Color Me Butterfly

Recently, I’ve been blessed to speak at a number of prominent organizations across the country and appear on multiple radio and television programs to not only share my story, but to hear the stories of so many other courageous and inspiring women – women who’ve been able to pull themselves from the gripping hands of domestic violence and abuse and turn their lives around.  As is the case of some of the women I’ve met over the past few weeks and one of them that comes to mind is Mildred Mohammed, the ex-wife of John Allen Mohammed, the infamous DC sniper.  I met Mildred when I was invited to participate in a panel discussion sponsored by the DC Court Services Offender Supervision Agency and was joined on the panel by and later had lunch with Mildred.  I was in awe of Mildred’s courage, her strength, and her passion to share her story and help other women realize their ability to ‘break free’. 

Another time was when I recently spoke at WINGS Inc., a domestic violence organization in Palatine Illinois and afterwards an elderly woman (around 80 years old) came up to me and confided that my story (intergenerational domestic violence and abuse) was her story, almost identical to a fault.  Then later, this past weekend, when I was a guest speaker for the WHEW, Inc. (Women Healing and Empowering Women) Conference in Houston, TX and was joined by two other prominent guest speakers, women whose stories brought equal tears to my eyes.  These are all stories that have touched my heart, and reinforced for me how important it is for all of us to continue our crusade to share our stories and raise awareness.

Though each of these women have touched my life in a special way, there are a few who have bent my heart in ways that have left me breathless.  As was the case this past Monday, October 29th when I took part in a panel discussion on Women Power Talk Radio (www.womenpower-radio.com/) and was joined by some of the most courageous women whose stories have proven that there is life after abuse!  Carla Carter, an undeniable soul who overcame insurmountable adversities and physical, emotional and sexual abuse and later went on to become a bestselling author, motivational coach and philanthropist; and Jainsun McMillan, whom after a life estranged with abuse, managed to turn her pain into a play (Anatomy of An Abused Woman) to share with the world.  Not to mention, she is also a published author, actor, singer, songwriter, playwright, director and producer and became a member of the world famous Platters and later joined the Martha Reeves' Vandellas.

These women are not only courageous but exude HOPE.  Why don’t you join in and listen to our stories as told on Woman Power Talk Radio (Unstoppable Women of Power) and allow each story to inspire, uplift and give hope.  Perhaps it may change your life or the life of someone you know.  Click here to  Listen in Now!  Refer to the archive entitled 'Carla Carter, L.Y. Marlow & Jaisun McMillan - Surviving Abuse'