Tremayne Moore's Blog, page 13
February 12, 2014
Child Sexual Abuse Survivors: Are You A Well-Spoken Witness or National
Spokesperson?
I know this post is going to cause a stir among my fellow abuse survivors and to some members within the body of Christ. But this is an issue that needs to be addressed. Many abuse survivors in the body of Christ look to celebrities as role models, when in fact many celebrities and/or counselors who have survived abuse give the impression that they have a chips on their shoulders and that there's no sympathy to those who have suffered (even to the point where they attacked victims by saying, you’re in sin because you’re not thinking right – regardless of what state they’re in). That’s not fair to an abuse survivor, people with an influence need to understand where people are in their path to recovery or are they still struggling with the pain of abuse instead of attacking (even if it’s unintentional). And that’s what led to this post.
I was inspired by a fellow author’s quote: not every abuse survivor needs to be a spokesperson. I couldn’t agree with her more if I tried. In fact, I agree with her quote so much that I asked her to write on this very topic. A few notes before I bring her on: she’s the author of Identity Crisis, Identity Christ Is: A Journey to Love, she’s a powerful advocate of ending homelessness and she’s also a fellow abuse survivor. Who am I talking about? My sister & fellow author Ressurrection Graves. We both agree that many are well-spoken and even well known, if not healed, or fully aware of re-traumatizing others, they can do more harm than help. Though we will be discussing one prominent person as an example, we’re not bashing her by any means and we are not judging her as a person. We are just answering the question, is she qualified to be a spokesperson for child sexual abuse? As you read her thoughts, spokespersons need toConsider the audienceProvide warning of the details that may re-truamatizeHave counselors on hand as people may recall or come to realize their abuse
I now turn it over to Ressurrection Graves. She said everything I could say (and then some) :)
Many years ago, when my mother described the kind of success that she saw in me she mentioned one name only, Joyce Meyer. She would often visualize me on talk shows, in particular, chatting it up with Oprah on her now retired talk show. Perhaps my mother sees this great preacher inside of me who is a gifted orator, author and humanitarian through ministries who reach the world.
Joyce Meyer does not call herself a pastor, and she does not identify with what the media refers to as the “prosperity gospel” but instead identifies herself as a bible teacher. As someone who struggles with the term pastor, because of my expertise on issues around sexual abuse and the church, I totally get her stance. No matter what title she’s chosen, she has certainly done well in creating a life for herself and her family. Another problem people have with her, but not me.
Tremayne Moore, author of Deaf, Dumb, Blind and Stupid who refers to himself as a sexual abuse survivor was empowered by a quote that I made stating that not every person who breaks their silence about abuse, is called to be a spokesperson in any capacity. As I chime in to an open discussion with him in particular about Joyce Meyer, I wanted to hear her language and her personal testimony; descriptions of her abuse for myself.
While I understand Tremayne’s passion to hold celebrities and people of influence responsible for how they heal or hurt people with their admissions of child sexual abuse, I am careful to allow us all to have a voice, while I listen and hear from God. After watching several Joyce Meyer videos on YouTube, of sermons that she shared in front of stadiums full of people, I took away a few things about Joyce, her story, and her ability to share it in front of millions.
Joyce Meyer’s story of incest is the perfect example to use to declare that my petition Make Child Sexual Abuse Grooming a Felony should be given a bill number and passed into law. Click here to read the petition and sign it: http://www.change.org/petitions/make-child-sexual-abuse-grooming-a-felony
Joyce describes that her biological father started with grooming behavior, used manipulation, threats and coercion, and other fear tactics to make Joyce comply with his demands. The behavior escalated to molestation, which is also grooming behavior because the end goal was rape which her father achieved when Joyce turned around 12 or 13 years old. This lasted according to Joyce until she was 18.
Tremayne seems angry, and I join him in the idea that her mother was given a free pass. Joyce uses the excuse that her mother did not know what to do even after walking in on her being molested and/or raped. I also believe that if her daughter was in fact sexually abused by Joyce’s father (which I have found no proof of such admission), Joyce uses this same excuse for herself.
Although Tremayne is not a fan of Joyce, I like Joyce. We are not called to be downtrodden, she’s not making anyone pay for her products, and her conferences that are free provide people who can only afford to get to the meeting a chance to get in, and receive whatever God may have for them there.
However, there are a few things that when sharing with others about her abuse I encourage both she and her audience to be conscious of during her meetings.
1. Although it’s great for the cameras, people sitting in the audience may actually be triggered by the details of the child sexual abuse grooming which included molestation and escalation to rape. Because of the environment, people may be triggered and even re-traumatized, remembering their own abuse and unable to fully process it in an audience. As a courtesy to the audience, a warning is necessary.
2. As someone abused who may be living in silence, there with someone who knows them but not their story, Joyce presents no options for people to feel safe leaving in the middle of her sermon, or actually processing the emotions that surface.
3. From the video of her personal testimony, I think Joyce did a great job of telling people how she feels but I don’t know that Joyce understands her influence. She is unqualified to assist people in the specific area of their abuse just because she’s a bible teacher. She can lead them to God, yes but by telling her story and opening the wounds that she does, she also offers though unintended perhaps, confusion. For example, when she speaks of her teenage years, she discusses her abuse as if she consented. Maybe this is how she feels but I need to clarify that she did not have a sexual relationship with her father, the term is rape.
4. I listened to Joyce’s testimony. It sounded more like dumping to me. Although at the end she tells people how she’s overcome with her career, and to some extent she discusses her emotional health, it’s a one woman session. This is not a sermon, this is not preaching, this is her personal testimony and that should be handled differently. It should be explained in the beginning that the events shared may scare you.
5. I think it is disrespectful for people to assume that she is lying about what happened to her. Some of the feedback from website blogs insinuates that she’s not telling the truth because she won’t name her perpetrator. Well, I won’t name mine either, not because I’m not honest but because it’s none of your business. It serves you no purpose. Additionally, Meyer’s father is dead.
Solutions to the Meyer’s testimony is that she could have a few qualified individuals who she would be open to confiding in, stand in places that are safe for people who may be triggered and need support. Perhaps they could pose as ushers, greeters or in other positions on the floor serving so that when they see someone in need of support, they are there to help.
The biggest concern with Tremayne Moore and I echo this, that she has taken the position of the “get over it” mentality it seems. She presents the answers in her life coaching style sermons as she talks about her ascension out of abuse. She never tells me how much of a role her husband did or did not play in her healing, only that she married him and they’ve been doing that ever since.
For example, before my husband and I were married, I knew that I would go into ministry work and asked for his blessing if he were to be my husband, to which he supports. I also approached him to ask if he would be there for me as I sought additional healing from past family pain by attending counseling with my family (providing that they would be willing to participate), and he said yes.
I asked if he would love me through the ugly cry, and the emotional me who would be trying to heal through uncomfortable memories and present moments. And, he agreed to be there for me. I grabbed a partner, it was my husband.
Before my husband, I did all the work myself in relationship with God but I’m just unclear about how Meyer’s husband helped to cultivate healing in her. In some of her sermons, she just talks about how mean and difficult she was, but never how that all changed. In other words, Meyer takes us from A to Z without helping us understand the journey from A through to Z.
And this I believe is the unintended “get over it” mentality that hurts members of the Christian community who have experienced abuse. Another area that is drowned out by the applause of people who follow her teachings is the fact that she celebrates his repentance and salvation.
Joyce’s father molested and raped her for 15 years. Even though she doesn’t outright say it, she offers him an excuse of returning from the war as a mentally ill veteran, without actually so that he was. It is implied but not actually true. The truth is, she was three when he began grooming and molesting her, how in the world would she know if he was sexually abusive to anyone else before she were born, or before the war? She does not know, or she knows and has chosen to protect him.
There is no doubt in my mind that the abuse would have continued if she had not left home. Her mother was equally responsible. She did not believe her child, and then walked out turning a blind eye to the incest when she witnessed it for herself. By teaching people that her mother did not know what to do, she excuses the inaction of every mother in the audience who has a child being sexually abused at home by their father. Her mother and father should have both been held accountable. At the very least, she could have left him, reported him, fought him or had some reaction. By having no reaction she made the rapes permissible.
Joyce admits that her father was a pedophile and rapist. He had more than one victim, and this was his practice. It makes me wonder whether he kept a diary, and whether he was a follower of Alfred Kinsey since, he begin this after returning from the war, and Kinsey’s homosexual-pedophile agenda was released around this time. Judith Reisman, a child sexual abuse expert and adjunct law professor at Liberty University has done an amazing job or uncovering the truth about Kinsey. Joyce Meyer’s father sounds like a follower of Kinsey, based on my research.
Now, from a biblical perspective is this really forgiveness? To pretend that events did not happen? Sounds like denial, and teaching the congregation to live in denial under the premise of forgiveness is where the issue changes from her uneducated ability to identify where she is with abuse, and biblical teachings. Joyce led me to believe that she swept the abuse under the rug on the inside, and was this mighty virtuous heroic woman for standing tall in forgiveness on the outside.
By her own admission, she sent money and kept them well. She never held them actually accountable, she just stayed away. When her father became ill, she took care of him. I wrote about a woman who did that. Her name is Catherine Marie Elder Portillo, and in her case the stepfather who was also related to a huge televangelist treated her much the same way with child sexual abuse grooming escalating from molestation to rape (click here to read about it: http://ressurrection.wordpress.com/2012/04/28/catherine-marie-elder-portillo-healing-hawaii-from-child-sexual-abuse-bestiality-and-spiritual-abuse/In his eighties, he went to visit his brother and she went to start his car, only to find earrings that would belong to a small child. He was still a pedophile, old and frail.
Joyce Meyer chose to take care of him. At some point, he breaks down and cried a river. When she beckoned to her mother’s call to see what he wanted, it was an apology he offered. She helped him to get saved, and now she preaches that he was baptized and went to heaven. And, that’s where I have a problem.
I don’t challenge that he received salvation or that he was baptized but I say to everyone that you have no idea where someone will spend eternity, because there is no way that you know what is actually in someone’s heart.
My husband and I met in a homeless shelter, knew we were the one for each other and are amazingly in love with one another. He is absolutely the one. However, when I share my story I make clear that this was the way that I was able to overcome homelessness, and do not leave an open-ended idea that this is the norm. Likewise, Meyer’s story is unique in that most pedophiles do not apologize to their victims.
Pedophiles are sociopaths, and do not believe that what they are doing is wrong. In fact, they actually believe that what they are doing is right, and that you are the one who has failed to understand them as “minority attracted persons” who are committed to “intergenerational love”.
Personally, I don’t believe that the father’s apology was sincere but I did not know him, and therefore my opinion (because that is what it is) does not matter.
I wish Joyce continued healing and understanding. I also pray that she chooses to bring in someone who can assist the audience with processing their emotions as it relates to abuse they may have suffered.
Tremayne wanted me to weigh in on whether Joyce Meyer is one of those spokespersons who should not be one. To be honest, from my research, I don’t believe that she is one at all. I think she’s got a platform and in this case has used it to purge, it felt good so she continues to heal from the platform. Unfortunately, for those in the audience, healing from the platform may cause spiritual and emotional injury to those who look up to her as a bible teacher and cannot separate her personal testimony from her spiritual teachings because her denial presents a charge to the audience to forgive.
While we are to always possess an open heart to forgive, it should be given at repentance. Forgiveness does not resist accountability, and healing can not take place from a place of denial. Love does cover a multitude of sin, sin that you acknowledge and turn away from.
My closing thought:There are many other celebrities who are herald as champions of standing against sexual abuse, but are oblivious to what it entails, or they are opening wounds and not healing them. Ressurrection & I both agree that Joyce, along with a prominent filmmaker don't really know that because these are personal testimonies. They aren't trained in these areas. Though I don’t agree with many of Joyce’s teachings, I will agree with her when she says this: when people are going through, and you want to give up on them, don’t give up because it’s the most comfortable thing for you to do. Go to God and ask Him if He wants you to give up on them. And she also says this: sometimes you need to confront issues instead of running away from them. I would inject to say that iron sharpens iron (and the truth sets people free – if done in a spirit of love).
Now that is what love is!
January 27, 2014
Author Spotlight (Marshall C. Bell)
This brother was one of the featured authors at the 4th Annual AAA Expo (in Timonium, MD) August 2013. I was able to chat with him for a moment and he has a story to tell (and truthfully, we need more brothers like him). So, without further ado, show your love for my brother & fellow author, Marshall C. Bell.
Marshall C. Bell is a Howard University alum, entrepreneur, author, and host of Midday Magazine with Marshall Bell on Radio One WOLB 1010-AM. The former co-host of Celebrity Magazine Live with Donna Briggs and Marshall Bell is a highly sought after motivational speaker, political consultant and commentator, and the managing partner of The Bell Group, LLC, based in Baltimore, Maryland.
Marshall’s background in politics extends over 25 years, beginning with his role as campaign manager for his brother, former Baltimore City Council President, Lawrence Bell III, in 1986. Over the years, he has worked with numerous candidates and causes, both local and national, and has developed a hard earned reputation as one of the sharpest campaign strategists throughout the State of Maryland.
Marshall has a passion for helping people, especially young men and women struggling to find their way through tough and challenging circumstances. He motivates and encourages listeners to achieve their personal goals by making wise decisions, staying focused on success, taking responsibility for their lives, and giving back to the communities from which they come.
A twice published author, Marshall’s first book of fiction, The Darkest Secret, published in 2009, received critical acclaim for its frank and earnest dissection of race relations in the new millennium. His latest work, the eagerly anticipated, Baltimore Blues: Harm City, was released in August, 2012. When asked what motivated him while writing the gritty urban drama, Marshall responded, "It was important for me to be authentic when telling Cameron's story because I know he represents far too many of our youth in America today. They are truly the forgotten children."
Marshall enjoys sports, shooting pool, mentoring young men, and is the proud father of two sons, Kyle and Jordan.
Recently, Marshall announced his intention to run for The Democratic State Central Committee, representing Maryland's 40th Legislative District.
For more information or to book an appearance, please visit: www.marshallcbell.com.
Marshall C. Bell is a Howard University alum, entrepreneur, author, and host of Midday Magazine with Marshall Bell on Radio One WOLB 1010-AM. The former co-host of Celebrity Magazine Live with Donna Briggs and Marshall Bell is a highly sought after motivational speaker, political consultant and commentator, and the managing partner of The Bell Group, LLC, based in Baltimore, Maryland.
Marshall’s background in politics extends over 25 years, beginning with his role as campaign manager for his brother, former Baltimore City Council President, Lawrence Bell III, in 1986. Over the years, he has worked with numerous candidates and causes, both local and national, and has developed a hard earned reputation as one of the sharpest campaign strategists throughout the State of Maryland.
Marshall has a passion for helping people, especially young men and women struggling to find their way through tough and challenging circumstances. He motivates and encourages listeners to achieve their personal goals by making wise decisions, staying focused on success, taking responsibility for their lives, and giving back to the communities from which they come.
A twice published author, Marshall’s first book of fiction, The Darkest Secret, published in 2009, received critical acclaim for its frank and earnest dissection of race relations in the new millennium. His latest work, the eagerly anticipated, Baltimore Blues: Harm City, was released in August, 2012. When asked what motivated him while writing the gritty urban drama, Marshall responded, "It was important for me to be authentic when telling Cameron's story because I know he represents far too many of our youth in America today. They are truly the forgotten children."
Marshall enjoys sports, shooting pool, mentoring young men, and is the proud father of two sons, Kyle and Jordan.
Recently, Marshall announced his intention to run for The Democratic State Central Committee, representing Maryland's 40th Legislative District.
For more information or to book an appearance, please visit: www.marshallcbell.com.
January 23, 2014
Your Day Of Freedom (To My Fellow Abuse Survivors)
This was not a planned post, so I am going to let His Spirit lead me as I type this. I don't know where you are on your road to recovery from child sexual abuse, but I pray this encourages you today. Do you feel that have suffered too long and you desire that your pain is gone? Please, don't give up on your life or on God. Just like you would give a relationship another chance, I ask that you give God another chance. Let me use a passage to illustrate how we as survivors can celebrate our day of freedom as the chains if bondage fall.
In Acts 16, starting with verse 23 we see this happening to Paul & Silas: And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
Ok the backdrop was that Paul & Silas were on a missionary journey and they spoke against the spirit of divination. As a result, they were placed in chains. What is the message? They weren't arrested and silent for doing wrong. They were innocent (because they were seeking to do good) and were silenced, bound in chains. Many of us were robbed of our innocence and we were told to be silent or else we would lose our lives. I can tell you that I was threatened through the means of fear. So I was in chains mentally!
But wait, there's more to this story. And if you remember a post I did near the end of October 2013 called My Voice (As A Survivor) Is My Weapon, you'll see right now why it's a weapon if it's used the right way.
Verse 25 & 26 in Acts 16, About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened.
So what is the message here? Pray for justice and mercy. But sing praises for His Goodness. Let me say this: No, you did not deserve the abuse, it was not your fault. What am I talking about here? Your scars and pain (coupled with that the fact that you're still alive) is a testimony that you are here with a purpose to share your story and help remove the chains of someone else. Praise God that His true justice will come in due time and praise Him for your life. If you look at the interview I did to the right of this blog, you'll see what I'm talking about.
Also note, this was at midnight, in the darkest part of the day. For many of us, we have had our dark days. I'll put this out there: two years ago today, I didn't want to live, but I constantly prayed and didn't give up on His plan for us. Understand the mere fact that because we went through and we're alive, not only are we strong, but we're over comers. Many people wanted us dead (our abusers, those who neglected us, etc.), but you should be able to rejoice in the fact you're still alive. Notice the chains came off when they rejoiced and praised. You have a purpose in this life. Don't feel that God has abandoned you. Because I went through it, I can boldly type this post.
As Jesus Culture said in one of their songs, there is power in the name of Jesus to break every chain.
Let this day be your day of freedom.
Blessings:
The Mayne Man
In Acts 16, starting with verse 23 we see this happening to Paul & Silas: And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
Ok the backdrop was that Paul & Silas were on a missionary journey and they spoke against the spirit of divination. As a result, they were placed in chains. What is the message? They weren't arrested and silent for doing wrong. They were innocent (because they were seeking to do good) and were silenced, bound in chains. Many of us were robbed of our innocence and we were told to be silent or else we would lose our lives. I can tell you that I was threatened through the means of fear. So I was in chains mentally!
But wait, there's more to this story. And if you remember a post I did near the end of October 2013 called My Voice (As A Survivor) Is My Weapon, you'll see right now why it's a weapon if it's used the right way.
Verse 25 & 26 in Acts 16, About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened.
So what is the message here? Pray for justice and mercy. But sing praises for His Goodness. Let me say this: No, you did not deserve the abuse, it was not your fault. What am I talking about here? Your scars and pain (coupled with that the fact that you're still alive) is a testimony that you are here with a purpose to share your story and help remove the chains of someone else. Praise God that His true justice will come in due time and praise Him for your life. If you look at the interview I did to the right of this blog, you'll see what I'm talking about.
Also note, this was at midnight, in the darkest part of the day. For many of us, we have had our dark days. I'll put this out there: two years ago today, I didn't want to live, but I constantly prayed and didn't give up on His plan for us. Understand the mere fact that because we went through and we're alive, not only are we strong, but we're over comers. Many people wanted us dead (our abusers, those who neglected us, etc.), but you should be able to rejoice in the fact you're still alive. Notice the chains came off when they rejoiced and praised. You have a purpose in this life. Don't feel that God has abandoned you. Because I went through it, I can boldly type this post.
As Jesus Culture said in one of their songs, there is power in the name of Jesus to break every chain.
Let this day be your day of freedom.
Blessings:
The Mayne Man
January 20, 2014
I Have A Dream (poem excerpt)
Here is an excerpt of my poem entitled "I Have A Dream." The entire poem is in my debut poetry book Take It From Me: Cautionary Tales From A Former Fool (The You Can Take It Poetry Series: Volume I). Blessings to you all today.
I stand today and see the dream inside of meIt’s deeper than what my eyes can seeLook at me, I have ambition, I have a desireNobody can put water on this fireI have this dream inside of me that’s growing strongIf I can bear the short-term discomfort, the dream won’t take longI am encouraged, I am blessed, and I am a soldier in this fightBecause I’m strong in the Lord and in the power of His mightI can’t let anything tie me down; I have too much at stakeI know I have to press forward and do whatever it takes.
Never to neglect the Lord who blessed me and saved meBecause it is He who loves me and it is this dream He gave meI have to fulfill it; I have to nurture it with all of my heartBecause He knew this dream was for me from the start
If Pharaoh and Dr. King can have a dream, then I can have a dreamAnd when it’s resurrected and affirmed, it’s not as distant as it seems.
If I neglect this, I’m letting you, God, and myself downThis is my time, and I’m turning this life of mine around
This is it! Destiny has to be fulfilledI refuse to be tied down; that’s not God’s willThis poem might be hard for your ears, so it seemsBut this is me, and I’m blessed to be living the dream.
I stand today and see the dream inside of meIt’s deeper than what my eyes can seeLook at me, I have ambition, I have a desireNobody can put water on this fireI have this dream inside of me that’s growing strongIf I can bear the short-term discomfort, the dream won’t take longI am encouraged, I am blessed, and I am a soldier in this fightBecause I’m strong in the Lord and in the power of His mightI can’t let anything tie me down; I have too much at stakeI know I have to press forward and do whatever it takes.
Never to neglect the Lord who blessed me and saved meBecause it is He who loves me and it is this dream He gave meI have to fulfill it; I have to nurture it with all of my heartBecause He knew this dream was for me from the start
If Pharaoh and Dr. King can have a dream, then I can have a dreamAnd when it’s resurrected and affirmed, it’s not as distant as it seems.
If I neglect this, I’m letting you, God, and myself downThis is my time, and I’m turning this life of mine around
This is it! Destiny has to be fulfilledI refuse to be tied down; that’s not God’s willThis poem might be hard for your ears, so it seemsBut this is me, and I’m blessed to be living the dream.
Author Spotlight (Kelli Bolton)
I met this author in September 2013 at the BWABC Literacy Festival. I was privileged to sit across from her (that meant she had to put up with my jokes). Anyway, this sister has a glow in her spirit. Show your love for sister & fellow author Kelli Bolton.
Kelli Bolton is a compassionate young woman with a desire to see the Word of God set the lives of his people free.
She earned an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Development in 1998 from Columbus State Community College and a B.A. in Cross-Disciplinary Studies from Ohio Dominican University in 2004. It is at this time that Kelli acknowledged the call of a teacher on her life. She has spent the past ten years helping at risk youth and families through various programs such as; Conflict Resolution, Independent Living Mentor, Community Support Provider and ABLE/GED Instructor.
In 2000, Kelli received a prophetic word concerning writing, it was in 2001 that she started her first book “A Good Man or a Godly Man, Which Do you Prefer?” Again in 2005, she received the same word, this time with an emphasis on “books”.
Not sure what God was doing on leading her to do, Kelli continued to write. In March 2009 Kelli was inspired to write a book about teen dating and domestic violence after the recent incident between young Hollywood’s hottest couple. Through Kelli, God is showing young people what real “love” looks like in her book “You Said You Loved Me”. Now she has released her second novel titled “Church Gossip” addressing a serious matter in many churches today. Kelli’s hope is that people will look beyond the title and allow the message to mend those that have been broken by the judgmental attitudes of people in church.
Kelli is a faithful member of Agape Family Worship Center under the leadership of Pastor Yolanda Tolliver where she is actively involved in ministry as; Administrative Support Staff, Deaconess in Training, Helps & Hospitality Ministry, Intercessor, and Youth Sunday School teacher . She enjoys fellowship with family, friends and the body of Christ. She is also a member of the Columbus Christian Writer’s Association. She has had two articles published in the online magazine First Lady Magazine and is credited as a contributing author.
She and her husband Vernon have three children whom are deeply committed to training up the way that they should go.
Kelli Bolton is a compassionate young woman with a desire to see the Word of God set the lives of his people free.
She earned an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Development in 1998 from Columbus State Community College and a B.A. in Cross-Disciplinary Studies from Ohio Dominican University in 2004. It is at this time that Kelli acknowledged the call of a teacher on her life. She has spent the past ten years helping at risk youth and families through various programs such as; Conflict Resolution, Independent Living Mentor, Community Support Provider and ABLE/GED Instructor.
In 2000, Kelli received a prophetic word concerning writing, it was in 2001 that she started her first book “A Good Man or a Godly Man, Which Do you Prefer?” Again in 2005, she received the same word, this time with an emphasis on “books”.
Not sure what God was doing on leading her to do, Kelli continued to write. In March 2009 Kelli was inspired to write a book about teen dating and domestic violence after the recent incident between young Hollywood’s hottest couple. Through Kelli, God is showing young people what real “love” looks like in her book “You Said You Loved Me”. Now she has released her second novel titled “Church Gossip” addressing a serious matter in many churches today. Kelli’s hope is that people will look beyond the title and allow the message to mend those that have been broken by the judgmental attitudes of people in church.
Kelli is a faithful member of Agape Family Worship Center under the leadership of Pastor Yolanda Tolliver where she is actively involved in ministry as; Administrative Support Staff, Deaconess in Training, Helps & Hospitality Ministry, Intercessor, and Youth Sunday School teacher . She enjoys fellowship with family, friends and the body of Christ. She is also a member of the Columbus Christian Writer’s Association. She has had two articles published in the online magazine First Lady Magazine and is credited as a contributing author.
She and her husband Vernon have three children whom are deeply committed to training up the way that they should go.
January 18, 2014
Why The Judicial System/Government Allows Authorities To Abuse The
Abused
This was not a planned blog, so God is in control of this one. I will continue the series why the judicial system is failing abused children, but I believe God wants this out so justice is served for hurting survivors.
One thing I do is educate and speak on things. I don't want to leave people with the feeling of sorrow and pain, but I want you to be able to rise from where you are to show that YOU are not only a survivor, but YOU are loved, and cared for in a world where you feel forsaken (when those who say they love you take advantage of you).
So, why is the judicial system and/or the government allowing authorities (such as the police, jailers, those in leadership positions) to take advantage of abused victims? Well, the easy answer comes from Ecclesiastes 8:11 - Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil.
I can tell you straight up that an alarm needs to ring when abused survivors of sexual abuse, domestic abuse are in mental institutions, failing to give victims the help (natural and spiritual), and as a result of their failure, the survivors institutionalized become suicidal (not all, but some do). I found out a moment ago that women who suffered abuse, traumatized, and institutionalized are stripped down to nudity. Now let's add to this trauma that women go through, the male jailers mock them and rape them without getting caught. I can promise you God is watching them. To me, the sad part is that the judicial system and/or government knows about this and allow it to continue under their watch and ours. Not only that, but they will just hand medication to survivors as the ultimate remedy.
I pray for every abuse survivor (regardless of where they are because I am one, but more importantly because they are worthy of love and God loves them too). I pray for the government and judicial system because they are going to have a lot of blood on their hands if they don't repent for their actions. I pray that every survivor receives a double blessing for the pain they suffered that no man (or demon in hell) can take from them.
To my fellow survivors, we're still alive. I love you all dearly and we have stories to tell. Let your voice be heard, for we can and WILL change the world. You can (and WILL) thrive - and I say this to me too. We need each other to survive and I will try my hardest to not harm you with the words from my mouth.
Blessings:
The Mayne Man
One thing I do is educate and speak on things. I don't want to leave people with the feeling of sorrow and pain, but I want you to be able to rise from where you are to show that YOU are not only a survivor, but YOU are loved, and cared for in a world where you feel forsaken (when those who say they love you take advantage of you).
So, why is the judicial system and/or the government allowing authorities (such as the police, jailers, those in leadership positions) to take advantage of abused victims? Well, the easy answer comes from Ecclesiastes 8:11 - Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil.
I can tell you straight up that an alarm needs to ring when abused survivors of sexual abuse, domestic abuse are in mental institutions, failing to give victims the help (natural and spiritual), and as a result of their failure, the survivors institutionalized become suicidal (not all, but some do). I found out a moment ago that women who suffered abuse, traumatized, and institutionalized are stripped down to nudity. Now let's add to this trauma that women go through, the male jailers mock them and rape them without getting caught. I can promise you God is watching them. To me, the sad part is that the judicial system and/or government knows about this and allow it to continue under their watch and ours. Not only that, but they will just hand medication to survivors as the ultimate remedy.
I pray for every abuse survivor (regardless of where they are because I am one, but more importantly because they are worthy of love and God loves them too). I pray for the government and judicial system because they are going to have a lot of blood on their hands if they don't repent for their actions. I pray that every survivor receives a double blessing for the pain they suffered that no man (or demon in hell) can take from them.
To my fellow survivors, we're still alive. I love you all dearly and we have stories to tell. Let your voice be heard, for we can and WILL change the world. You can (and WILL) thrive - and I say this to me too. We need each other to survive and I will try my hardest to not harm you with the words from my mouth.
Blessings:
The Mayne Man
January 13, 2014
Author Spotlight (Jennifer Hayes)
I met this author at the BWABC Literacy Festival (held in Memphis, TN) in September 2013. I didn't get a chance to talk her like I wanted to, but the little that I did find out from her, she has a story to tell. She won the 2013 BWABC Female Author of the Year Award. With that said, show your love for my sister & fellow author, Jennifer Hayes.
With more than 14 years in the dating industry, Jennifer J. Hayes has the passion and dedication to helping her clients find love that lasts. She believes in love, fully, and won’t stop until everyone around her has what she has. Through her career in the matchmaking field, as well as her dedication as the Love Guru, Jei Knows It All, she ensures her clients have all of the knowledge and assets to sustain a passionate, meaningful relationship for a lifetime!
Throughout her journey as a wife and a mother, Jennifer has learned what it takes to have it all. She is never one to skimp in an area of her life, and knows that if you want it all, you have to commit it all!
Jennifer considers herself blessed and fortunate, and therefore is concerned with community efforts. She is constantly dedicating herself to philanthropic efforts, causes such as Heart Disease and Breast Cancer, and her awareness for literacy prompted her own foundation Iknowhowtoread.org.
“Love Big, and Live Big.” Jennifer considers herself lucky to know what it’s like to have passion and to have comfort. She’s never one to give only 50% and is excited to give her whole effort to trying new things. While the two loves in her life are her husband and her son, she constantly finds pleasure in finding new pleasures, such as authoring her debut book, Bound by Memphis.
Jennifer J. Hayes has a varied educational background in Communications, Education, a Bachelor’s in History, and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology. She earned both of her degrees from the University of Houston. Her work of published articles can be found in WorldOfLongmire, RelevantMagazine, and Single Lifestyles Magazine.
Bound by Memphis
Loosely inspired by true events, Bound by Memphis, by Jennifer J. Hayes, is the steamy, sultry romantic story of Jasmine Henderson, a successful public relations consultant who has everything she's wanted in life... Well, just about everything. Fourteen years ago, while planning her wedding to Melvin Brown, better known as MB, she was left at the altar with no explanations. Although she assumed she'd never move on, she ended up meeting and marrying the love of her life, Chauncey M. Henderson, and having a child, years later. It's when Jasmine's latest work venture places her in the city that holds memories to her past, Memphis, MB resurfaces when he learns she's back in town. Although Jasmine loves her husband, her son, and her life, she can't deny the passion and chemistry that she once shared with MB. Briefly away from her family and home in Dallas, Jasmine is left alone to deal with these emotions and unresolved questions of MB. She goes looking for answers to why he walked away. When forced to confront painful memories she awakens something she thought died long ago. In this novel, Jasmine discovers herself as she explores the depths of her former love versus her current life, and learns "Love doesn't change, people change." Bound by Memphis takes you on an insightful journey of love, joy, and pain, and gives a deeper meaning to why sometimes "you have to lose happiness to find it again."
With more than 14 years in the dating industry, Jennifer J. Hayes has the passion and dedication to helping her clients find love that lasts. She believes in love, fully, and won’t stop until everyone around her has what she has. Through her career in the matchmaking field, as well as her dedication as the Love Guru, Jei Knows It All, she ensures her clients have all of the knowledge and assets to sustain a passionate, meaningful relationship for a lifetime!
Throughout her journey as a wife and a mother, Jennifer has learned what it takes to have it all. She is never one to skimp in an area of her life, and knows that if you want it all, you have to commit it all!
Jennifer considers herself blessed and fortunate, and therefore is concerned with community efforts. She is constantly dedicating herself to philanthropic efforts, causes such as Heart Disease and Breast Cancer, and her awareness for literacy prompted her own foundation Iknowhowtoread.org.
“Love Big, and Live Big.” Jennifer considers herself lucky to know what it’s like to have passion and to have comfort. She’s never one to give only 50% and is excited to give her whole effort to trying new things. While the two loves in her life are her husband and her son, she constantly finds pleasure in finding new pleasures, such as authoring her debut book, Bound by Memphis.
Jennifer J. Hayes has a varied educational background in Communications, Education, a Bachelor’s in History, and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology. She earned both of her degrees from the University of Houston. Her work of published articles can be found in WorldOfLongmire, RelevantMagazine, and Single Lifestyles Magazine.
Bound by Memphis
Loosely inspired by true events, Bound by Memphis, by Jennifer J. Hayes, is the steamy, sultry romantic story of Jasmine Henderson, a successful public relations consultant who has everything she's wanted in life... Well, just about everything. Fourteen years ago, while planning her wedding to Melvin Brown, better known as MB, she was left at the altar with no explanations. Although she assumed she'd never move on, she ended up meeting and marrying the love of her life, Chauncey M. Henderson, and having a child, years later. It's when Jasmine's latest work venture places her in the city that holds memories to her past, Memphis, MB resurfaces when he learns she's back in town. Although Jasmine loves her husband, her son, and her life, she can't deny the passion and chemistry that she once shared with MB. Briefly away from her family and home in Dallas, Jasmine is left alone to deal with these emotions and unresolved questions of MB. She goes looking for answers to why he walked away. When forced to confront painful memories she awakens something she thought died long ago. In this novel, Jasmine discovers herself as she explores the depths of her former love versus her current life, and learns "Love doesn't change, people change." Bound by Memphis takes you on an insightful journey of love, joy, and pain, and gives a deeper meaning to why sometimes "you have to lose happiness to find it again."
January 9, 2014
Why The Judicial System/Government Is Failing Abused Children (Part 4)
This is Part 4.
It was pressed on my spirit (New Year's Day) to do a post on this topic. This is dear to my heart and it's my prayer after you read this, you will be moved to action. I now share my thoughts (intermingled with a fellow advocate or two) as to why the judicial system/government is failing abused children.Article 1:
http://www.okcfox.com/story/24336336/police-woman-concerned-son-was-assaulted-kidnaps-man-and-slices-genitals
Article 2 (this one focuses on suicide – which the rate for children is increasing):http://freepatriot.org/2013/12/31/5-year-old-girls-hangs-california-possible-foul-play/
Article 3:http://freepatriot.org/2013/12/31/disgusting-mother-accused-sexually-abusing-children-agesa-8-33/
Article 4:http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/25/world/americas/colombia-mom-sells-daughters/
When I think about the articles above, only one can shake their head. Not only do I shake my head, but I also cry for the children who are neglected, abandoned and left for dead (whether physically, mentally or spiritually). As I am an abuse survivor, I believe there should be justice as well as mercy. I’ll explain as I go.
The first article about the mother cutting off her abuser’s genitals, I understand her frustration (not justifying her actions), but at the same time, she needed to know if what she believed was really true. It’s sad that the justice system is more than willing to punish anyone who takes the law into their hands, but at the same time, they will turn around and let the abuser to run rampant. It’s not all the justice system’s fault, a lot of the blame resides in the family structure.
The second article sends chills down my back. To see children so young die for whatever reason is an adult’s worst nightmare. What makes this story so chilling is this: the mother and aunt were home when the girls hung themselves. I mention my thoughts on that in the final paragraph.
The third article should make everybody cringe. A mother (as you see in the photo cheesing away) sexually abuses her children. We spend so much time focusing on the abuser and not caring for those who can’t defend themselves. And here’s the sad part of this article: she’s being held on 2 million dollars bond on the charges of sexual abuse of a child under 12 years old and child neglect. No offense: if it had been someone of color, the abuser would be immediately in jail on a life sentence (or even worse, if an abused child tries to protect him/herself, they would end up in jail and the abuser gets a slap on the wrist). And we wonder why we are in the shape we’re in.
The fourth article takes place in a different country, but it actually angers me to the core. Now this is really destroy something beautiful that God created, virginity and purity! For a mother to have children and sell them to sexual predators is a heinous crime. The infamous question I have to ask is this: are the children being prayed for, in counseling? Their innocence was robbed! As for the mother, who was being extremely selfish and devilish to rob these girls of their virginity for money, she needs mercy (because I have a gut feeling she was molested) and justice for she knew of the crime she did! Rhonda Walker (author of Healing The Rage Within says this): This is sad and I feel for the young girls. What goes through a mothers head to make the decision to prostitute her daughters? I mean her daughters are in her image...why does she hate herself so much and why does she hate her daughters? We know hurt people hurt people so I wonder if this was done to her. I wonder if this is her norm? I Hope and pray her daughters get the help they need and for the ones missing, I pray they are safe.
It’s like the judicial system/government want these children to die. In fact, the government should go on and say, since we don’t like what God has ordained (the family structure), let’s break down the family by first and foremost strip the child from the family and then we will do as we did in the Bible days, kill children at will. Pharaoh wanted Hebrew boys under 2 to be killed and Herod wanted babies under 2 to be killed.
I ask this question in my fictional memoir Deaf, Dumb, Blind & Stupid: “And WHY, isn’t anything done to the parent or the abuser? How do we rectify this problem? Parents, you are to love and protect your children. Once you become a parent, it is no longer about what is convenient for YOU... you are now charged with caring for the life of your child until that child is able to care for him or herself. And one never stops being a parent, even until old age. So, what do we do? Say to the abused, “the Lord says to forgive and get over it?” That’s not an easy fix for someone who has suffered under the hands of the enemy who’s trying to kill them. To add insult to injury, no charges are brought up against the abusers who are in some cases even protected by other adults – and cursed is the victim. I’m not saying the victim should go on living life constantly as the victim, but in the midst of the abuse, why curse the victim?”
January 8, 2014
Why The Judicial System/Government Is Failing Abused Children (Part 3)
This is Part 3.
It was pressed on my spirit (New Year's Day) to do a post on this topic. This is dear to my heart and it's my prayer after you read this, you will be moved to action. In the final part, I will share my thoughts as to why the judicial system is failing. I will come back to the three articles mentioned in Parts 1 & 2, but I want to bring up a different article because this is outside the U.S., but it still needs our attention. Underneath the link (please read this), my fellow advocate Jean Marie is going to share her thoughts about this article.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/25/world/americas/colombia-mom-sells-daughters/
To me the most haunting part of this article is this. "Police investigators say Zapata also forced her older daughters to drink alcohol and do drugs. Some ended up working as prostitutes and are missing, police said."
With January being Human Trafficking Prevention Month I think it is important to face the erie presence of Human Trafficking. Human trafficking rings are so skilled that once a person disappears into the ring you only have a few days to find the trail, after that the trail goes cold. This is like a ghost in the night, stealing our children. Once they are gone they are gone, lost in an erie underworld where they could have been murdered early on, or they could live a lifetime lost in the underworld of perpetual sexual slavery.
Another haunting part of this story is this "When Zapata was standing in front of the cameras Wednesday, one of the reporters shouted a question to her: "Did you prostitute your daughters?" She answered: "No, my darling." When you watch the video Zapata first takes on the visual expression of being a victim herself. Take away the news and the police, if you saw her crying like this, acting the victim, would you believe her, would you comfort her? We have a natural tendency to want to comfort those who are crying. Like most perpetrators she has learned to use emotions as a manipulation. Then when questioned about her heinous acts she takes on the visual expression of a comforting mother. In her best motherly voice she says to a complete stranger "No, my darling." Take away the cameras and police once again, and watch this perpetrator feign motherly love towards her children. Would we believe the emotional mask, as she once again uses emotion as a manipulation?
I applaud the young lady that finally was strong enough to stand up to this mother-monster. She then had to run for her life and hide. If the other victims believed there was a safe way out, there was a trustworthy person to report to, then they might not be missing today. Jean MarieFind out all about me!http://about.me/jeanmarie360
It was pressed on my spirit (New Year's Day) to do a post on this topic. This is dear to my heart and it's my prayer after you read this, you will be moved to action. In the final part, I will share my thoughts as to why the judicial system is failing. I will come back to the three articles mentioned in Parts 1 & 2, but I want to bring up a different article because this is outside the U.S., but it still needs our attention. Underneath the link (please read this), my fellow advocate Jean Marie is going to share her thoughts about this article.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/25/world/americas/colombia-mom-sells-daughters/
To me the most haunting part of this article is this. "Police investigators say Zapata also forced her older daughters to drink alcohol and do drugs. Some ended up working as prostitutes and are missing, police said."
With January being Human Trafficking Prevention Month I think it is important to face the erie presence of Human Trafficking. Human trafficking rings are so skilled that once a person disappears into the ring you only have a few days to find the trail, after that the trail goes cold. This is like a ghost in the night, stealing our children. Once they are gone they are gone, lost in an erie underworld where they could have been murdered early on, or they could live a lifetime lost in the underworld of perpetual sexual slavery.
Another haunting part of this story is this "When Zapata was standing in front of the cameras Wednesday, one of the reporters shouted a question to her: "Did you prostitute your daughters?" She answered: "No, my darling." When you watch the video Zapata first takes on the visual expression of being a victim herself. Take away the news and the police, if you saw her crying like this, acting the victim, would you believe her, would you comfort her? We have a natural tendency to want to comfort those who are crying. Like most perpetrators she has learned to use emotions as a manipulation. Then when questioned about her heinous acts she takes on the visual expression of a comforting mother. In her best motherly voice she says to a complete stranger "No, my darling." Take away the cameras and police once again, and watch this perpetrator feign motherly love towards her children. Would we believe the emotional mask, as she once again uses emotion as a manipulation?
I applaud the young lady that finally was strong enough to stand up to this mother-monster. She then had to run for her life and hide. If the other victims believed there was a safe way out, there was a trustworthy person to report to, then they might not be missing today. Jean MarieFind out all about me!http://about.me/jeanmarie360
January 7, 2014
Why The Judicial System/Government Is Failing Abused Children (Part 2)
This is Part 2.
It was pressed on my spirit (New Year's Day) to do a post on this topic. This is dear to my heart and it's my prayer after you read this, you will be moved to action. In the final part, I will share my thoughts as to why the judicial system is failing. Meanwhile, I want to share three articles with you and hear what some of my fellow authors, fellow survivors & fellow advocates have to say as to why the judicial system/government is failing abused children.
Article 1:
http://www.okcfox.com/story/24336336/police-woman-concerned-son-was-assaulted-kidnaps-man-and-slices-genitals Article 2 (this one focuses on suicide – which the rate for children is increasing):http://freepatriot.org/2013/12/31/5-year-old-girls-hangs-california-possible-foul-play/ Article 3:http://freepatriot.org/2013/12/31/disgusting-mother-accused-sexually-abusing-children-agesa-8-33/ Marlanda Yarber (fellow survivor) has this to say:Article 1: I certainly understand the rage of this mother. Questions that comes to my mind after reading this article are : What caused this mother to believe that her child was abused? What made her determine this person to be the one who violated her child? This mother should have made a police report, she should have not participated in such drastic actions. She should have waited for an investigation from the authorities of law.
Article 2 : This is indeed a strange incident, almost unbelievable. The authorities need to thoroughly investigate this. How sad!
Article 3: There is clearly something wrong with anyone, especially a mother, that can provide such a monstrous smile, after being accused by her own child of such grotesque acts. The fact that she could be a possible drug user is irrelevant. Drugs only enhance the evil that is already inside. Drug use should never lessen accountability. These children need counseling immediately!
All of these are heartbreaking examples of how child abuse continues to plague society. Children often have no voice or do not know how to properly use it. For abused children, most without an advocate, out of sight, out of mind, justice for them slips through the legal system. Many adults, even within law enforcement, are untrained on how serious the effect of child sexual abuse is. Some adults continue believe the antiquated subliminal traditions of silence and inaction are acceptable. There are unfortunately still too many reasons are the legal system continues to fail children. Dialogue, training, accountability and proper punishment are the only things that will ever effectively combat child abuse and the effects of it.
Cassandra Rodgers has this to say (author of soon-to-be released Victory Cometh For You):Article 1: Instead of this mother spending her time to kidnap this 18 year old to get revenge she should be trying to find help for her son. Although, I understand her pain and the pain her son is going though that does not make it right. On the other hand the police was not listening to her concerns and so she felt like she had to take matters into her own hands. I feel sad for her son because he is really the only victim in this. It hurts to see a family torn because of this horrible act of CSA. We can do our part by reporting abuse but the law must step up and do their duty. I've seen it happen time and time again an entire system of people parents, teacher, family, friends, police etc... fail to do what's right. The child goes ignored and forgotten and the abuse gets swept under the rug. Article 2: The entire family is lying. I don't believe that a 5year old child went missing and then out of no where she was found in the living room hung to death. Everyone claim to have nothing to do with it, they are clearly lying and they need to be locked up. This is a classic case of shifting responsibility, adults not wanting to take responsibility for their child and for the abuse that they inflicted on her. They have the nerve to blame the 5 year old child for her own death. This is so disgusting. Article 3: This is not uncommon especially in poverty stricken areas where drugs are rampant. Parents prostitute their children force their children to have sex with anyone to make a quick buck so that they can get their drugs. This is all too common, it happening right now as we speak. It makes me want to cry! I can't comment too much on this one it's just too scary.
It was pressed on my spirit (New Year's Day) to do a post on this topic. This is dear to my heart and it's my prayer after you read this, you will be moved to action. In the final part, I will share my thoughts as to why the judicial system is failing. Meanwhile, I want to share three articles with you and hear what some of my fellow authors, fellow survivors & fellow advocates have to say as to why the judicial system/government is failing abused children.
Article 1:
http://www.okcfox.com/story/24336336/police-woman-concerned-son-was-assaulted-kidnaps-man-and-slices-genitals Article 2 (this one focuses on suicide – which the rate for children is increasing):http://freepatriot.org/2013/12/31/5-year-old-girls-hangs-california-possible-foul-play/ Article 3:http://freepatriot.org/2013/12/31/disgusting-mother-accused-sexually-abusing-children-agesa-8-33/ Marlanda Yarber (fellow survivor) has this to say:Article 1: I certainly understand the rage of this mother. Questions that comes to my mind after reading this article are : What caused this mother to believe that her child was abused? What made her determine this person to be the one who violated her child? This mother should have made a police report, she should have not participated in such drastic actions. She should have waited for an investigation from the authorities of law.
Article 2 : This is indeed a strange incident, almost unbelievable. The authorities need to thoroughly investigate this. How sad!
Article 3: There is clearly something wrong with anyone, especially a mother, that can provide such a monstrous smile, after being accused by her own child of such grotesque acts. The fact that she could be a possible drug user is irrelevant. Drugs only enhance the evil that is already inside. Drug use should never lessen accountability. These children need counseling immediately!
All of these are heartbreaking examples of how child abuse continues to plague society. Children often have no voice or do not know how to properly use it. For abused children, most without an advocate, out of sight, out of mind, justice for them slips through the legal system. Many adults, even within law enforcement, are untrained on how serious the effect of child sexual abuse is. Some adults continue believe the antiquated subliminal traditions of silence and inaction are acceptable. There are unfortunately still too many reasons are the legal system continues to fail children. Dialogue, training, accountability and proper punishment are the only things that will ever effectively combat child abuse and the effects of it.
Cassandra Rodgers has this to say (author of soon-to-be released Victory Cometh For You):Article 1: Instead of this mother spending her time to kidnap this 18 year old to get revenge she should be trying to find help for her son. Although, I understand her pain and the pain her son is going though that does not make it right. On the other hand the police was not listening to her concerns and so she felt like she had to take matters into her own hands. I feel sad for her son because he is really the only victim in this. It hurts to see a family torn because of this horrible act of CSA. We can do our part by reporting abuse but the law must step up and do their duty. I've seen it happen time and time again an entire system of people parents, teacher, family, friends, police etc... fail to do what's right. The child goes ignored and forgotten and the abuse gets swept under the rug. Article 2: The entire family is lying. I don't believe that a 5year old child went missing and then out of no where she was found in the living room hung to death. Everyone claim to have nothing to do with it, they are clearly lying and they need to be locked up. This is a classic case of shifting responsibility, adults not wanting to take responsibility for their child and for the abuse that they inflicted on her. They have the nerve to blame the 5 year old child for her own death. This is so disgusting. Article 3: This is not uncommon especially in poverty stricken areas where drugs are rampant. Parents prostitute their children force their children to have sex with anyone to make a quick buck so that they can get their drugs. This is all too common, it happening right now as we speak. It makes me want to cry! I can't comment too much on this one it's just too scary.
