National Day of Hope

By: Ms. K

The National day of hope is geared towards protecting children. Last week Wednesday April 2 was a day to join together and fight to end child abuse and neglect. Ending the abuse only happen when we no longer remain silent and fight to regain hope.

On that day, we light a five-wick candle and remember the five children who die every day in the United States due to child abuse and neglect. We also recite this prayer:

Childhelp National Day of Hope Prayer

Dear God,
Our prayer is for the children, little ones so small,
Who suffer neglect, abuse and pain behind a silent wall.
Please protect and comfort them;
Let Your presence calm their fear.
Give them courage to tell someone,
Help all of us to hear.
Instill in each one of us to remember them in our prayers.
Please give them hope and
Let them know a nation truly cares.
For the love of a child,
Amen.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month was enacted by Congress through strong encouragement of the Childhelp Founders, Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson in 1983.

Later, in 1999, the Childhelp National Day of Hope became the day when we, as a nation, remember the children who pass away every day due to abuse and neglect.

So even though April 2 has past for the rest of April is Awareness and helping a child be safe and protected.

So don’t forget the first Wednesday in April is always National Day of Hope, but April is National Abuse Prevention Month.

For more information visit: http://www.childhelp.org/pages/1156/