Surviving and Overcoming Sexual Assault

“According to RAINN’s website (rainn.org)"Rape is the unlawful penetration of a person against the will of the victim, with use or threatened use of force, or attempting such an act. Rape includes psychological coercion and physical force, and forced sexual intercourse means vaginal, anal, or oral penetration by the offender. Rape also includes incidents where penetration is from a foreign object (e.g., a bottle), victimizations against male and female victims, and both heterosexual and homosexual rape. Attempted rape includes verbal threats of rape."

"Sexual assault is defined across a wide range of victimizations, separate from rape or attempted rape. These crimes include attacks or attempted attacks generally involving unwanted sexual contact between a victim and offender. Sexual assault may or may not involve force and includes grabbing or fondling.' source: rainn.org

OUR INTERVIEW WITH SISTER ASHLEY

Corinthians 10:13 'No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

BLXCR : We all have faced challenges in our lives. How important is faith to overcome those challenges?

Sister Ashley: It is written James 2: 17 "Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." We all strive to be a better us and sometimes while we are looking at our current circumstances it may cause some us to want to give up. Faith for me is like going to work and expecting to be paid. If I do not go to work then how can I expect to have an income coming in? Having faith is so important because at times that's the only thing I can hold on to. Everyone has their own perspective about GOD, however, having a personally relationship with HIM is the only thing that keeps me afloat in life. Some people can be so cruel but I know that my Higher Power is working for me even when at times I want to give up on myself.

BLXCR : If you can share 3 beautiful aspects about yourself for the world to see , what would you share with the readers ?

Sister Ashley: 3 beautiful aspects about me that I would like the world to see is that I am caring, encouraging, and selfless.

BLXCR: We understand you are a poet. Can you share a poem that may inspire others?

Sister Ashley: Poem: Titled Acknowledging ME

Can you hear it!!! That cry behind that laugh?!! Can you see the pain beyond that smile?!?! SOS is raging in these eyes!!! Come save me from ME!!! For I AM MY BIGGEST ENEMY!!! Brokenness has consumed me!!! Abandonment has become my first name!!! Sin is what I have been bathing in!!!

Love is what I have been running from!!! Runaway love is the melody I have been listening to! Raping's and killings have made me numb to YOUR PRECIOUS saving spirit!!! The enemy believes that I am it's bestie for I have straddle the fence and have not made a decision!!!

I've been told that you're a FORGIVING AND LOVING GOD!!! SHOW ME YOUR FACE!!! LAY YOUR GENTLE HANDS ON ME!!! YOU SAID THAT YOU WOULDN'T LEAVE NOR FORSAKEN ME!!! TEACH ME TO BE THAT SAME PARENT TO THE CHILDREN YOU'VE BLESSED ME WITH!!!

Sisterhood allow me to embrace it!! Purpose allow me to fulfill it!!! Pain allow me to acknowledge it!!! Solutions allow me to carry them out!!! Forgiveness allow me to show it!! Forgiven allow me to feel it!! Blessings allow me to reap it!!! Enemy allow me to kill it!!!

BLXCR: What would you like people to know from your tribulations?

Sister Ashley :What I would like people to learn from the tribulations I have endured is that you can overcome any obstacle that has railroaded into your path. I have been raped, beaten, and forced to live and overcome pain that I would never imagine or wish on anyone. It was not in my plan to go through what I have been through but somehow I am still alive. Yes, I do backslide, however, I keep pushing towards my passion. NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR PASSION. There is a plan and purpose for us all.

OUR INTERVIEW WITH SISTER LAKISHA DAVIS SMALL

BLXCR : What would you want to share with those reading your testimony about never giving up and finding a positive outlet to find inner peace?

SISTER LAKISHA : I would say being a survivor of sexual abuse the healing process can take a lifetime. You have to fight for your sanity and to also stay sane. So l fight for the little girl in me that was brutally raped at 5yrs old by a adult male cousin. My pain l often wear like a tattoo but l keep going just like Harriet Tubman. I want freedom and l am willing to go back for others. At all cost!

Our Good Doctor

Dr Paulette Hubbert is a Mental Health/Addictions counselor , Life Coach, Workshops and Motivational Speaker Her practice uses Wholeness and holistic approach to identify and build on strengths, values and performance. Their empowerment strategies causes transformational living for individuals, groups, communities and organizations.

Her practice facilitate optimal levels of functioning and performance. Their strategies empower individuals and groups to balance the demands of their lives, creating positive personal and professional results.

for more information : http://www.paulettehubbert.com/

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