Saturday, March 28, 2015
Friday, March 27, 2015
Acceptance
My initial post was a little shocking for some of my family and friends, but I thank you all for your support and concern. I'm so thankful for my husband and his support. Starting this blog was of great concern to me because I did not want him to feel embarrassed or ashamed of me. On the contrary, he could not be more proud of what I wanted to do and what I want to accomplish. And then there's my sister, another one of my great supporters. Being able to speak to her openly about our experiences has been an outlet for me that would not be possible with anyone else.
Acceptance is definitely the first step to healing. These are the things I have learned to accept:
1. I was a child and I did nothing wrong.
2. I am not to blame for what happened to me.
3. My parents are not to blame for what happened to me.
4. His parents are not to blame for what happened to me.
5. The blame and responsibility lies with him.
6. I will not let this define me as a person.
7. I have worth.
8. I have the strength and courage to get through this trial.
For years my anger has fueled an awful hate within me. It's time to let it go, as my wise husband has counseled me. And through my faith and prayer, I have been able to let go of the anger. I have been able to accept my trials, as awful as they have been, and I have a renewed strength and courage to work through them.
You can do this too!
You can let go of your hate and your anger!
You can live courageously!
You have the strength within you!
You have worth and you are loved!
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Did You Know?
Did you know that "1 in 10 children will be sexually abused before they turn 18 years old"?
Did you know that "1 in 7 girls and 1 in 25 boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18 years old"?
Did you know that "as many as 400,000 babies born in the U.S. this year will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday unless we do something to stop it"?
These statistics are unfortunate indeed!
Copyright © 2013 Darkness to Light. All Rights Reserved.
Did you know that "1 in 7 girls and 1 in 25 boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18 years old"?
Did you know that "as many as 400,000 babies born in the U.S. this year will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday unless we do something to stop it"?
These statistics are unfortunate indeed!
Copyright © 2013 Darkness to Light. All Rights Reserved.
Monday, March 23, 2015
"There is SUNSHINE in my SOUL TODAY!"
Welcome to the "Sunshine For The Soul" Blog!
This is an exciting time for me, and the start of this blog. I have been inspired to start this blog to bring AWARNESS & ADVOCACY for those associated with Children who have been Sexually Abused by either a familiar or non-familiar abuser. This is not going to be a "sugar-coated" easy-reading blog. This topic is extremely difficult to deal with for all involved, from the child who has been abused to the parent or care-giver for the abused child. This subject is very close to my own heart, as I am a SURVIVOR of Childhood Sexual Abuse. That's what we are, SURVIVORS and NOT victims.
I am a Proud Wife, a Mom, a Sister, a Daughter, a Niece, a Cousin, a Friend, a Survivor, and a Daughter of God. My story of sexual abuse is a sad one, as all are. I was sexually abused over a number of years by an older male cousin, who will remain nameless, but for those who know my family, you will have a pretty good idea of whom I am writing about. I, unfortunately, was not his only prey over the years. My older sister was also experiencing the same horror by this sick relative. Years later, my sister was the brave one and pressed charges. I, on the other hand, was unable to remember the horrible memories until years later. And now my suppressed memories are no longer suppressed. My memories are now back, vivid in my mind and in full force. I used to wish for my memories to come back to me. What do they say, "Be Careful What You Wish For"? Well, some days I regret that wish. Some days I remember the "good" memories, hooray. Some days I wake up crying or even screaming frantically from the "bad" memories. (Taking the good with the bad I guess.) Thankfully my husband is the most understanding soul I know, and he's been there to help me gather my thoughts when the "bad" memories arise.
As my blog entries continue, I will share my story as difficult as it has been. I will also be sharing helpful links on helping those who have been Sexually Abused and how to cope with this difficult issue.
This is an exciting time for me, and the start of this blog. I have been inspired to start this blog to bring AWARNESS & ADVOCACY for those associated with Children who have been Sexually Abused by either a familiar or non-familiar abuser. This is not going to be a "sugar-coated" easy-reading blog. This topic is extremely difficult to deal with for all involved, from the child who has been abused to the parent or care-giver for the abused child. This subject is very close to my own heart, as I am a SURVIVOR of Childhood Sexual Abuse. That's what we are, SURVIVORS and NOT victims.
I am a Proud Wife, a Mom, a Sister, a Daughter, a Niece, a Cousin, a Friend, a Survivor, and a Daughter of God. My story of sexual abuse is a sad one, as all are. I was sexually abused over a number of years by an older male cousin, who will remain nameless, but for those who know my family, you will have a pretty good idea of whom I am writing about. I, unfortunately, was not his only prey over the years. My older sister was also experiencing the same horror by this sick relative. Years later, my sister was the brave one and pressed charges. I, on the other hand, was unable to remember the horrible memories until years later. And now my suppressed memories are no longer suppressed. My memories are now back, vivid in my mind and in full force. I used to wish for my memories to come back to me. What do they say, "Be Careful What You Wish For"? Well, some days I regret that wish. Some days I remember the "good" memories, hooray. Some days I wake up crying or even screaming frantically from the "bad" memories. (Taking the good with the bad I guess.) Thankfully my husband is the most understanding soul I know, and he's been there to help me gather my thoughts when the "bad" memories arise.
As my blog entries continue, I will share my story as difficult as it has been. I will also be sharing helpful links on helping those who have been Sexually Abused and how to cope with this difficult issue.
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