SPIRIT UNBROKEN: A Journey of Hope, Survival, and Beating the Odds
Although SRIRIT UNBROKEN appears to be a novel, the story is true. It is a work of non-fiction, a history that needed to be told. In my personal "sharing" it is hoped that others might gain even the smallest amount of comfort and possibly guidance from my own journey and experiences. There is the chance that you might recognize similarities to your own youth. Most assuredly, you know someone with a similar background. I am anyone; unfortunately, I am everywhere. I share my story for everyone that cannot tell his or hers.
This writing is an open acknowledgement to a childhood existence that was far from normal and healthy. There are times that are still beyond any understanding and explanation… and are left unspoken, even now. However, the message within these pages is positive and hopefully healing for those who need to close the open wounds…forever. This is a journey of human spirit and hope.
Identifying can be on many levels.The numbers of people in America who have not been able to acknowledge their own difficult or abusive childhoods are far greater than the published statistics. So many generations were silent then and remain so, today. Our Society as a whole, only recently increased both its effort and awareness to help protect its children. It’s been years in coming. We are finally becoming aware of its epidemic proportions.
The published statistics of children that have grown up in families where abuse of any kind: physical, emotional, or sexual exists, as well as children growing up in homes that are Dysfunctional…is staggering. Today, in one year alone, child protective service agencies investigate almost three million reports alleging maltreatment of children.
The prevalence of Child Abuse statistically is far greater than most would believe. In just one area alone, Sexual Abuse, one in four girls, or twenty-five percent are sexually abused before the age of fourteen! One in six boys, or roughly seventeen percent are sexually abused before the age of sixteen! Americans, for the most part, are unaware of these facts.
There are approximately 60 million survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse in the United States, today. Mathematically, that represents almost one fifth of the total population of the 2000 Census. The median age for reported abuse is 9.9 years for boys and 9.6 years for females. Sadly, only one child in ten ever tells of the sexual abuse. Fabrication of abuse amazingly occurs in only one to four percent of all reported cases.
Consequences of a negative and abusive childhood affect our society. Excessive drug and alcohol abuse is reported by seventy to eighty percent of survivors. Young girls who have been abused are more likely to develop eating and psychiatric disorders. Among male survivors, more than three- quarters have a history of substance abuse, more than one- half had suicidal thoughts, one quarter attempted suicide and more that two thirds received psychological treatment. And if all this weren’t enough, thirty one percent of males victimized…go on to victimize others!
My story is candidly told to both enlighten and alert not to sensationalize. Childhood Abuse is a disease that our society can cure and prevent. It knows no boundaries within Racial, Economic, and Social groups. There are no clear- cut definitions as to what is and isn’t abuse. If the action is harmful to the child, it is unhealthy and abusive. This is a disease that does not call for extensive scientific research looking for a cure.
Rather, it is a disease that elicits recognition and commitment on the part of all responsible adults. Early recognition, acknowledgement, and subsequent intervention are necessary. However, the abused, as well as the abuser, need rehabilitation after that point or the cycle perpetuates itself and the statistics remain a constant. Once the abuse stops…it is far from over, as the startling figures above indicate.
The consequences of Childhood Abuse affect the quality of life for everyone in our country, not just its survivors. Its effects are far-reaching and negative. Statistics strongly support that fact. My God-given spirit and attitude are the exception for those that are abuse survivors…the overwhelming majority of its victims are not nearly so fortunate. Amazingly, I have beaten all the odds.
April is National Child Abuse Month; The Great Equalizer...CHILD ABUSE!
April is National Child Abuse Month; The Great Equalizer...CHILD ABUSE! Abuse does not discriminate by gender, age, religion, ethnicity, or social status.
Indeed, it really is the one time that: ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL. Abuse can be delivered to the offended by sexual, physical, emotional, or verbal abuse. Each and every one of these types of abuse is equally as damaging to our self-esteem, our souls, or our physical being...if we let it prevail.
Whether we are being abused now or have been abused in the past, it in no way defines either who we are... or who we are able to become. We are what we choose for ourselves; we are not defined by what has been said or done to us! The road is wide open, but it is up to us to take the first step. The abuser can not love themselves, therefore they are unable (or unwilling) to love us.
It is never because we are unworthy of being loved. But do we love ourselves? Today, is a good day to start. Be a person that is admired by being a person who values his/her own self-worth. May the journey to find inner-strength find you and be ultimately healing. May all of us continue to make a difference. If you or someone you know has been abused in the past or is currently being abused... speak up. It is never, never too late.
Indeed, it really is the one time that: ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL. Abuse can be delivered to the offended by sexual, physical, emotional, or verbal abuse. Each and every one of these types of abuse is equally as damaging to our self-esteem, our souls, or our physical being...if we let it prevail.
Whether we are being abused now or have been abused in the past, it in no way defines either who we are... or who we are able to become. We are what we choose for ourselves; we are not defined by what has been said or done to us! The road is wide open, but it is up to us to take the first step. The abuser can not love themselves, therefore they are unable (or unwilling) to love us.
It is never because we are unworthy of being loved. But do we love ourselves? Today, is a good day to start. Be a person that is admired by being a person who values his/her own self-worth. May the journey to find inner-strength find you and be ultimately healing. May all of us continue to make a difference. If you or someone you know has been abused in the past or is currently being abused... speak up. It is never, never too late.
Child Abuse: choose to see it; choose to be part of the solution!
This is the "drama” that unfolds in classrooms, on sports playing fields, and at social events each and every day in America. In other countries, the statistics have long been denied and/or ignored. That fact, appears to be changing, but very slowly. Child Abuse knows no differences in Race, Nationality, or Gender. It is the one time, where sadly... all men (children) are equal.
We can choose to ignore this epidemic or choose to recognize the signs of Child Abuse and be part of the solution! Children are the future of modern society. Everywhere!
I was part of the classroom situation for many years and knew intuitively with which of my students "it" might unfold as the school year progressed; after all, I was a kindred spirit. However, there were many times I couldn’t see it at all… and it never failed to surprise me when the Abuse revealed itself in a student’s writings or actions. I don’t know why I was surprised because I too was one of the “children” that hid the abuse going on at home while growing up. It took many years before I was even able to write/ speak about it.
I chose to leave teaching, a few years back and write and speak up about Child Abuse in my book SPIRIT UNBROKEN. It is a silent epidemic. A proficient teacher in modern times, teaches not only his/her subject matter…but also teaches about LIFE. And LIFE in these times is hard.
However, I believe Child Abuse can be eradicated. There is no “cure” out there in the wings waiting to be discovered like a potential cure for Cancer or other illness. But for each of us, there is the huge job of accepting this condition as part of modern society's fabric and acting upon it. This is a World-wide disease.
Be part of the solution and recognize it is a silent epidemic. This can not be an avoidance issue because it might be awkward or uncomfortable to acknowledge.
If you are aware of anyone abusing a child or if you are being abused yourself…speak up, today.
Everyone; everywhere.
We can choose to ignore this epidemic or choose to recognize the signs of Child Abuse and be part of the solution! Children are the future of modern society. Everywhere!
I was part of the classroom situation for many years and knew intuitively with which of my students "it" might unfold as the school year progressed; after all, I was a kindred spirit. However, there were many times I couldn’t see it at all… and it never failed to surprise me when the Abuse revealed itself in a student’s writings or actions. I don’t know why I was surprised because I too was one of the “children” that hid the abuse going on at home while growing up. It took many years before I was even able to write/ speak about it.
I chose to leave teaching, a few years back and write and speak up about Child Abuse in my book SPIRIT UNBROKEN. It is a silent epidemic. A proficient teacher in modern times, teaches not only his/her subject matter…but also teaches about LIFE. And LIFE in these times is hard.
However, I believe Child Abuse can be eradicated. There is no “cure” out there in the wings waiting to be discovered like a potential cure for Cancer or other illness. But for each of us, there is the huge job of accepting this condition as part of modern society's fabric and acting upon it. This is a World-wide disease.
Be part of the solution and recognize it is a silent epidemic. This can not be an avoidance issue because it might be awkward or uncomfortable to acknowledge.
If you are aware of anyone abusing a child or if you are being abused yourself…speak up, today.
Everyone; everywhere.
Child Abuse "Survivor" vs Child Abuse "Thriver"
When I am asked why I didn't refer to myself as a "survivor" in my book SPIRIT UNBROKEN which is about my own abusive childhood, the answer came easily to me. I believe that saying you are a "survivor" of any test or challenge in life is indicative that you are still living in its shadow. In addition, someone might even be using "survivor-ship" from the test/challenge as an excuse for his/her present life's situations and behavior. I see it over and over and it saddens me. From the moment our individual tests and challenges cease...and they always do or we no longer inhabit God's earth, we are not "survivors' but rather "livers." We might view our new life by being stronger, wiser, and more complete in our journey of perfecting ourselves here on Earth.
If you have been through something negative...be it a life threatening illness or challenge for yourself or family member, possible marital disillusionment, hurt, and betrayal... that might ultimately lead to a divorce, a deployment in one of America's Wars... that follows with a physical or emotional challenge, a loveless childhood/adulthood... that is riddled by abuse...when it ends, and it will, you must resume living with a renewed vigor. To claim you have "survived" something is indication that the test/challenge still is very much present in your head and heart. It's all in positive attitude and the honest acceptance that Life, as given, is not supposed to be easy. We "survive" only that we may live. Sue
If you have been through something negative...be it a life threatening illness or challenge for yourself or family member, possible marital disillusionment, hurt, and betrayal... that might ultimately lead to a divorce, a deployment in one of America's Wars... that follows with a physical or emotional challenge, a loveless childhood/adulthood... that is riddled by abuse...when it ends, and it will, you must resume living with a renewed vigor. To claim you have "survived" something is indication that the test/challenge still is very much present in your head and heart. It's all in positive attitude and the honest acceptance that Life, as given, is not supposed to be easy. We "survive" only that we may live. Sue
WE are who we Choose to become!
In both directions of inheritance good traits/habits vs. bad traits/habits, it is easy to believe we are going to be just like our parents! Afterall, both sets of genes have entered our bodies, so it seems logical. That's where Humans are superior to other mammals. That's pretty cool.
Although we might physically resemble one parent or another, our lives are ours alone and we have the ability to make of them what we choose. If we don't like a trait that was genetically "given" to us, and the list is very lengthy, we have the abilities not to become that ourselves. NO, IT IS NOT ALWAYS EASY, BUT IT'S POSSIBLE. We alone are the "nurturer" of our existence.
If our parents abuse controlled substances in any fashion, we do not have to follow suit. If they always over-eat and never exercise, we can set the new norm for the family by eating healthy and exercising daily. If we were constantly put down and verbally abused as children...it is important that it stop with us. We do not do it with our own children! How liberating and healing it is to realize our life is more of our own choices and very little of genetics.
However, all people have good characteristics... even the ones who struggle with their own positive choices. Find those good characteristics within yourself, that you inherited from those "genes" and nurture them. The negative gene characteristics... we all need to let them go.
Although we might physically resemble one parent or another, our lives are ours alone and we have the ability to make of them what we choose. If we don't like a trait that was genetically "given" to us, and the list is very lengthy, we have the abilities not to become that ourselves. NO, IT IS NOT ALWAYS EASY, BUT IT'S POSSIBLE. We alone are the "nurturer" of our existence.
If our parents abuse controlled substances in any fashion, we do not have to follow suit. If they always over-eat and never exercise, we can set the new norm for the family by eating healthy and exercising daily. If we were constantly put down and verbally abused as children...it is important that it stop with us. We do not do it with our own children! How liberating and healing it is to realize our life is more of our own choices and very little of genetics.
However, all people have good characteristics... even the ones who struggle with their own positive choices. Find those good characteristics within yourself, that you inherited from those "genes" and nurture them. The negative gene characteristics... we all need to let them go.
SPIRIT UNBROKEN by Sue Brown: Living Life to the Fullest. It's Good!
SPIRIT UNBROKEN by Sue Brown: Living Life to the Fullest. It's Good!: We live in a world of constant and often frightening change and never know of our tomorrow (s). I often ask myself … what will tomorrow ...
SPIRIT UNBROKEN by Sue Brown: We Alone Are Responsible for Our Lives
SPIRIT UNBROKEN by Sue Brown: We Alone Are Responsible for Our Lives: It is so easy in life to forget that we are responsible for our own success, happiness, and inner-peace. It is often easier to blame others ...
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