First used in the 12th and 17th centuries, depending on the meaning, and derived from the Middle English and the Dutch, our word for scream has several meanings. The subtle but notable thing, however, is that all the meanings that have to do with the sharp high sound a person makes, as listed in the dictionary, are dependent only on the speaker. Not any listeners.

In other words, a person who screams screams. It doesn’t matter if another person hears them scream or not.

All around the world, there are many children who scream daily but no one near will listen. Sometimes the screams are audible and sometimes they are silent.

And among the millions screaming silently are those who will never cry aloud.

It is sadly that simple.

But they will never cry aloud because adults have said they have no right to try. To speak. To be.

It is simply that horrific.

In the honor and memory of those millions, shortly following a very important anniversary, I weep. May Jesus hear your cries, hold you near, and comfort you when we have not.