... on Sunday our service will centre on Level 1 Safeguarding (something it's good to do at least annually) and I will be preaching drawing on Proverbs 31: 8-9, Matthew 18: 1-6 and Galatians 6: 1- 10.  It is among the least 'expository' sermons I've ever written, and, in a week where issues of abuse have filled news reports, one that feels extremely important. It will mention by name a former newsreader, someone who owned a high class shop, a nurse, a GP and a couple of  significant Christian leaders and  organisations.  It will include some anonymised stories that may hint at glimmers of hope.  It will pose some tough questions and avoid simplistic answers.

It will include a (repeated) trigger warning.

It won't be enough because words are never enough.

But it's something, and hopefully that's better than nothing.

I have no idea who King Lemuel's mother was, but she spoke some wisdom:

"Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Protect the rights of all who are helpless. Speak for them and be a righteous judge. Protect the rights of the poor and needy." (Proverbs 31:8 - 9 GNB)