"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
~Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.~
Rev. King is one of my inspirations to be a better person. To overcome adversity with grace, but with the fire to not back down when the going gets tough.
I know it is so easy to say we stand for certain causes etc, but when it really comes down to it, do you really? If I say that nothing will stop me from protecting another child or person in need. I stand behind it 110%. I had to be completely honest with myself & make sure my motives were realistic...because how can I write a book and proclaim that is what I stand behind, and than turn a blind eye to what is right in front of me? I used to wonder what I would really do if I was called on the carpet. The situation presented itself a few months ago.
I felt God’s voice in my head asking, “what are you going to do?”
I was leaving a local tanning place that I frequent, and I saw a man & woman arguing 2 cars down from mine. There were no real flags until I heard her repeatedly telling him to leave her alone & him being more persistent and trying to force her against her will. I will be honest, I froze. I debated for ½ second on the fact I had no idea if this guy had a gun or other weapon. I took my phone dialed 911, and approached them…once he saw me he fled. I was able to give the 911 operator his car plate number along with a description of the vehicle. My heart was pounding like you would not believe! Would I do it again? Absolutely.
I don’t know what eventually happened, but knowing there was a police cruiser looking for the vehicle gave me some relief. I could NOT walk away without doing something. That would make me a coward like the ones from my childhood.
So the bottom-line? Don’t talk to hear yourself talk or to impress someone. If you want to profess your beliefs & impress them upon others DON’T JUST TALK, DO IT.
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ReplyDeleteWow,I followed this link from FB and I must say I am even more impressed w/ you and the book etc. I undertstand your need to be there for those that are abused. As a survivor I found myself so determined to help others. Especially the kids due to my own childhood. My need to help led me to my job/career(corrections officer) which I absolutely love even on the worst days. It allows me to help the kids that are just like I used to be, alone, abused, and misunderstood. I applaud your actions and hope that you continue speaking out for all of us who survived abuse and especially those that didn't.
ReplyDeleteI agree there are way to many people that talk the talk but can't walk the walk...... If you think about it, people who witness abuse and don't act on reporting it, are just as bad as the abuser. I say this because they are allowing it to happen. Our society let's these monsters who abuse/ neglect children, women even men walk freely among us a lot of the time. Where I live in MN they believe in rehabilitation vs. Punishment. There needs to be higher penalties for these abusers to stay behind bars and off the streets. This I believe will lead us in the right direction to stopping all forms of abuse/ neglect!
ReplyDeleteReporting is the first step...if only agencies in power would do something about it. I can't even begin to tell you how many times that I, as a school counselor and as a private citizen, have reported my suspicions to the authorities and absolutely nothing has happened. It's sickening.....I always follow up to get what little information they will allow, which basically amounts to yes they checked in on it or no they did not...never a disposition released. Never turn your back, never look away, never tell yourself it's none of your business......do the right thing.
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