead than to bring harmful sin against a child. Children are precious to Jesus. All children. And He makes it perfectly clear they are to be highly valued and protected. So where do we begin? How do we fight for them? We start with our eyes wide open. With our Great God who sees all, we partner with Him in prayer and intentional presence. Intentional because we must be fully present and watchful wherever we go. We must be vigilant. 

As parents, it’s vital to be observant, a good listener, and tuned into your child and their community of both peers and adults. Not a police officer or hyper-controlling gatekeeper—but a very present parent communicating consistently and lovingly with your child. A praying parent asks the Holy Spirit to highlight anything unusual or unsafe your child might be engaging with. As you seek to stay “tuned in,” below are some red flags to be on the lookout for. Not only with your child but also with their friends and everyone in their circles of life (school, sports, hobbies, church, neighborhood, etc.). Potential behaviors of concern are:

• Breaking curfew (frequently out late) 

• Rebellious

• Unusual attachment to another (adult, young person, peer)

• New (or older) boyfriend

• In a controlling or “pressured” relationship 

• Hyper-vigilance (anxiety)

• Secretive

• Unusually fearful or more timid 

• Isolating more consistently

• Dramatic changes in behavior, attitudes, eating, and/or how they dress

• Constant, obsessive (risky) online behavior

• Coming home often with new items (new clothes, shoes, jewelry, phone, hairstyle, manicures, etc.) 

• Disoriented or confused (possibly due to drugs or intoxication)

• Visible bruises in various stages of healing

• Frequent running away and/or skipping school

• Withdrawing or no longer interested in everyday activities such as family outings, sports, hobbies, church, and even many of their friends

Some changes in behavior may only be evidence of varying stages of adolescent growth. However, if any of the above indicators and significant changes in behavior are persistent, it’s time for action. It is not an emotional overreaction, but a wise relational approach with exceptional care and sensitive timing. *More on this “relational approach” in the next blog entitled, “Hearts Wide Open—The Battle We Must Wage” (part 2). 

Every child needs to be seen, valued, and fought for. Whether they are our child or another’s child, they need us to live with our eyes wide open. And if we see something of concern, we must say something. While we long to protect our kids' innocence as long as possible, we cannot ignore the darkness threatening their tender, impressionable heart, mind, soul, and spirit. Vigilance and prayer must be our battle stance. Satan has an agenda to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10,) and he relentlessly targets our children. But with Christ, and both our physical and spiritual eyes wide open—we wage battle for each precious one. Thankfully, all of heaven is on our side.

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” —Psalm 121:1–2 (NIV)

Please check out all the resources Trees of Hope has to offer those impacted by sexual abuse, as well as parents seeking support and guidance, by visiting the Trees of Hope resource store. 

If someone you know is being trafficked, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 (text: 233733) and/or check out their website to find resources and help at humantraffickinghotline.org  

We're excited to share that a new resource aimed at preventing child sex trafficking will be coming to Trees of Hope this Fall 2025! Stay tuned for more updates!