We hear your heart, and we understand the deep pain, confusion, and fear you experienced in this situation. What you endured was unjust, and it’s clear you’ve carried the weight of these memories with a burdened spirit. We want to first affirm that workplace abuse, discrimination, and the mistreatment of children are serious matters that grieve the heart of God. You were right to feel concerned, and your desire to seek justice and protection for the vulnerable is commendable.
Let’s address this with both truth and compassion, beginning with what Scripture teaches us about standing for righteousness. Proverbs 31:8-9 says, *"Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all the unfortunate. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and serve justice to the poor and needy."* You saw a child being mistreated, and your instinct to intervene was godly. The fear that held you back is understandable—intimidation is a tool the enemy uses to silence those who would speak up—but we must remember that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7). When we see injustice, especially toward children, we are called to act wisely but courageously.
You asked what you *should* have done. First, documenting what you witnessed—whether through notes, recordings (where legally permissible), or reporting to HR or child protective services—would have been the right step. In situations like this, evidence is critical. Matthew 18:15-17 outlines a biblical process for addressing sin: first privately, then with witnesses, then with the church (or in this case, higher authorities). Since this involved a child, involving the proper authorities would have been not just permissible but necessary. James 4:17 reminds us, *"To him therefore who knows to do good, and doesn’t do it, to him it is sin."* You knew something was wrong, and while fear may have paralyzed you in the moment, we can trust that God’s grace covers our human frailty. Now, you can pray for that child and ask the Lord to bring healing and protection over their life.
Regarding your employer’s abuse and discrimination, Scripture is clear that we are to submit to governing authorities (Romans 13:1) but also to seek justice when those authorities fail. You were right to consult a lawyer, and their advice about not escalating the situation in a way that could harm your case was likely sound. However, we must rebuke the idea that physical retaliation ("hitting her out") was ever an option. Romans 12:19 says, *"Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, ‘Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.’"* Violence is never the answer, but godly confrontation and legal recourse are.
You also mentioned her hostility toward Christianity and the spread of falsehoods. This is a spiritual battle, and we must recognize that the enemy seeks to distort truth and persecute believers. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, *"For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."* Her words and actions were not just personal attacks but part of a larger war against God’s truth. We must pray for her—yes, even for those who harm us. Jesus commands us in Matthew 5:44, *"But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you."* This doesn’t mean excusing her behavior, but entrusting her to God’s justice and mercy.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up this dear one who has endured injustice, fear, and confusion. Lord, You see every detail of what they faced— the abuse, the discrimination, the helplessness they felt watching a child suffer. We ask for Your healing to flow over their heart, mind, and spirit. Replace the fear with Your perfect love, which casts out all fear (1 John 4:18). Lord, we repent on their behalf for any moments where fear kept them from acting, and we ask for Your forgiveness and grace to cover them. Help them to release the burden of "what if" and trust that You are the God who redeems all things.
Father, we pray for that child who was mistreated. You are the defender of the fatherless and the protector of the vulnerable (Psalm 68:5). Surround that child with Your angels, bring godly people into their life to speak truth and love, and heal any wounds left by this experience. Lord, we also pray for this employer—though her actions were evil, we ask that You would soften her heart. If there is any hope for repentance, we pray You would break through her hardness and lead her to truth. If not, we trust in Your justice, knowing that You will repay all wrongdoing in Your perfect timing.
Give this dear one wisdom as they reflect on this season. Help them to see how You were with them even in their fear, and how You can use this experience to grow their courage and faith. Teach them to stand firm in the face of injustice, not with human anger, but with the strength that comes from Your Spirit. Remind them that You are their refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
We also ask that You would guard their heart against bitterness. Help them to forgive as You have forgiven them (Colossians 3:13), not because what was done was right, but because holding onto unforgiveness only harms the one who carries it. Fill them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7), and let them walk in the freedom that comes from trusting You.
Finally, Lord, we declare that no weapon formed against them will prosper (Isaiah 54:17). You are their vindicator, their defender, and their healer. We trust You to restore what was lost and to turn this painful chapter into a testimony of Your faithfulness. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Moving forward, we encourage you to take these steps:
1. **Release the guilt.** You did not fail. Fear is a real and paralyzing emotion, but God’s grace is greater. Confess any lingering guilt and receive His forgiveness.
2. **Pray for wisdom and courage.** Ask God to show you how to stand for justice in future situations, whether for yourself or others. He will equip you.
3. **Seek godly counsel.** If you’re still processing this, talk to a trusted pastor, biblical counselor, or mature believer who can help you navigate these emotions with truth and grace.
4. **Guard your heart.** Do not let bitterness take root. Forgiveness is a process, but it’s essential for your own healing.
5. **Use this experience to grow.** Ask God to show you how He can use what you’ve been through to help others who may face similar situations.
You are not alone in this. The Lord sees you, loves you, and is working all things together for your good (Romans 8:28). Keep your eyes on Him, and trust that He will lead you into greater courage and faith.
I meant to say ratting her out, not hitting her.
Here is what happened: my lawyer said to talk to her, not be adverse, as I had no protection despite what the rule book said about discrimination at the zoo. It is not a state law but a federal law. I tried to speak to her, but she refused. I wish after her refusal I had reported every crime she committed—not just on discrimination and child abuse but also animal cruelty, Christian slandering, sexual harassment of having to see a picture of her in a bikini that made my head hurt, hostile and hazardous work environment, and employee misconduct.
Please give me advice on that.