Wednesday, March 1, 2006

Strong Survivors

This is a very different entry for me but something I feel needs to be shouted out loud and clear.  This is my own personal crusade.

I made this tag the other day for a very special lady, Lisa Jo Damaged Goods.  Lisa Jo is an example of an adult survivor of childhood sexual abuse.  Many do not realize the damage that is caused to a child's psyche from sexual and physical abuse. It doesn't just go away, and is carried into adulthood.  Adult survivors of an abusive childhood.  It is far more prevalent than any of us would care to imagine.  A child is not asked to be brought into this world and deserves a safe haven of unrequited love.

This tag could also apply to my two oldest children who grew up with a verbally abusive and sometimes physical abusive, alcoholic father with a mother who was too insecure to get them out of that household; not realizing the damage that was being caused to their emotions and self esteem.  I am only beginning to forgive myself for this.  My love was not enough to shield them.

They are damaged; not broken.  Damage can be repaired.  It takes much love; prayers and reinforcement that God didn't create them to fail; much treatment, at times; and time itself.

The best gift any parent can give a child is a safe, loving environment. 

 

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

beautiful tag, Chris. I know Lisa Jo well through her journal and admire her strength, her courage and her love. I truly agree with you that we neeed to give our children a place where they feel safe.

awesome entry, Chris.

betty

Anonymous said...

Chris, thank you for those kind words but i am just me and i just write what i feel. It means so much to me that you understand, some dont.
Do not knock yourself for mistakes made in the past. Let me tell you something..i am so proud that you realized even now that there was a problem and you tried to solve it....my mom has never ever said shes sorry and takes no blame for anything from the past. YOU ARE SO STRONG, SO WISE.
love,lj

Anonymous said...

Chris,
Bug warm hugs for you and Lisa Jo.
My heart and thoughts are with you both.
Dianna

Anonymous said...

You are so right and a wonderful person chris lovely tag
~cherry

Anonymous said...

Bravo:) well done and said!!!!! i love this graphic you are really good. And quit being so hard on your self you got out now you can heal

Deb

Anonymous said...

Awesome tag and an even better message!  Hugs to all of you!
love ya
d
http://journals.aol.com/nightmaremom/Thisandthatandhockey/

Anonymous said...

It is so clear the love that you have for your children.  But, you are right love just is not enough.  You have paid for your mistakes and i am sure your children know that you did the best you could at the time.  you are so caring and giving.  Take care, Terryann.

Anonymous said...

Very nice Chris.  Great job.  And yes I agree, damage can be repaired.  Thanks for sharing this.  GBU, Shelly

Anonymous said...

Chris, this is such a beautiful entry and you are so right.
Love,
Penny

Anonymous said...

Well said......I suffered much mental, verbal and physical abuse and my kids suffered too, and like you say the insecurity you feel just trying to exist in this kind of life is very, very hard. It was seven years ago but there are days when it could've been yesterday and we are still healing now.....
Take Care, Love Debbie ~x~

http://journals.aol.com/debbiewebb4465/TheLifeTimesofanEssexGirl

Anonymous said...

Saw your journal on Dianna's musing as guest editor pic.  She is right!  This is a great journal.  I don't know what this one caught my thoughts for a comment because I abosolutely love all your graphics and other entries.  Your words were full of sadness and hope at the same time...I really liked that.  Thanks for your entry and entries!
Maria