BreakingMySilence, A Story of Hope and Healing

  I wanted to reshare this story with everyone! In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2014; please read and share. Sharing this post was the hardest thing for me to do, it's still hard to look at where I was as a 16yr old in such a dark and hopeless place.  Rape is real and it happens way too often. I want to use this story to encourage those of you out there living in the darkness that was so real in my life for so long.  Don't be silent any longer, share your story and do it in a safe place. You are more than welcome to share on my blog; this is a safe place and the followers here are always encouraging. Please contact me if you are interested in sharing your story for your own personal healing. It's scary at first and you may remain anonymous if you would like to. Submit your story to 4hopeandhealing@gmail.com .  Dear 16 yr old Lisa, I know that you are scared and confused right now. You were just raped, you are feeling physical and emotional...

     It seems that our human nature is to let ourselves hit bottom before we long for something better.  Something clicks in our minds that flips a switch and we decide that a change is necessary.  We all of a sudden become determined to make our bad situation better.  I know for me that I have done this through out my life.  In unhealthy relationships I would have to hit an emotional bottom and then I would end it.  Every unhealthy relationship would bring me to my bottom in different lengths of time; some took as little as a few weeks, and some took years.  My bottom would start with me finally looking at myself in the hypothetical mirror, and that would in turn cause me to channel in my feelings.    I would look at the way I was living my life, they way I saw myself and I would turn away from that mirror hating myself and my life.  Here I was bathing in self loathing and hating everything about myself so I would try to make...

I was recently approached about writing a story for a book of stories about perseverance. I am honored and submitting a story for this book. This will be the first time my writing is being published and has inspired me to being writing my own book as well. I want to share my story that will be published with you all. I have missed connecting with you all on my blog, but don't worry I am back and feeling inspired to write. My Story:      Do you ever find yourself hurting so much that you don't know what to do with yourself?  I have felt this way one too many times through out my life.  This pain gave me a longing and a craving for change.  It started for me when I was twelve years old; my very first boyfriend hit me and left bruises on me.  He was angry all of the time and I was his punching bag.  I began to starve myself to change the way I looked, and in turn gave me a false confidence.  This drastic weight loss and attitude adjustm...

Hello Everyone! I have not forgotten about all of you. God has put me in a holding period, and I hope to be back writing regularly again very soon. Today, I wanted to share a link for my dear friend Jamie Hindman. She boldly went on TV to share her passion for her Ministry, Divine. She shared initimate details about her story and has been boldy following God in His plans for her story to be heard. Please view, and share! Spread the hope, and let the broken know that Jesus loves them! http://abcnews.go.com/US/strippers-jesus-dancer-makes-mission-save/story?id=21024000 Jaime, You continue to inspire me everyday! You give me hope that my story will be heard one day too! I just need to trust in God and follow him with all my heart and soul. I feel honored to watch you grow and see how God paved a path for you. You followed and obeyed Him, and He is walking with you hand in hand smiling down his beautiful daughter. You have shared your story and God washed away the shame from you...

I am so honored to be able to share my friend, Meli's story. Meli and I are in each other's lives for a reason and it's because we get to grow together and encourage one another to keep going. God planted a seed for our friendship, and it has grown over this last year and a half. "Meli, I am so happy to be a part of your life and to call you my friend and sister through Christ. We have been not only watching each other grow but holding each others hands through our ever challenging healing process. I look forward to seeing where we both are a year from now and how we will grow us as individuals and as friends. Thank you for being a light in my life and allowing me to be a part of your healing process. Thank you for sharing your story especially in this month to give hope and show survivors that there is a light at the end of that dark maze we sometimes call life. I love you my dear friend! " “When Jesus spoke...

  I was determined this April to get more supporters to wear Teal for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. I sent emails out asking everyone to send over picture with the color teal and send over pictures with their bracelets on. I am so happy with the support I have seen from people and I wanted to share some pictures with you. My Friend from VA is rocking the Teal  in Support of SAAM Chris and Es wearing their wristbands  Here is what I am handing out around my community I was so excited when I got the wristbands   Alicia's Wearing her Wristband proudly! Triko Salon is spreading awareness My Hubby being cute at work!  Here's a great Shirt with a Great Message These are just a few pictures from some friends and family showing their support for this great cause. Stay Tuned for more Support pictures from people near and far! Keep the pictures coming, and send some encouraging words to survivors. Thank you all a...

"Be on guard, Stand firm in the faith. Be Courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love."  1Cor 16:13-14 NLT      I have been writing this blog now for almost a year and a half and each time I write it's healing for my heart.  I look back at where I was when I first posted my story for all of the world to read.  I remember the butterflies in my stomach, the fear that was overwhelming my soul, the negative thoughts coursing through my mind.  Then when I clicked that button and published my story for the first time I remember the healing tears running down my cheeks, the peace that washed over me, and the sense of freedom that I longed for so many years was finally happening.  I knew what God had planned for me, he began restoring my soul and showing me the new life he planned for me.  I trusted in Him and so I followed His lead because I knew that He would be there walking beside me every step of the way. I went through a...