Brave Enough To Be Bliss

I was shocked when I received comments from Facebook friends. I thought everyone would be too scared to acknowledge such unpleasant topics. I hadn’t read the comments since the post in 2014 until I copied and pasted them into this book nearly a decade later. ▪ Ginger, I am so proud of you and always have been. The time we spent together meant the world to me. We talked about healing....you are on the journey, and you are going to help a lot of people and I'm sure already have by this posting. I love you dearly....your step-monster. ▪ Ginger, you are the most incredible person I know. I am both proud and blessed to have you in my life. ▪ God's peace, my friend. ▪ Ginger, it takes a very strong person to share what you just shared. You may not know it but you are an inspiration. Stay strong and know that by sharing you are setting yourself free. Enjoy life! ▪ I've always thought of you as one of the strongest people I know, but reading this left me speechless. The way you have carried yourself and lived your life the past 27 years only goes to show that evil never prevails. I hope you are able to find peace in knowing you have just helped others who may be facing the same situations. It takes so much courage to share something so personal and I'm proud to call you my friend. ▪ Ginger, I have always admired you, your work ethic, your kind heart and your friendship. I am so sorry you had to go through this. You are even stronger than I ever imagined you were. We are all so blessed to know you and have you in our lives. I couldn't imagine life without you! I just love you!! ▪ WOW!! You are truly amazing!! Hope you get the total healing and peace you deserve. Thanks for sharing so others might have hope as well. ▪ Ginger, I have no words. You are so brave. ▪ Good for you, and shame on him. That's what always makes me so angry about these situations is that a horrible person did this to you and made you to feel this way. This should be HIS guilt , not yours. HIS pain, not yours. Kudos to you for not letting him and his wrong get the better of you - you have earned better! ▪ You are an amazing woman. And you have given strength to other amazing women. We need to continue to hold each other up; we never really know what burdens someone else carries. Always remember that the shame is his, not yours. May we change the way society frames rape and sexual abuse. I carry you in my heart. ▪ Ginger, thank you so much for sharing your story. I think telling it takes away the power of rape/suicide not just over you but others. Prayers to you on your continuing journey. ▪ Ginger, how courageous to share. I am honored to be your friend. Bringing the light (truth) out of the darkness will bring peace and healing. ▪ You are a beautiful person who God has in His hand for very good reasons, such as this. I admire your shown strength in what you shared. You are loved! ▪ I pray for peace and healing for you! Sounds like you are well on that path. In light of the Olathe Northwest suicides I hope we can find a way to reach out and help our kids, so they don't feel so alone and hopeless. Thanks for sharing your story to help not only yourself, but others dealing with the same emotions! ▪ Love you sister! I am always proud of you. May God bless you. ▪ Ginger, you are a very strong and courageous lady! I cannot imagine what it must have been like not being able to tell anyone back then and carrying this for so many years. Thanks for sharing and I know your story will help many girls! God bless. ▪ Thank you for sharing, Ginger. As you have come to know by now, more of us have come through this than you would think. The more people who share, the less shame and guilt and the easier it is for women to get help. Hugs! ▪ Stay strong, Ginger. God bless you and your family! ▪ Ginger, I had always viewed you as strong, driven and focused...those qualities apply even more now. ▪ Ginger - you are a true gift - never forget that - thank you for sharing. I hope you have true peace and happiness in your heart - Love you girl! ▪ I do not know HOW I missed this, my dear friend. I am so proud of you. You are so brave and so strong. Love you so very much.

After reading through all these comments now, I began to cry, but not just because they are clearly very kind, caring, loving and thoughtful. The tears came as much because I remember how I read them back then.

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