Prostitution

The very word conjures up such a variety of thoughts and emotions. I used to think that any woman who would get involved as a prostitute must either have been terribly abused or a drug addict. Only I have another understanding that I feel must be shared with you, dear readers. 

Perhaps you know that there is a slave trade that is alive and well in the world today. And a huge portion of that slave trade, called "trafficking," consists of girls who are kidnapped--misled and stolen. This is a grievous pain for all of humanity. I want to encourage you to become aware of this problem for a number of reasons.

Here is a place to begin to understand the issue: http://www.thea21campaign.org Watch the videos and explore the site to find ways you can make a difference.

I believe that every simple, heartfelt prayer makes a difference. Perhaps you'll share this post and open awareness of this issue to your circle of people, your "tribe."  Perhaps you'll shop here: http://www.nightlightinternational.com where jewelry is made by women who have been rescued.

Above all, if you happen to pass by a red light district, if you happen to see prostitutes on a street corner, do not judge her. Say a prayer for her well being and her rescue. It is hard to conceive of the millions who are battered slaves, but if you can bless the one, maybe participate in her well being through A21, we will make a difference.

Like the snowflake that alone weigh nothing but when they are all together can break the branch of a tree, we can stand together for what is righteous and just. 

Please tweet this and share in any way you can. We really can make a difference.

Love,

Aunt Laya

Healing Sexual Abuse - a poem about healing

This is a poem written by someone who was sexually molested. It's important for people to know we are not alone in our life experiences. The young woman who wrote this gave me her permission to share it here. With gratitude for her open heart, here it is. Love, Aunt Laya

Abused

by Michal

Falling.

I can't get up.

I sit and cry.

Let it out,

Let the tears flow.

It's natural,

It's part of healing.

Now is the time,

Now is when it must happen.

I can.

The words "I Can't" isn't acceptable.

Push.

Even though you think you can't,

Even though it's so tough that you want to give up.

The harder the push,

The easier it will be.

You need to,

You have to.

This needs to heal.

The wound is still open.

Any touch burns,

They are all a reminder of pain.

Release the anger,

Allow the feelings out.

It's been four years.

Enough.

Time to allow it to heal.

Slowly,

With time and patience,

Hard work will close the hole.

Eventually,

It will only be a scar,

A mark.

No longer will I allow the pain to endure.

The painful memories stop here.

The abuse stops,

I will heal.

photo by cahilus, from morguefile.com, thank you!

Healing Sexual Abuse

"There is nothing we cannot live down, rise above, and overcome."

--Ella Wheeler Wilcox

If you or someone you know has been sexually abused either as a child or as an adult, I'm here to tell you that healing is possible! If you have never been sexually abused, please read what I have to say anyway. If you are a teen reading this, please follow the link and learn about the five stages of abuse and the warning signs of an abusive relationship.

When ever you want, you can go to my website http://www.auntlaya.com/ and click on the chapter from my book about sexual abuse. Or you can go straight to the chapter right now with this link:

http://www.auntlaya.com/auntlaya/Kadima_Sexual_Abuse5.pdf

There are a lot of resources right here on the Internet for you, for your healing. I'll post some of those later on.

Sometimes people ask me, "How can I heal? I'll never be able to forget what happened." That's true, you'll always know what happened to you. Like a wound to your physical body though, it can stop hurting so much and the scar will fade with time. You'll always know what happened to you, but you'll also be able to create a rich life without pain coloring so much of your life. Sometimes the healing process itself is hard. Remember, it's a process, it's not something that happens all at once. Take your time. Be tender with yourself. You are not alone. You are never alone, even if it feels like it sometimes.

I'm loving you up as you take the journey toward healing,

Aunt Laya

Photo by Alex (o0o0xmods0o0o) at MorgueFile.com -- Thank you!