First and foremost, I will have you know that I am a survivor and a Christian.
Secondly, I will share that I have been a victim of most types of abuse: childhood abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, spouse abuse, religious abuse, criminal abuse and even self abuse. The icing on the cake was being kidnapped and tortured. So, the cherry on top, you might ask? Well, maybe we can decide together someday, which of my life experiences deserves that honor.
Third, I will not be silenced and that, my friends… is what this site is all about.
I have dedicated my life to being, “a voice for the victims” and I will never stop. By giving our pain and suffering a voice, we give it a purpose and with purpose, comes the ability to heal. Rather than allowing our wounds to drain the life from us, killing us every day, they can begin to heal into healthy scars of survival. Those battle scars can help others to survive, turning tragedies into blessings.
Like many others, I come from a part of the world where hell exists on earth, and if anything made me a believer, it was those experiences (the very life in which I was born.) As early as I can remember, I have known with absolute certainty that pure evil exists and if I believe that, then something deep inside has always known that good has to exist too. I am a grown woman now, and I am still searching for, that which is good.
So, have you ever been the victim of anything? Before you say no, because maybe you haven’t been abused, how about being the victim of fear, betrayal or loss? I would venture to say that every single one of us been a victim of pain and suffering, to some degree. While we each have a story to tell and our experiences differ, pain is pain and love is love, and it is on that level that we can all relate. We are all survivors of life and that is why this site is for everyone.
Whether you believe in God or not, I hope you will join me on my journey of faith, as I attempt to turn tragedy into something valuable for you and I through my stories, and to show how God can use every evil deed for something good in my poems. Finally, find out how you can help support these efforts.
Related articles
- A Victim Becomes a Survivor and Healer (patheos.com)
- Theo Fleury calls for tougher penalties for sexual abusers (vancouversun.com)
September 22, 2013 at 6:35 pm
Hi Jessie! I love what you have done with your blog!! You know how I feel about abuse the power of talking about it from my blog. I have a question, Sara is, I’m afraid, choosing boyfriends that are just like her dad. What can I do to help her recognize it and not do it?
September 27, 2013 at 1:12 am
So good to see you again Terri :) Whew – that’s a tough question! I struggle with the same thing regarding my daughter.
I decided long ago never to shelter her from her real father, but I’ve also been careful not to make excuses for him either. It’s been maybe the most difficult aspect of being her mom, but I’ve had to let her experience who he is as a person on her own. Except where her safety was concerned, I’ve chosen to stand by and let their relationship develop as it would. It was difficult in her younger years, because I was always the one left picking up the pieces and drying her tears every time he’d hurt her (which was consistent mind you as he’s never been “father” material.) Over time and as she’s grown up (now nearly an adult) she’s able to recognize how his characteristics have hurt her and (hopefully) how to recognize them in other guys too. She doesn’t always see it at first, of course, but I have to trust that eventually she will. I never wanted her to develop opinions of her father, because of things I said – I had to wait and allow her to develop her own as she’s grown up. I think then they are most likely to learn from experience rather than just because “mom said so” or something. Know what I mean?
It’s difficult trying to find ways to drop a seed that might help her relate this boy with her dad in hopes of derailing another painful experience though, I know. Does this help at all my friend? I pray it does. Many blessings and warm hugs to you Terri.
September 27, 2013 at 3:23 am
Oh heavens Terri… I just got your reply, but I’m not going to post it here hun for everyone’s safety. Please contact me via email instead. I’ll keep your response in my wordpress que though so you don’t have to repeat it all – just give me your email please and I’ll respond to you there instead. I understand what you’re dealing with and I’m so sorry. I’ll keep you both in my prayers!
December 13, 2011 at 2:14 am
Thank you for stopping by my blog and the article on Faith. I’m glad I read your article here. I was a victim and slave of fear until my faith began to bud. I don’t think it has fully bloomed yet but it was enough to deliver from panic disorder. Faith continues to grow. Bless you.
December 13, 2011 at 3:15 am
Blessings to you and I appreciate your visit as well :) May our faith bloom strong and always be growing!
November 29, 2011 at 9:53 pm
Jessie, I think it’s wonderful you are putting together a site dealing with these difficult issues. I was a victim of abuse as a child, and I too am searching as an adult. I’ve made a lot of progress, but we never stop growing, and I find that my best growth and understanding is through prayer.
November 29, 2011 at 11:11 pm
I appreciate your courage and willingness to share, as it offers me the same in return. I’m sorry for what you have endured as well friend. It’s always a pleasure to meet other survivors and I’m grateful for the opportunities to support one another (regardless of the circumstances in which we gather!) And yes, prayer… Jesus is my anchor through all of it and I’m grateful you have Him too :)
November 22, 2011 at 2:55 pm
Dearest Jessie, it’s me again ;) I go to Biker’s Church in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. There are many recovering addicts and survivors in my church…I have shared your blog on my facebook this morning..because to be honest, I just can’t get it out of my mind. I feel so strongly about sharing this message…and I see you do too. So, I hope that’s okay. I’m praying for you this morning, and keeping you in my thoughts. You are a remarkable woman, and your words have made me feel less ashamed to keep sharing my own abuse, and tribulations. I feel empowered. Through this, and through Christ. Take care ladyface :) keep fighting the good fight!!!! I’m fighting with you…xo
Angie
November 22, 2011 at 8:18 pm
Hello sweet friend. I am honored that you think enough to share and help spread the message. I will keep you in my prayers as well and never, never feel ashamed! Wear your scars of survival as a shield of inspiration for all to see, and Christ love to you, my sister.