Why? We ask it all the time: Why is the sky blue? Why didn’t she call me back? Why do I have such a hard time being disciplined? Why did that man kill all those innocent children? Why did I get abused? It is the ultimate question resulting in what we hope to be the ultimate answer to bring us some form of closure and comfort. Sometimes it does, but most of the time we are left many years later asking the same questions and still wondering why.

In my experience, allowing oneself to ask “why” can often lead down a dark and unproductive road. Of course I do not mean to say that the question of “why” is wrong because it most certainly is not. In a similar manner drinking alcohol is not wrong, yet if one ingests it in vast amounts and too often, a destructive and unproductive life may be the result. When we are intent on knowing why something happened and demand an answer, yet find none, depression, anger and resentment all too easily can find a new home deep in our hearts.

When it comes to issues of evil being displayed in this world, I turn to my faith and to my God. One of the greatest and most important truths to intimately know as a Christian is that God truly is a good father. When evil happens it is never a result of God’s hand.

Organizations like 1in6, even though they are not religiously affiliated are, I believe, used by God to extend his compassion, love and restoration to men like me who have been victims of the evil of child abuse. I am so very thankful for the people in my life that have been vessels of God’s love and friendship to me during my several year trial when dealing with my abuse.

I don’t know why I was abused, but I do know that God is a good father, that he loves me and that his desire is to bring peace, love and restoration to every person and to every wound no matter how deep.

- By Aaron Kesseler

Aaron Kesseler was born in 1986, married the love of his life in 2010 and is currently working for his step-father’s commercial heating business in Seattle, WA. After high school he attended Northwest University in Kirkland for two years. Aaron has volunteered as a camp counselor for five years with the Muscular Dystrophy Association Summer Camp as well as three years with Royal Family Kids Camp, a summer camp for the most abused and neglected children in the area.

The mission of 1in6 is to help men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences in childhood live healthier, happier lives.

1in6′s mission also includes serving family members, friends, and partners by providing information and support resources on the web and in the community.

A note from Joyful Heart: Faith and a spiritual connection to a higher power can be a powerful source of hope and healing. No matter your beliefs and what forms your practice of spirituality may take, we invite you to explore your faith on your healing journey in a way that is comfortable to you.

Joyful Heart and 1in6 invite you to visit 1in6.org for info, options and hope, and to learn more about our partnership and Engaging Men initiative at men.joyfulheartfoundation.org.

The views expressed above are not necessarily those of the Joyful Heart Foundation or 1in6.