Emily is a random name chosen by me to tell the true story of how women in our society are abused. Through this month I will continue to tell real life stories of women that have had to endure the pain and suffering of being abused by men. These are not all stories about my own experiences, they are stories of many women that I have encountered and shared in their experiences in some way or another. These stories have all made an impact on who I am today.

I am Emily is about a teenanger who had to endure constant beatings and sexual abuse from her father. Emily was not lucky enough to have a father who loved and cared for her in a nurturing way. Emily could not protect herself from the sickness of a man that touched his daughter inappropriately and beat her to a pulp when she angered him. Emily was lucky to have a close friend who she could confide in and call for help when things got out of control.

Emily had a saving grace, a fearless friend who was not afraid to stand up to the abusive father and do what was needed to be done.

Emily was one of the lucky ones, she turned her life into something meaningful. She may have made horrible choices in the beginning and got married way to young to escape, but now she stands tall with a beautiful life, a happy family and strength that she found in Jesus.

Emily is happy now, because she had people who were willing to stand up for her. If you have a friend that’s in trouble, don’t be afraid to stand up for them and do the right thing. Be their voice when they do not have one. Be their strength when they are not strong enough.

Be the person you wish you had when you were in the dark spaces of your life.

Be the voice for all the Emily’s in the world that are too afraid to speak for themselves, be the person that they can turn to if they need to. Don’t turn a blind eye because Emily needs your love, your support and your strength more than you know.

Be brave, be firm and be strong.

Be the person Emily needs you to be!

Love and light

Tammy