I'm A Survivor

If you  have been reading this blog for any given amount of time you have probably heard me talk about 1) pageants; or 2) my personal story and again. And if you not, then welcome and I talk a lot about being a former crownhead and domestic violence awareness.

Well, last night I had the honor of being the keynote speaker for the Safe Haven's Safe Living graduation. Safe Haven is a local battered women's shelter and resource center in my hometown. They offer a two year program to women who comes from abusive relationships. This program gives these women the skills and resources to pay off debt, educate themselves and begin new lives. I met 5 inspiring women last night who have overcome obstacles and together paid off over 62,000 in debt in just 24 months! Kudos to these women. They truly inspire me.

I was overwhelmed with the response I got from the audience about my story and my life. I get asked sometimes if its hard for me to talk about my past, and the answer is a mixed bag. I guess over time I have become somewhat immune to the emotions and others its like it all happened yesterday. Speaking is cathartic for me. Its one way to heal and move on. Its also a way to give back. I truly feel that its God's calling for me to continue to spread my message in hopes that other women, children, etc... will never go through what I endured. I am His messenger of hope.

I challenge all of you today to do something for me. Look around you, at the women you care about and realize that 1 in 4 of them will be affected by domestic violence in your lifetime. Remember they are women just like you and me, they walk amongst you. They do not all have bruises or scars from abuse... they do, however, have emotional scars that they will carry with them for a lifetime. Don't judge, be kind. Lend a hand, an ear, a smile.