In this picture, you see a 9 year old little girl. What you don’t see is that by this point in her life, she had been sexually and physically abused by her stepfather for over five years (and will endure another 7). She didn’t know any other kind of life. The only safe place for her to think and reflect was on the roof of her home.
But she never, ever gave up on herself—or on life. She had amazing fortitude. I know this because I am the little girl on the roof in this picture.
This photo, as you can imagine, is hard for me to look
at. I just want to grab her (my child self), hug her
tight, and tell her she will be okay. Tell
her that she will rise above the ugliness that she is going through—that the
woman she will become will be a fierce advocate for children who are survivors of abuse.
Unfortunately, this topic is hard for people to wrap their minds around. It makes them feel squeamish when it’s brought up. But this is real, and it’s happening to children at an alarming rate. It’s heartbreaking.
Our mission at Sparks of Hope is to help these hurting
children see a brighter future filled with joy. Simply, a life of hope.
~ Lee Ann Mead
Lee Ann,
ReplyDeleteThank you for "Standing Up" You are a "True Hero"
I was proud to stand up in front of a crowd of people last fall and ask for funds to help support this worthy cause!
There were several others in that crowd that want to share your message. Keep up the good work, my friend.
I know her pain in a personal way. People see these stories on the news and read about them, but they don't think about the fact that these girls grow up. When we grow up we either become champions for the cause, helping to bring light to the cause and do what we can to stop the abuse, OR we become "ladies of the street".. the ones people look down on. It all depends on the support we receive while we are trying to overcome. THANK GOD.. there are those who honestly want to shed light and help. Because of those people, I am a successful adult who does what she can to help the "ladies of the street" and other 'voiceless victims' overcome and see there is hope. Please continue spreading the message and encouraging girls and women everywhere to find their voice and speak out against sexual abuse.
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