I'm so very appreciative to Tam S. Walk and her organization 'Empower Your Life' and 'Living Waters Inc.' for hosting a wonderful, impactful, knowledge filled domestic violence and mental health forum this morning.
A job WELL done👏👏👏👏
I got to meet praise 100.9s Tonya Rivens in person. I've listened to her for years over the radio. She is a graceful beautiful woman of color.
As I did the opening remarks, I wanted to remind people, that I once lived in toxic abusive relationships, but to look at me today you wouldn't know it...thats the work God has done on me...BUT God!
Sometimes abuse is not always visible..it's very hidden and I made the statement of us praying for spiritual eyes to see the truth behind the mask. I was a victim who went to church broken for years..nobody knew it, but there's a cry on the inside of you that asks "does anyone see me"
While I met many wonderful advocates and agencies and social workers today, there were only two male pastors and one retired female minister from the faith based communities that attended..how do you know what's happening out here? How are you able to address resources? How are you able to address social issues from the pulpit? Trust me, domestic violence, mental health, abused children, suicide trauma and things you cant imagine are walking in and out our church doors every Sunday...it's not just out in the world.
Each time I've attended DV events it's usually those of us who are out here trying our best to educate and eradicate the problem..we need everyone on deck.
The one collaboration I'd wish to see in the future is this:
Community!
This is something that effects ALL of us in some way.
It still takes a village...it still takes a community. It still takes FAITH and HOPE to keep people safe and alive.
It's everybody's business!
@Tam Walker, you are a phenomenal woman. You are yaking the initiative to keep hope alive for so many people.
You are changing lives!
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