As of the spring of 2026 Music for the Soul has completed its third long form documentary. Innocent Child encourages survivors of childhood sexual abuse to find hope and healing beginning with the truth that the abuse was not their fault.
Nashville based therapist Marnie Ferree, a survivor herself, says “For such a weighty topic, there is
a gentleness about this film. It is disarming and full of heart. And there are no “shoulds.” I would love to see every therapist and all front-line folks have a copy of this film.”
One in four girls and one in six boys experienced abuse before the age of 18. There are an estimated 42 million adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse in the US alone. So, this is an issue that affects all of us. Even if it is not your personal story it is the story of someone you care about – a neighbor, a co-worker, someone from your church. It is hoped that Innocent Child will not only provide a path to healing for survivors, but will also equip ministry leaders with a tool to help them respond with sensitivity and understanding to this issue.
Completion of this project is a dream come true for Music for the Soul Founder Steve Siler. “Writing songs for abuse survivors was my introduction to the world of ministry. I was asked to create four songs for a stage play about childhood sexual abuse. It was from working on that project I first learned of a song’s power to help create breakthrough in a therapeutic setting,” says Siler. “Ever since then I’ve had a deep desire to create a substantive project to offer hope and healing to the survivor community. The title of this film actually comes from one of the songs I wrote all those years ago.”
Yes the film has songs. But it has so much more. The film opens with a beautiful piece of animation called The Orchard, which gently introduces the theme of the film. Then there are compelling interviews with four survivors. With courage and vulnerability Becky Nordquist, Shellie Cole-Mickens, Dawn Damon, and Wanda Sanchez share how their own childhood abuse impacted their lives well into adulthood. Therapist Vicky Didato shares observations from four decades of experience working with survivors. Child abuse advocate Angela Williams of Angela’s Voice, a survivor herself, talks about how to keep kids safe.
While the film is serious it is ultimately uplifting and hopeful. All of the women in the film have testimonies that show the faithfulness of God to restore and heal what has been broken. Becky Nordquist is the author of a devotional that is a companion piece to the film. Dawn Damon has a ministry that encourages women to be brave and live their best life. Shellie Cole-Mickens is a recovery coach and addiction counselor. Wanda Sanchez is a radio producer and co-founder of PTSD Perspectives.
Innocent Child marks the third time Music for the Soul has partnered with multi-award-winning Grand Rapids, Michigan filmmakers Storytelling Pictures.
The film is available to screen for free at innocentchild.net. We hope you will take the time to watch and pray about with whom the Lord might have you share this film.