Sentinel Watch March 14, 2011 Issue

Protecting childlike Innocence

Margaret Campbell

I remember a conversation I once had with a nine-year-old. When she asked me about my work as a public speaker, I explained how much I loved talking with people about God’s goodness and about how very much He loves them. She responded, “That must be easy, because it’s true.” Her answer intrigued me because I knew she did not have any religious affiliation or spiritual education. When I asked her if she believed in God and she answered yes, I asked her why. “Because I just do,” she answered. 

My nine-year-old friend was free of doubt, speculation, or any puzzled human reasoning. There was just a simple and ready acceptance of God’s existence, of His goodness and love. For me, her answer was filled with such sweet, childlike innocence. 

Children have long been a symbol of innocence, which is defined in part as “simplicity, blamelessness, lack of worldly experience or sophistication.” Yet today, the innocence of many children is vulnerable—as they watch and worship celebrities, mimic or engage in adult behavior, or are victims of abuse and exploitation. 

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