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August 11, 2026 · 57 min · Hope in the Night
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Hope for the Heart is a worldwide biblical counseling, coaching, and caregiving ministry founded by June Hunt in 1986. We’re passionate about helping people
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0:17 From the Hope Center in Plano, Texas, this is Hope in the Night, late night talk radio offering biblical hope and practical help on the air for over 30 years. I'm Tom Petrosky here with author and speaker0:29 June Hunt. We are a ministry of hope for the heart. To find out more about our ministry, go to hope for the heart dot org. June, what's on your mind tonight?0:42 Well, I'm gonna be vulnerable right now. I'm gonna share something that it took me many years to share. It was something that0:54 occurred where nobody ever told me I could say no. I was age 8 I was age 11, and the abuse1:05 was gradual, confusing. Why is he touching my clothes? Why is he unzipping my zipper? What can I do? And I thought nothing, absolutely1:17 nothing. Slowly, my silent panic turned to paralysis as he began touching me in areas where he shouldn't. I mentally1:29 checked out, pretending to be mesmerized by a television program, as though I had no idea what was happening, but I did.1:42 And I felt completely powerless without understanding why. And when it ended, I told no 1. What a relief. It was over. However, the next1:54 day, it happened again. And then later, again. I still had no sense of how to make it stop. You see, he was somewhat2:05 older, and I'd been told, obey your elders. Obey obey your elders. So I assumed that meant anyone who was even a little2:17 older, and no 1 talked to me about sexual boundaries, about sexual intrusion. It never dawned on me to tell a responsible adult2:29 about it that I could have reached out for help. All I remember is feeling helpless, and later my determination to avoid my2:40 victimizer. So and it's helpful to understand, the brain doesn't fully develop until between the ages of 25 to 28.2:52 So adult reasoning isn't part of a child's thinking. Children don't automatically know how to set personal boundaries unless they have been taught. They don't3:04 know what behavior is wrong or who they should not trust, which boundary is violated or or3:15 why, they must tell regardless of what the abuser says. A child needs to be told, do not let anyone touch you,3:27 touch your body in the area covered by your bathing suit. That's huge. And no matter what someone tells you to do, don't touch anyone else in that3:39 area either. If someone tries, shout, stop, leave, run. Then you tell a grown up3:51 that you trust. Now, these words help provide practical protection on a child's level, but parents seldom empower kids to4:02 say no. You ask why? Because when they themselves were children, they were never empowered to say no. Consequently, without protective4:14 boundaries, being vulnerable to abuse often spills over to the next generation. 1 primary problem4:25 exists. The effects of abuse continue even after the sexual abuse ends. For example, over the years4:37 in other difficult situations, I didn't feel I could defend myself. I didn't know how to say no to verbally abusive people. I could have stopped caving4:49 in to manipulation and control, but I didn't. Caring friends confronted me. Why do you let people talk to you this way? But in my5:01 mind, as with my earlier victimizer, I believed I had no choice. Now today, I value this5:13 profound bible verse. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became an adult, I put childish ways behind me.5:25 That's 1st Corinthians 13 verse 11. And these wise words move me now to give counsel in 2 directions. 1st,5:37 I urge parents to give their children what I call protection power. Protection power. That means the power to say no to abuse and to recognize5:49 it, resist it, run from it, report it. 2nd, I teach adults who carry the scars of sexual abuse to put children6:02 but I'll say childlike thinking behind them to the to those who are victimized. I would say you are not powerless, you are6:14 not to blame, You are not bad, though what was done to you is bad. You were objectified, treated like an object, but you are not an object6:26 now. You are not damaged goods, quite the contrary. You have more value because you have more understanding because of your experiences and more compassion6:38 to reach out to the hurting hearts and you are not destined to repeat the damage. You can release the damage. You can be6:49 redeemed and restored. When the son sets you free, you are free indeed. Psalm7:00 107 verse 2 says, let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story. 1 of the greatest encouragements to our team is hearing how God is using this ministry7:12 in the lives of others. Over the years, we've heard from listeners who found comfort in their grief, healing in their relationships, and strength through difficult seasons7:23 because of God's truth shared on hope in the night. If hope in the night has blessed you, we'd love to hear about it, and your words may encourage someone else who7:35 needs hope today. Would you take a moment to send us a note and share how this ministry has impacted you? Just visit hope for the heart dot org slash story or7:46 text story to 7 0 9 1 9. That's hope for the heart dot org slash story or text story to 7 07:58 9 1 9.8:00 At Houston Christian University, our graduate program offers you, the working professional, the curriculum to advance your career with the flexibility to keep your life focused. The personalized and affordable approach8:12 you deserve in the most desirable fields, all designed to take you where you want to go, but remain grounded in where you are. Let our 60 years of education8:23 experience get you there.8:25 Discover how at h c dot e d u slash grad. Before we continue tonight's conversation, we wanna let you know about a special free resource. The Bible reminds us that God is the father8:37 of compassion and the God of all comfort. That promise is especially meaningful during seasons of grief and loss. That's why this month, Hope for the Heart is offering a free download on grief, filled with encouragement8:49 and promises from God's word. You can get this free resource at hope for the heart dot org slash free, or you can text the word free to 7 0 9 1 9 to learn more.9:14 Welcome back to Hope in the Night. If you have questions about our topic tonight or would like to order resources, reach out to our support team at 804 8 8 HOPE or text support to 7 09:26 9 1 9. That team works during normal business hours and can assist you in finding and purchasing materials from our vast library of over 100 topics. June, let's get to tonight's9:37 caller.9:39 Alright. We're going to talk with Chris. Hi, Chris. Welcome to Hope.9:46 Hello, Gene.9:48 Hello. How can we help you?9:52 Hello, Gene. I just want wanna say thank you for all that you do for 1. And, you know, God has been so good to me.10:04 But, you know, as far as helping me, you know, keep me in your prayers because, you know, I I have a lot of lost cards,10:16 but, you know, the the best thing I could ever do is forgive. But Mhmm. I wanna tell you, you know, I I grew up in a small mine town10:28 and, you know, my dad was married multiple times and I was raised in a church,10:40 but, you know, tragedy, death has just been surrounded. You know, my my house caught10:52 on fire. My grandmother burned up in the fire.10:56 Oh my goodness.10:56 My dad and my my dad was the fire chief at the time. And we had a 3 story house and my dad, he11:08 repelled on on the TV cable line and he rode it to the ground. My stepmother, she didn't quite make it and she broke her leg on the way11:20 down the 2nd week she passed on. Well, I was just still small, maybe 3 to 4. I made it out Yeah. Down11:31 the stairways.11:33 But But that's a lot of tragedy right there. I mean, those are significant people in your life.11:40 Well, grandma, my wife my dad's wife, she died. Fast forward on in the future, my dad meets the lady in the church11:52 and she gets married. She has 2 daughters. And well, things, you know, I was 5 years12:04 old and my dad worked 12 hour shifts in the coal mines and Mhmm. I was left with her.12:16 Well, those became times that were dreaded because things started happening. If you know what I mean? So12:26 Are you talking about abuse?12:29 Well, the abuse didn't start till later on. It was to touch him. It was you know, I couldn't understand12:40 why I would she would give me a bath and then she would, you know, we would sleep together naked. You know?12:52 So it none of that my dad knew. I was too embarrassed to tell him. So they got married.13:04 Then my fears become my reality. And see, having 2 daughters, you know,13:18 I was always getting into trouble, but I wasn't doing anything. But my dad would come and spank me and, you know, she would lie on13:30 me and Mhmm. And in the meantime, she would spit in my food. She would, you know, it got worse and it got worse and, you13:41 know, 1 day she took a plate and broke it over my head in front of my dad and my dad just went reserved and started,13:53 you know, hitting on her. Wow. About a month later, she done it again. And dad says, no. I'm not gonna do it. I'm I'm gonna take and, you know,14:05 you're to jail this time. So she went to jail. She finally moved out of the house. Well, my dad made a choice between me and14:17 her and dad left me to live in the house and she and some, they moved couple miles down the road. And14:29 the lady in the neighborhood just basically raced me until the time I just got tired and slept, you you know? And I went to14:41 just 1 family member to the next. They didn't want me and basically, at the age of 17, I14:53 I met a lady not a lady. I met this wonderful wonderful girl and we got married and we15:05 we had 2 beautiful children and but I wanna tell you something, you know, it it took me a lot of years of hating15:16 her. I'm I'm 55 years old now. Wow. It took me it took me a lot of years of hating her, but, you know, I finally15:28 become the person in Christ Jesus that I forgave her. And I wanna tell you something, if anybody out there is going through what I15:40 went through, that's been my best medicine is to help somebody is for what you went through. You know, helping people15:52 is not what it's cracked up to be because I feel their pain. I don't know if you feel their pain, the people that you've helped, but once16:04 you've been through what they've been through, like losing a child or even being molested or beaten16:15 or being helpless at that age to where that person has that power over you and you can't do anything about it.16:27 Mhmm. It haunts you. And, you know, all I wanted to know is why. Well, June, I kept16:39 praying and I asked God, I said, why did she do that to me? Out of the blue, I I got some messages on my16:51 Facebook and I and it was the stepsister. Trying to find out 1 of the stepsisters had passed away with cancer. I was just like, wow.17:03 And she says, I just wanna know what happened to you. You know, after you left, I I didn't know what happened. And June,17:15 I I blanked out. I I just she hit me 1 time at a, you know, and I went out and got daddy's gun, and I went back into the house, and I I17:27 was gonna take them all out. The neighbor saw me. So I say, god did that for me.17:35 But Okay. Yes.17:36 It it was it was a call, you know. It it was time for me to leave. But we talked and this was the realization.17:49 My dad was fooling with the both of them, and I know nothing about17:56 it. Oh.17:57 My dad's been passed away for many years, but I don't know. You know. This is just their word. But they they said that he was messing with18:09 them. She is still alive and I've not got any answers out of her. But I just want the truth, you know. If they if dad was messing18:21 with her, I could see the realization of her doing to me, you know, to get back at my dad. But, you know, I could never do18:33 to a child what she'd done to me. I'm just saying it. If you are in Christ Jesus, you are a new creation.18:45 It's the 1st thing I learned. So, you know, if there's anything that you could give me that helps give you peace and mind other than Jesus,18:58 I tell you, that's the only thing that's given me that peace and forgiveness for her, you know? And19:10 even for all the times the devil has come at me, and he just wanted to kill me, and I see that now. But19:22 I just thought I had bad luck, but, you know, I don't believe in luck anymore.19:28 Right.19:28 And in Christ Jesus, you're blessed and highly faithful. And, you know, my wife of 30 years passed away. 319:40 months later, I was19:43 robbed so sorry.19:44 By 2 guys. I died twice on the way to the hospital, 1 time on the table. 4 months later, I aspirated, just about died19:56 again. But I want to tell you something, God sent me a 2nd wife and all the healing I've received20:08 in the midst of forgiveness that you just threw it all. I'm gonna tell you, it's been a lot of storms.20:20 Yes.20:21 A lot of battles. But I'm gonna tell you, this was 1 of the hardest battles. It took me 35 years to20:33 get over this and I kept blaming God and it wasn't God. It was me that he20:45 wouldn't forgive. So, vengeance is mine, saith the Lord. Yes. You know, I have to say, you20:56 know, times are so much different. You know, the agencies for childcare and child abuse. Yes. There were many years ago were21:08 totally different. We got social media nowadays. There's way too much, you know, protection for children, at least I hope there is.21:21 But if I could say 1 more thing, if Sure. You have an issue, tell somebody, talk to somebody because if21:32 somebody don't if they don't know, they can't fix it. Then I I can say, you're the person, if he's21:45 to know this. You just can't kill anybody. Just can't.21:55 Your words are significant because we do need to when there is abuse, we do need to22:06 communicate this is what is happening. Many many people feel, well, I can't. I can't. No. You can. Think of it as you could be protecting22:18 someone else from being abused and saying nothing almost, allows the perpetrator to22:30 get away with what that which is wrong, that which is ungodly. But you've you've mentioned a number of key things that I I want us to talk about22:41 when we come back, at least I'd like to reflect, on what you have said. 1st of all, I want to just say I am so so sorry that you had these22:53 difficult times, but they're not, they can be used by God.23:00 Are you that person everyone comes to when they're struggling? The friend everyone leans on in a crisis? The strong 1 trying to hold things together for everyone else? If that's you, then you probably know how23:12 emotionally exhausting that can be sometimes. You care deeply about people. You want to help others. But sometimes, in the middle of caring for everyone else, you realize you're running on empty.23:24 That's exactly why we created Hope Together. It's a 3 day experience designed to encourage, equip, and refresh people just like you who serve others. Whether you're a pastor, a counselor, ministry23:36 leader, or just someone with a heart to help. We'd love to pour into you this fall at Hope Together with special times of worship, biblical teaching, workshops, and fellowship with believers just like23:47 you. Don't miss the opportunity to give yourself a break, to be refreshed, and encouraged. You can learn more and sign up today at hope together dot com. That's hope together dot com.24:00 Thanks for listening to Hope in the Night with June Hunt. Let me ask you an honest question. What's that thing you've been putting off? Maybe it's a project at home or at work or it's a difficult conversation with a24:11 friend or maybe it's a dream or a goal that you've wanted to pursue. We often joke about procrastination, but sometimes putting things off actually points to a deeper issue. Maybe for you it's fear,24:22 perfectionism, or just feeling overwhelmed by where to begin. Sometimes procrastination gets in the way of the very things God is calling us to do. That's why we created our Keys for Living book called Procrastination24:34 Preventing the Decay of Delay. It's an insightful and practical tool to help you discover why we often stay stuck and how to move forward. We'd love to send you a copy as thanks for your gift to Hope for the Heart this24:46 month. Your support helps more people find hope in Christ through our practical biblical resources. Resources. So request your copy today at hope for the heart dot org slash give or text the word give to 7 024:58 9 1 9.25:16 Welcome back to Hope in the Night. If you're facing a problem and would like to be a guest on the program, call 1 800 night 17 or text caller to 7 0 925:28 1 9. Leave us a message, and we'll call you back and get started on the scheduling process. If you would like to listen to our program digitally, you can go to hope for the heart dot org and go to shows25:40 to find hope in the night, or you can search for hope in the night on your favorite podcast platform. If you enjoy the program, please consider sending a link to your family or friends so they can be a part of25:52 our hope in the night family. Now let's get back to our caller.25:58 Well, Chris, you have experienced a lot of the underside. It's what I call the underside of life. And26:09 yet, I'll just say, many people are totally unaware. 1 out of 3 girls up to the age of 18 are26:21 victims of childhood sexual abuse. So you look at a group of girls, 1 2 3, 1 2 3, 1 2 3, 1 2 3,26:35 And typically, they don't know what to do. Well, what we have at our ministry is26:46 we call them keys for living. We have keys on the topic of childhood sexual abuse. And by the way, the statistic for boys27:00 is 1 in 5 boys are victims of childhood sexual abuse. Now candidly, Chris,27:12 the last 2 years, I have heard a different story as a different statistic. I've been hearing it's 1 out of 4 boys27:25 are victims of childhood sexual abuse instead of 1 in 5. And I think it's because of the easy access to27:38 social media, things of that nature where it's more easy to entice boys to do certain things, meaning27:50 even to have access to them. Does that make sense?27:55 Yes. I I feel like it might be in time in in the Virginia, you know, department of, you28:07 know, Calvert's Active Services. If there was either 1 in the early eighties, I I feel like I'm the 1 that's kinda slipped through the cracks because,28:19 you know, after the abuse and everything, The social workers quit coming around. No 1 real28:31 really even questioned me about being on the street or not going to school or nothing, you know? So28:42 Yes.28:43 I I just feel like at that era in time that it it was just easier to quit school. It was just easier to, you know, do your own thing. Mhmm. I28:55 know at our day and time now, the way our kids and this era, I won't go into that, but29:07 I I try to be a role model and29:10 Great.29:11 You know, and just say, hey, you know, look look at where and what I did, and please don't turn out like me, you know? I did this when I was your29:23 age and look at me, you know? So, June, the biggest thing that I just pray that these kids that29:35 need help29:37 Yes.29:37 And that are being, you know, put through this kind of torture. And, you know, now we have trafficking and all these other29:49 areas that people are subject to take a child now and, you know,30:01 and I I don't even wanna try to understand why. I just know that I wanna protect my my my grandchildren, my30:11 children,30:13 and I I want them to see. I'm I'm trying to put this all in a book and30:22 Good.30:23 You know, it's it's been a goal to to try to make other parents understand that it's not30:34 okay to do this. Mhmm. It's not okay to30:37 put Yes.30:38 Your hands on a child, you know, it's easier to talk with them, to be, you know, I believe that that sensation30:50 of making a mind starts at a baby's up, you know. We you gotta teach your31:01 children early, you know. You can't wait till they're 13 and then just try to cram it all in at 1 time.31:10 Absolutely. So Absolutely. Yes.31:14 And and you can't be the best friend, and you you can't give them a phone at 2, and it it it just there's so much nowadays. Beforehand,31:26 we was just worried about feeding my little girl. For the 1st time, I was just worried about feeding her too much. But now if I was raising a child, I'd be wanting to put her31:38 in a bubble to keep her away from the world. But that's just31:44 not I think what you've said though, see, you know the importance of protecting children, and that means you've got to tell them, and the31:55 way I phrase it is do not let anyone touch you in the area covered by your bathing suit. By the way, lot of times men will say, oh, I can't I can't talk about sex. I I I32:07 can't do that. I feel just so awkward. I'll say, tell me, can you say the word bathing suit? Like right now, Chris,32:19 say the word bathing suit.32:22 Bathing suit.32:23 Right. Say it 1 more time.32:26 Bathing suit.32:27 Right. Okay. Mhmm. Everybody can say the word bathing suit and what you say is do not let anyone touch you in the area covered by your bathing suit32:39 unless it is a medical doctor and then only for medical reasons. See that is hugely helpful32:51 and there are times when parents learn to do this. Sometimes it's not just a parent, sometimes it needs to be a grandparent.33:02 It could be an aunt, an uncle, it's somebody who is protective and you know that's not being graphic, it's just saying33:15 it is not right to touch someone else's body covered by their bathing suit unless it's for medical reasons. That33:27 way it's teaching kids to have what we call boundaries, boundaries, and that way they know in fact, what I remember33:39 1 time I was teaching this, I was asked to speak on at at the Criswell College and they wanted me to do a they called it J term,33:51 which was a January term, and they wanted it on childhood sexual abuse. I said, okay. Well, I remember we had a number of students34:02 there and 1 woman, young woman, a student, she would not give me any eye contact. And I thought,34:15 I'm not sure why she won't give me eye contact, but I was teaching. And the bottom line is she asked for a privateShow more
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