Google the words Silent Killer and the website that pops up first says:

Many diseases are silent killers in that they are silent (no symptoms or only vague symptoms), and that they are deadly. There are a number of diseases that are known as “silent killers” because they gradually consume you without causing any serious symptoms in the early stages. Regular medical checkups and early diagnosis of unexplained or vague symptoms can safe your life.

Hypertension, better known as high blood pressure, is often considered one of the major “silent killer” diseases. If left undetected,  it can reek havoc on your physical well being and will eventually destroy your health from the inside out.

But the same is true for our emotional health and well being too. It’s often the things we don’t talk about–our secrets that we stuff down deep–that eventually erode our sense of personal security and our stability in our most cherished relationships.

What got me thinking about this is a new book that I’ve been reading to prepare for an upcoming HelpForMyLife video shoot on a topic that is rarely talked about: the childhood sexual abuse of men. It use to be that no one ever talked about sexual abuse. Period. You just didn’t bring it up. Frankly, it’s not that it wasn’t going on, but just that no one was courageous enough to talk about it.

But 25 years ago the sexual abuse of women started to be discussed, uncovering a major blight on society. All of a sudden, the topic was out there on the talk shows, in seminars, featured on news outlets, and in educational curriculum. The issue of the past sexual abuse of women and it’s impact on adult relationships was making it’s way out of the shadows and into the light where we now see clearly that any where from 25-40% of women experience some form of sexual abuse by the time they reach the age of 18.

But, there’s been little in print or in the public forum about the sexual exploitation of little boys who later grow up to be men who bear the effects of sexual abuse. But that’s starting to change. And that’s a good thing.

Cecil Murphey is a successful author who has written or co-written over 119 books. By anyone’s standards, that’s a bunch. But Cec (as he likes to be called) admits “unquestionable, this book is the hardest book I’ve ever written.” Although he’s come a long way in his own healing journey and recovery, writing about male sexual abuse meant writing about his own story and struggles with his abusive past.

Check out Cecil’s book, When A Man You Love Was Abused. If you’re a man who has never dared tell his story of past abuse, Cecil’s book may be the tool you need to encourage you to step into the light. If you’re a woman who loves a man with a past of sexual abuse, you too will find godly encouragement and practical help in helping your man face, battle with, and overcome childhood sexual molestation.

You can also read comments on Cecil’s  blog, from other men who have courageously taken the first steps of breaking the silence about their childhood sexual abuse. And watch for future posts and the upcoming round table discussions and insights from Cecil and the HFML team.

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