Dr. Floyd Godfrey

The Loss of Innocence
Exposure to pornography at a young age is a perilous issue affecting countless children worldwide. For Mark Houck, whose story is shared in Matt Fradd's book Delivered, this exposure was a defining moment. He reflects, “Reflecting on my boyhood experience, there is one defining moment when I knew I was being robbed of my innocence: the first time I looked at hard-core pornography” (Fradd, 2013, p. 123). This moment led him down a troubling path, marking the beginning of a secret struggle that would last for years.

Mark recalls, “I remember one of my classmates had a porn magazine and introduced me to my first porn video that year” (Fradd, 2013, p. 124). Like Mark, many children are first exposed to pornography through peers, leading to a premature loss of innocence and a distorted understanding of sexuality. Without proper guidance, such experiences can lay the foundation for long-term struggles.

A Hidden Struggle
As Mark entered high school, the effects of early exposure to pornography became more apparent. He explains, “During high school days, my struggle with pornography was a dark secret. To everyone else, I was a good student and highly successful athlete. I had a girlfriend. Indeed, on the outside I looked like I had it all together; but on the inside I was struggling, and at the heart of the struggle was my sexual integrity” (Fradd, 2013, p. 124).

This duality—an outward appearance of success paired with inner turmoil—is a common experience among those grappling with early exposure to pornography. Mark’s testimony highlights how this hidden battle can erode a person’s sense of self and complicate relationships, even in the formative years of life. He recalls feeling “lonely during high school. I was confident in athletics, but socially I felt naive” (Fradd, 2013, p. 125). These feelings of isolation further compounded his struggles, creating a vicious cycle that would culminate in addiction.

The Consequences of Addiction
Mark’s experience demonstrates the long-term impact of unchecked exposure to pornography. He candidly shares, “Suffice it to say that at the conclusion of my high school days I had a full-blown addiction to pornography” (Fradd, 2013, p. 125). For many, this addiction can persist into adulthood, damaging marriages, careers, and spiritual lives.

Pornography addiction often thrives in secrecy, making it difficult for individuals to seek help. However, Mark’s story also reveals a critical truth: no matter how dark the struggle, recovery is possible. With faith, support, and intentional healing, individuals can break free from addiction and rebuild their lives.

A Call to Protect and Heal
As Christians, we are called to protect the innocence of children and to address issues like pornography with courage and compassion. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us to “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Parents and church leaders have a responsibility to educate children about the dangers of pornography and to provide resources for healing when exposure occurs.

Mark’s story underscores the importance of vigilance, accountability, and a strong support system. By addressing these issues early and fostering open communication, we can help children navigate a culture saturated with sexual imagery and guide them toward a life of purity and integrity.

Floyd Godfrey PhD is a Board Certified Christian Counselor and has facilitated groups within different churches and denominations over the past 30 years. He worked as a licensed clinician for 23 years. You can read more about Floyd Godfrey PhD at www.FloydGodfrey.com.